Short messages on Family issues and relationships from Respect Yourself, the guidance site for young people to help make good decisions in life.
If you have run away from home, Missing People can send a message home to family on your behalf. Call or text 24/7 on 116 000.
When teaching your children about sex, periods, life, money, jobs and so on, make sure you discuss the emotional side as well as all the practical advice.
If you have negative feelings about yourself, reach out to people who care about you and tell them how you are feeling.
If you treat children with kindness and love, they are more likely to treat themselves kindly, and carry this through adolescence into adulthood.
It is incredibly frustrating even as an adult not to have your feelings acknowledged – for a child it is confusing and causes deep emotional pain which can lead to many forms of psychological disorder.
Not acknowledging a child’s feelings can lead to low self-esteem, self-doubt, anxiety, depression, feelings of isolation and an inability to form positive social interactions and relationships.
Teach and nurture children in a gentle and positive way, responding to their feelings and emotions. This helps develop positive self-esteem and mental health.
During the summer, older kids are often out doing their own thing, so this is a good opportunity for investing some time in your relationship with your partner.
It’s common for parents not to see their friends as much, especially when children are very young. But summer provides a chance for reconnecting as there are lots of activities, like picnics and barbeques where parents and children from different families can get together.
If you have time off work in the summer holidays, make sure it’s really time off. Try not to check emails or work ‘phones and really focus on enjoying time with your family.