Resources for Parents

As a parent, the health and well-being of your family is one of your most meaningful responsibilities. We want to provide information, tools, and guidance for supporting your child’s mental health. Trying to manage situations that negatively impact a child’s mental well-being or find treatment for a mental health condition often leaves parents feeling confused, overwhelmed, and unsure of where to start. We believe in the power of self-care and have included resources that can help provide encouragement and support for parents, too.

Mental Health Information

MentalHealth.Gov: What Parents and Caregivers Should Know – This trustworthy site is a good place for parents and caregivers to find information about mental health to support their child. Learn the signs for potential mental health issues, what you can do to help, and how to talk to your teen about their mental health. Information available in Spanish.

Talking to Kids about Mental Illnesses – This article from the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry offers helpful tips on starting the conversation about mental health with your preschool, school-age, or teenage children.

What Are the Symptoms of Depression in Teenagers? – Since adolescents are often moody, it can be difficult to recognize when your son or daughter has become depressed and might need help. This Child Mind Institute article explains symptoms and types of depression, as well as why early intervention is critical. Information available in Spanish.

What to Do if You're Worried About Suicide – This parent’s guide to helping a child in distress includes helpful information on how to talk about your concerns, show empathy, prioritize the positive, minimize conflict, and more.  Information available in Spanish.

What to Do in a Crisis – When someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or showing signs of suicidal behavior, it’s important to take it seriously, ask questions, and get help. This article offers step-by-step advice for helping someone through a crisis.

A Parents’ Guide to Social Media Apps

As parents, you’ve seen your kids spend hours on their phones, using Instagram, Snapchat, and other apps. Here’s some information about these and other mobile apps, along with tips for keeping your children safe online.

A Complete Guide to Potentially Dangerous Apps All Parents Should Be Aware Of

How Parents Can Help a Child Who is Being Bullied

There are many factors that can impact a person’s mental health, and bullying can be one of those factors. Various data sources indicate 20% of U.S. students ages 12 to18 years old experienced bullying (source: www.stopbullying.gov). The Centers for Disease Control has found that youth who report both being bullied and bullying others have the highest rates of negative mental health outcomes, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal thinking. Here are some resources that can help parents find ways to address bullying and support their child.

My Child is Being Bullied - What Should I Do?

Is Your Child Being Bullied? 9 Steps You Can Take As a Parent

The Wholehearted Parenting Manifesto – This excerpt from Daring Greatly by Brené Brown that includes loving and encouraging reminders that strengthen the bonds between parent and child.

Using Therapy to Support Your Child through Bullying – Bullying can take a toll on mental health and have long-lasting negative effects. Parents can help their children process their experiences and learn positive ways to cope with this difficult situation. Additionally, therapy can help a child regain self-esteem and learn ways to build positive friendships.

• Bullying Counseling & Therapy

• How Therapy Helps Heal the Scars of Childhood Bullying

How You Can Support a Child in Overcoming Substance Use

Tips for Parents of Addicted Children – This article has great tips and questions that parents can use in conversation. It also includes self-care tips for parents and caregivers.

Family Addiction:  How Does Addiction Affect Families? – This parent guide from American Addiction Centers offers helpful information about substance use, including signs, prevalence, myth versus fact, and coexistence with mental illness.

Family Addiction:  How Does Addiction Affect Families? – Drug and alcohol addiction impacts the entire family unit. Active addiction can make a once safe household stressful and hostile, interrupt the family dynamic, and affect the physical and mental health of everyone in it.

Support for Parents and Families

NAMI Charlotte – The National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) offers a variety of education classes, presentations and support groups for parents, family members, and individuals living with a mental health condition. For parents, NAMI offers NAMI Basics, a 6-session education program for parents, caregivers and other family who provide care for youth (ages 22 and younger) who are experiencing mental health symptoms.

Mental Health America of Central Carolinas (MHA) – MHA’s programs focus on prevention, education, and advocacy. MHA provides family support services to parents of children with behavioral, emotional or mental health needs through ParentVOICE; peer support for adults living with chronic mental illnesses; free counseling for those who can’t afford it; and mental health education and preventative trainings to the broader community. Additionally, MHA has an Emotional Toolbox of resources for Parents & Caregivers.