Parent & Carer Wellbeing and Support

We recognise that being a parent or carer can be rewarding, but it can also be challenging at times. Looking after your own wellbeing is important, and asking for help is a positive step.

At William Harding School, we want families to feel able to talk to us when they need support. We can listen, help you think through what may be helpful and signpost you to further support where appropriate.

How We Can Help

If you are struggling, worried or simply need someone to talk to, please speak to us.

You can talk to your child's class team, contact the school office, or speak to a member of our FLO Team. We can listen, help you think through what may be helpful and signpost you to further support where appropriate.

You do not need to wait until things become more serious before asking for support. If you are not sure who to speak to, just contact us and we can help you find the right person.

Our Tiered Approach to Parent & Carer Support

We recognise that families may need different levels of support at different times. Our Tiered Approach to Parent & Carer Support helps us provide the right support at the right time.

Support can range from:

Universal support – information, advice and resources available to all families.
Additional support from school – support from your child's class team.
Targeted support – additional support from our FLO Team and other appropriate school-based services.
External support – signposting or working with appropriate external organisations and services when more specialist support is needed.

We work with families to understand their needs and review support as circumstances change.

View our Tiered Approach to Parent & Carer Support →

View our Tiered Approach to Parent & Carer Support - Pre-School Version →

Looking After Your Own Wellbeing

Looking after your own wellbeing can sometimes feel difficult when you are busy caring for others. Small, manageable changes can make a difference to how you feel and how well you cope with everyday challenges.

Things that might help in the moment

There are several techniques you can use if you are feeling anxious or overwhelmed, which can help to regulate your body and restore you to a state of calm in the moment.

Deep breathing: breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, breathe out for 6-8 seconds

Why it works: it activates your parasympathetic nervous system to calm your body

Listening to calm music: sound of nature, or a calming playlist

Why it works: it can lower cortisol and shift your mood

The cold water trick: splash cold water on your face or use an ice pack on your neck

Why is works: it stimulates the vagus nerve, resetting the stress response

Move your body: go for a walk, stretch or jump up and down

Why it works: it disrupts the stress loop and releases endorphins

Check in on your basic needs: are you hungry, thirsty or need a nap?

Why it works: your physical needs are strongly connected to your wellbeing

Grounding techniques (5-4-3-2-1): name 5 things you can see, 4 things you can feel, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell and 1 thing you can taste

Why it works: it brings your focus back to the present moment.

Tips to improve your mental health over time

Here are 10 useful tips that may help to improve your mental health and general wellbeing:

Acknowledge Your Feelings - recognise and accept how you are feeling, without guilt.

Talk To Someone - Open up to a friend, partner, therapist or support group. The FLO team at school are also available to signpost you to useful resources. You do not have to go through this alone.

Manage Your Expectations - There is no such thing as a perfect parent or caregiver, despite what you might see on social media.

Set Boundaries - Say no to extra responsibilities that stretch you too thin. Prioritise what is important to you.

Delegate - If you can, share household responsibilities with others in your household

Dedicate Time For You - Even 10-15 minutes a day (of reading, walking or breathing) can reset your brain

Create Simple Routines - Predictable routines can help all members of the household feel less chaotic and more in control.

Unplug - Taking regular breaks from screens and social media can help to reduce stress and social pressures.

Move Your Body - Regular movement – even a light walk or stretch – can help to reduce stress hormones.

Prioritise Sleep - Quality sleep is crucial to positive mental health. Switching off from devices 30 minutes before bed can improve the quality of sleep.

Further Support and Resources

There are many organisations offering advice, information and support for parents, carers and families. The links below cover relationships, family life, mental health and wellbeing.

Relationships and Family Support

Relate - support and advice for relationships, families, children and young people. Advice for parents managing stress and anger - practical advice to help parents manage stress and difficult emotions.

Co-Parenting Apps

Co-parenting apps can help separated parents organise calendars, manage expenses and communicate. Different apps offer different features and costs.

AppClose

Our Family Wizard

2Houses

Talking parents

Mental Health and Wellbeing

Samaritans - confidential emotional support for anyone experiencing distress or needing someone to talk to.

Mental Health Support NHS - information about mental health and where to find help.

Anxiety UK – information and support for anxiety.

Calm - mental health support, including helpline and webchat. (CALM is the Campaign Against Living Miserably)

Men’s Health Forum– information and support focused on men's health and wellbeing.

Mental Health Foundation – information and resources about mental health.

Mind – information, advice and support for mental health.

BucksMind – local mental health information and support in Buckinghamshire.

Buckinghamshire Wellbeing Support – a range of local wellbeing resources.

Every Mind Matters – practical advice and tools to support mental wellbeing.

Parents Helpline – advice, emotional support and signposting for parents and carers of children and young people up to 25. 0808 802 5544, Monday–Friday, 9:30am–4:00pm.