The Bolinda Bulletin

Mental Health & Wellbeing

Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health and Wellbeing

 

At Bolinda Primary, we know how important it is to support the mental health and wellbeing of our students. When schools and families work together, children and teens are better able to thrive—both in and out of the classroom.

If you’re ever concerned about your child’s wellbeing, or if they have a mental health diagnosis, please reach out to us. We’re here to work with you and provide support where we can.

 

Promoting Positive Mental Health at Home

 

Good mental health helps children and teens manage life’s challenges, learn effectively, and grow into confident individuals. There are many ways you can support your child’s mental health at home:

  • Make sure they feel valued, loved, and safe
  • Ensure their basic needs are met
  • Encourage physical activity and healthy eating
  • Support their social, emotional, and mental wellbeing
  • Help them feel connected to their community
  • Encourage decision-making and independence
  • Celebrate their unique identity and culture

It’s important to remember that mental health isn’t fixed—it can shift over time. Everyone moves along a continuum depending on life’s challenges, and it’s okay for children to feel sad, angry, or upset sometimes. What’s important is that they know they’re supported and have people who care about them.

 

How You Can Support Wellbeing at Home

As parents and carers, you’re already doing so much to support your child’s wellbeing. Here are a few ways you can continue to nurture their mental health:

  • Encourage healthy sleep habits and nutritious meals
  • Support regular physical activity
  • Build strong, nurturing relationships
  • Use positive language and offer encouragement
  • Practise mindfulness, kindness, and gratitude
  • Help develop social and emotional skills
  • Create a safe space for them to ask for help

For more tips and advice from Australian experts, the Raising Children Network offers videos and articles that can help support your child’s mental health.

 

Getting Support When You’re Concerned

If you’re worried about your child’s wellbeing—whether they’re feeling sad, anxious, struggling with friendships, or just not themselves—please let us know. Start by talking to your child’s teacher, Juliarna (Student Wellbeing Officer) or contact the school office. We can help put support in place and connect you with the right services.

 

You don’t have to manage concerns alone. There are also great support services available outside of school:

  • Parentline (13 22 89): Phone counselling for parents, available 8 am to midnight, seven days a week
  • Kids Helpline: 24/7 support for children and teens, with resources for parents
  • One on One Support: Free parent coaching service
  • Rainbow Door: Support and referrals for LGBTIQ+ families

Specialist Parenting Support

  • Triple P – Positive Parenting Program: Free support for all Victorian families
  • Regional Parenting Services: Help with building skills and confidence
  • Strengthening Parent Support Program: Support for parents of children with disabilities or developmental delays

When Professional Help Is Needed

It’s normal for children to experience ups and downs. But if your child is feeling low, anxious, or struggling most of the time, it might be a sign they need extra support. Talking with your child’s GP is a good first step—they can help create a mental health care plan and guide you on what support is available.

Some common challenges children and teens face include:

  • Relationship difficulties (with family or friends)
  • Bullying, including cyberbullying
  • Anxiety or depression
  • Eating or body image concerns
  • Self-harm or thoughts of suicide
  • School refusal
  • Exposure to family violence or abuse

Let your child know it’s okay to ask for help. You can encourage this by:

  • Asking how they’re feeling and really listening
  • Reassuring them that it’s normal to feel sad or frustrated sometimes
  • Offering support without judgment
  • Providing information about where they can get help

Looking After Yourself

Being a parent or carer isn’t always easy, and it’s important to take care of your own wellbeing too. The Raising Children Network offers great advice on self-care and maintaining healthy relationships.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or have been struggling with negative thoughts for more than a couple of weeks, it might be time to seek support. Talking with your GP or a mental health professional can be a helpful first step.

Immediate Help

In an emergency, always call 000.

Other support services include:

  • Beyond Blue: Support for anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention (1300 224 636)
  • Butterfly Foundation: Help for those impacted by eating disorders and body image concerns (1800 334 673)
  • Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS): Mental health services for children and adolescents
  • SANE Australia: Support for those with complex mental health needs (1800 187 263)
  • Mind Australia: Mental health and wellbeing support (1300 286 463)

Remember, you’re not alone. If you need support or want to discuss your child’s wellbeing, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to support you and your family.