MHApps Family Talking – Advice On Talking With Children – Toddler SchoolChild Adolescent
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Use simple language: "Mum or Dad is not feeling well, they are going to the Doctor for help or "Mum or Dad has a very sad feeling but they will get better soon".
It may be helpful to use drawings or books about parental mental health with toddlers as visual tools often help a child to understand and express themselves.
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Often this age group will have lots of questions and can also let their imagination run riot if they do not have the correct information. Sometimes children may believe it is their fault. It is important to be open and honest with this age group and help them to understand that they have support too. Talk to them about any worries they may have and make practical plans to deal with these worries.
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Teenagers are generally more capable of handling more information and asking specific questions on mental health. As peers are very important to teenagers, they usually prefer to talk to friends over their parents. Because of this, they may have misinformation around mental health issues. It is important that the information they hold is correct so they do not develop any unnecessary worries.
It can be helpful to normalise mental health difficulties when talking to teenagers. Explain that mental illness is not uncommon and that many families in Ireland have experience of mental health difficulties.
Teenagers can also prefer to talk while "doing". You might find it easier to start a conversation in the car, or while setting the table for dinner or other activities. Teenagers will usually have lots of questions but these may take some time to surface. It is usual for teenagers to discuss over a number of occasions their own needs, and questions in general about mental illness.
