Parent and carer wellbeing

Parent and carer wellbeing

“As a parent obviously, I'm extremely sad for his troubles and the fact that he won't go back in” (parent).

Supporting children and young people who experience barriers to attending school can be very challenging for all of the adults supporting them. It is important for parents and carers to remember that they may also benefit from emotional support when considering their wellbeing.

It may be helpful for parents and carers to recognise and understand their own emotions in relation to supporting their child who is experiencing difficulties attending school. When adults recognise emotions such as anxiety, frustration or fear in themselves, they are better able to reflect and respond, rather than react to situations they might find personally challenging.

This guidance has provided some approaches and ways of communicating with children and young people. This could be used by both school staff, parents and carers to understand the child or young person's experience. However, it is recognised that some children and young people will experience different levels of pressure when they feel an expectation to communicate with adults at home and some may find this more difficult. This highlights the importance of a collaborative approach between home and school.

“It could be useful for parents to talk to other parents about what they've been through to see that they're not the only ones out there. Maybe a parent buddy system where they can have space to talk to somebody else who's gone through or is going through something similar so they don't feel quite so alone" (school staff).

“Sidle up to the question and drop the questions in perhaps while we’re having a walk or we’re doing something else. It’s almost this need to be doing something and to have part of your mind somewhere else; part of the mind is able to deal with whatever the question is” (parent).

“I’m definitely lost as to how to support him in the right way” (parent).