Parents support a child's mental health mainly through routine: conversation, self-care habits, involvement in school life and limits on screen time. The practical signal to watch is change - sleep, appetite, withdrawal from things they enjoyed. Barnet schools have pastoral leads and referral routes, and professional help works better early than after a crisis.

At the end of primary school in 2025, 62% of pupils in England met the expected standard in all of reading, writing and maths. — DfE, Key stage 2 attainment, 2025

Mental health is a pivotal aspect of a child's overall well-being. In Barnet, schools have initiated various programs to support the mental health of their students. This blog post aims to guide parents on how they can play an active role in enhancing their child's mental well-being within the school environment.

How Do You Encourage Open Communication?

Encouraging your child to openly discuss their feelings and concerns can significantly impact their mental health positively. Here are some ways you can foster an environment of open communication:

- Encourage Honest Conversations: Make it clear to your child that they can talk to you about anything without fear of judgment.

- Support School Connections: Motivate your child to confide in trusted school staff like teachers or counselors when they are feeling overwhelmed.

How Do You Promote Self-Care?

Self-care is essential for maintaining good mental health. Here are some strategies to teach your child about self-care:

- Regular Exercise: Encourage physical activities that they enjoy, which can help alleviate stress.

- Balanced Diet and Sufficient Sleep: Emphasize the importance of a healthy diet and adequate sleep, which are crucial for emotional and physical health.

- Engaging Hobbies: Support your child in pursuing hobbies and interests that relax them and bring them joy.

How do you get involved in school activities?

Active parental involvement in school activities can help you monitor and support your child’s educational and emotional needs:

- Attend School Meetings: Participate in parent-teacher conferences and school board meetings to stay informed.

- School Events: Joining school events can help strengthen your relationship with the school community, providing better support for your child.

How Do You Seek Professional Help?

Do not hesitate to seek professional advice if your child shows signs of mental distress:

- Utilize School Resources: Engage with school counselors who can offer professional guidance and support to your child.

- External Mental Health Services: Consider external professional help if the school's resources are not sufficient to address your child's needs.

How do you reduce screen time?

Managing the amount of time your child spends on electronic devices is crucial for mental health:

- Set Limits: Establish clear rules about screen time.

- Promote Other Activities: Encourage physical activities and hobbies that do not involve screens to help them develop a balanced lifestyle.

What should you do next?

Supporting your child’s mental health in Barnet schools involves a collaborative approach between parents and educators. By fostering open communication, promoting self-care, getting involved in school activities, seeking professional help, and managing screen time, parents can significantly contribute to their child’s mental well-being and overall success.

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What else is worth reading?

What can this guide not tell you, and who should you ask instead?

This is general information, not medical advice, and we are a tutoring company rather than a health service. If any of this is affecting daily life, sleep or eating, speak to a GP or use the NHS mental health pages. In a crisis, call 111.

The NHS names five steps to mental wellbeing, and this is one of them:

“Pay attention to the present moment (mindfulness)” — NHS, Five steps to mental wellbeing

Where can you get proper support?

We are a tutoring company, not a health service. If exam pressure is affecting sleep, eating or mood, these are the people to go to — all free, and none of them are us: