Wellbeing

Understanding and Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health

Mental health is an important part of your child’s overall wellbeing. Positive mental health helps children feel good about themselves, build relationships, express their feelings and manage everyday challenges. 

Like adults, children’s mental health can change over time. They may feel confident and settled at some times, and worried or overwhelmed at others. Thinking about mental health as a continuum helps us recognise these changes and respond with support early.

Understanding your child’s mental health means considering their whole world, their personality, experiences, friendships, family relationships and school environment. Changes or challenges in any of these areas can affect how they feel and behave.

As children grow, their emotions and relationships become more complex. Learning to manage strong feelings takes time, practice and support from adults. Even older primary school children need reassurance and help to work through disappointment, friendship difficulties and change. Listening calmly, acknowledging their feelings and helping them find a manageable next step can make a difference.

Every child also has a different temperament. Some approach new situations confidently, while others need more preparation, encouragement or time. Responding to these differences helps children feel understood and supported.

Everyday ways to support your child

• Make time to connect, listen and enjoy activities together.

• Help your child name their feelings and practise ways to manage them.

• Stay connected with their learning and friendships, and share concerns with their teacher.

• Encourage activities that build on their strengths and interests.

• Give them opportunities to try new things, make mistakes and solve problems with support.

• Maintain predictable routines and model calm, respectful ways to manage disagreements.

• Encourage them to seek help from trusted adults when they need it.

You do not need to have every answer. Being available, showing warmth and working through challenges together are valuable ways to support your child’s mental health.

If changes in your child’s feelings or behaviour persist or affect their everyday life, seek support early. Their classroom teacher, our school’s Wellbeing Team or your GP can help you consider the next steps.

Rotary Manningham City - Family Festival and Walk4YMH 2026

Rotary Manningham City is getting ready to welcome the Manningham community, and the wider community to the Manningham Family Festival and the Walk for Youth Mental Health on 25 October at Ruffey Lake Park in George Street, 9am to 4.00pm. Parking is accessible from King Street.

Don't miss this fabulous Festival Day for families with a huge range of craft stalls, fresh produce, plants and more. We have a full-day program of entertainment with local groups performing drama, music and dancing. Lots of activities for the kids with an animal farm, and a huge range of carnival rides. A wide range of food stalls featuring many cultures will be there to make sure you can spend a great day with the family. Check our Facebook page for updates. 

We have partnered with Scouts Victoria and the City of Manningham to promote the importance of Youth Mental Health in association with the Manningham Family Festival. The Walk is to raise awareness and support this critical cause to destigmatise Mental health. Bring the family along for a stroll around the park. 

Sign-in starts at 9:30 for a 10am start, pre-registered walkers each get a free hat. To register for the Walk and the Rides, scan the QR Code which links to the event details and registration. 

https://www.facebook.com/rotarymanninghamcity