Watching your child becoming immersed in mental distress can be so frightening for parents. What can you do? How can you best support them?

In this podcast Liz Scott speaks to someone who regularly engages with young people and parents. Marie Arymar gives an overview of how to assess the situation with a young person. During this conversation Liz and Marie discuss 7 ways to support the child. Here is a run down of the points they discuss:

1. Listen deeply. Don't try to fix them or rationalise. Just listen. 2. Love them unconditionally even if their behaviour is mean or nasty. 3. Remember your beautiful child is still there - celebrate the moments of connection 4. Boundaries are important. Young people feel safe when they know the expectations. 5. As parents, keep communicating. Back each other up and support one another. 6. What if I'm separated from the other parent? Find a way to speak to each other. Consider how to put your differences aside to ensure you can both support the child. 7. Know 'this will pass' - it might be frightening to feel you're losing the child you once knew. Trust this will pass.

It's also so important to look after yourself and to realise that you're doing a good job (even if it doesn't always feel that way).

Marie Arymar is a clarity coach - you can find out more at Realisationworks.com Become a Wellbeing Listener with Liz at Inner Compass Guide CIC

Buy Marie's book 'Do You Want to Know a Secret?'