Sometimes we wait to tackle the subject of gender identity because we don’t feel equipped with the right words.

So why not use somebody else’s words? Scott Stuart is an amazing children’s author who has written a story for his son so they could talk about this topic. It’s called ‘ My shadow is pink’.

Talking about mental health might seem daunting. Sometimes it is useful to think of the brain as another muscle we need to look after to keep it in good working order. Just like we look after our physical wellbeing by eating healthily, exercising, relaxing, we can look after our mental health by understanding what mental health means.

What about using the example below as a child friendly way to start a conversation about mental health?

You could also try some of the conversation starters below:

 No matter what your concern might be, the sooner you share it with a professional, the sooner your child can receive the necessary support and understanding. It might feel overwhelming but luckily there is a lot of information and help out there.

• Have a look at the resource below, a guide for parents put together by Young Minds UK . It will give you a step by step guide of what you can do. 

1. https://www.youngminds.org.uk/parent/a-z-guide/getting-help-for-your-child/#Quicktipsforaccessinghelp

• Speak to your child’s teacher and SENCO. It is helpful to share your concerns with someone who already knows your child. 
• Have a look at Croydon’s Local Offer for the latest resources and useful names and addresses of useful organisations in Croydon.

2. https://localoffer.croydon.gov.uk/kb5/croydon/directory/results.page?localofferagebands=2&localofferchannel=3

• Check out the Youth Wellbeing Directory on Anna Freud Centre’s website

3. https://www.annafreud.org/on-my-mind/youth-wellbeing/