Children’s Mental Health Week is a time to celebrate the emotional wellbeing of children and highlight the importance of support for families.

Feeling worried or stressed is normal for kids, but with the right guidance and tools, parents can help their children navigate these feelings with confidence. In this blog, we’re sharing practical tips, helpful resources, and ideas to support your child’s mental health, so you don’t have to do it alone.

Signs a child might need extra support

Sometimes children need extra support to manage their feelings. Look out for signs such as:

• Sudden mood changes or irritability
• Withdrawal from friends or activities
• Trouble sleeping or frequent nightmares
• Changes in appetite
• Expressing persistent worry or sadness

Noticing these signs early and talking calmly about them can prevent worries from building up.

Practical ways to support children’s mental health

• Open conversations: Ask how they’re feeling, listen without judgement, and reassure them that it’s normal to feel worried sometimes.
• Daily routines: Consistent meal times, homework routines, and bedtime can give children a sense of stability and security.
• Encourage expression: Creative activities such as drawing, journaling, or roleplay can help children process their feelings.
• Physical activity: Exercise and outdoor play improve mood, reduce stress, and support overall wellbeing.
• Limit screen time: Balance online time with offline activities to reduce overwhelm.
• Model healthy coping: Children learn by watching; showing calm and coping strategies helps them develop their own.

Helpful books & guides for supporting children’s mental health

• “What to Do When You Worry Too Much” by Dawn Huebner – Practical strategies for children and parents to manage anxiety.
• “The Invisible String” by Patrice Karst – A comforting story about connection and reassurance for anxious children.
• “Mindfulness Kids" Activity Card Set – Simple mindfulness exercises to help children stay calm and present.
• “The Whole-Brain Child” by Daniel J. Siegel & Tina Payne Bryson – Techniques to nurture emotional regulation and resilience.
• “Breathe Like a Bear” by Kira Willey – Short, fun breathing exercises to teach children calm coping strategies.

Helpful resources for parents

There are plenty of trusted organisations and guides to support you:

• Children’s Mental Health Week – Learn more about the annual mental health awareness week launched by children's mental health charity, Place2be
• MindEd for Families – Guidance for parents to support children’s emotional wellbeing
• YoungMinds – Advice on talking to children about stress and anxiety
• NHS Every Mind Matters – Practical advice for supporting mental health for the whole family

FTCT support for families

If you work in the UK fashion and textile industry and are finding it hard to make ends meet, FTCT may be able to help. We believe every child deserves the chance to thrive, which is why we provide grants to support families during challenging times.

Could you apply for an FTCT grant?

You may be eligible if:

• you work or have recently worked for a UK fashion or textile employer, and
• you are caring for a child under 18.

FTCT supports families experiencing financial difficulties due to:

• Financial hardship due to job loss, illness, or bereavement
• Being rehoused after homelessness or unsafe living conditions
• Long-term low income and ongoing financial pressure

What can an FTCT grant help with?

Our grants can contribute towards:

• Clothing and school uniforms
• Bedroom furniture
• Study equipment, including laptops
• White goods and essential household items
• Specialist or sensory equipment
• Therapy and wellbeing support

Don’t work in fashion or textiles?

If you have never worked for a UK fashion or textile company, unfortunately we won't be the right charity for you. Please try this list of other charities who might be able to help your family.

Related FTCT support

You might also be interested in:

• Helping Children Feel Confident in School
• How to Raise Confident Girls
• A Guide to Managing Sleep and Stress