Understanding a child's struggles is only half the picture - effective support requires the right tools at the right time. These resources give you practical techniques for calming anxious moments, guidance on stepping in early before problems escalate, and proven strategies tailored to your role as parent or teacher. Each approach is grounded in what actually works, offering you confidence when a child needs you most.
Techniques and Tips to help children
Toolkit
Once you understand what a child is experiencing, the next step is knowing how to help. This collection offers practical, evidence-based strategies you can use right away - whether you're responding to immediate distress, building longer-term resilience, or creating supportive environments at home and school.
Video: 09. Improving communication
Television presenter Alex Jones provides advice on active listening with your child, how to address misinformation, and the importance of staying calm…
Published: 20th May 2020
Updated: 19th Mar 2026
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Updated: 19th Mar 2026
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Video: 10. Coping with anxiety
Actor David Harewood explains how to reduce your child’s unhelpful thoughts and behaviours when they’re anxious to limit their worry.
Published: 20th May 2020
Updated: 19th Mar 2026
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Updated: 19th Mar 2026
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Families under Pressure
‘Families Under Pressure’ is a series of 12 videos featuring parenting tips and guidance on how to respond when children are misbehaving, and how to build…
Published: 29th Apr 2026
Updated: 29th Apr 2026
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Updated: 29th Apr 2026
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Video: Helping pupils settle after holidays and transitions
Alis Rocca talks about how schools can support children who are struggling with anxiety or their mental health
Article: Five ways to support your child’s mental health while home learning
Home learning can be challenging for children and parents alike. This piece shares five supportive ways to protect your child’s mental health — from listening…
Published: 22nd Jan 2021
Updated: 11th Mar 2026
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Updated: 11th Mar 2026
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Article: Mental Health Support for Parents
Parents supporting a child with mental health difficulties also need care and understanding. This piece explores practical ways to look after your own…
Published: 28th Jul 2020
Updated: 11th Mar 2026
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Updated: 11th Mar 2026
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Article: What is the difference between equality and equity in schools?
Explore the difference between equality and equity in schools, with insights from our podcast conversation on celebrating diversity. This piece shows how…
Tips for Teachers
Dr Sian Williams gives practical, compassionate strategies for teachers supporting children with mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions.
Published: 29th Apr 2026
Updated: 29th Apr 2026
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Updated: 29th Apr 2026
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Video: How to support a pupil with disordered eating
In this short, practical film, Dr Sian Williams provides evidence-based guidance for teachers, school staff, and pastoral teams on how to support a pupil…
Video: Supporting a pupil who is self-harming
Dr Sian Williams, a practitioner specialising in trauma, provides practical guidance for recognising and responding to signs of distress in young peop…
Video: 12. Boost positive emotions
Broadcaster and comedian Sandi Toksvig discusses the importance of parents being kind to themselves and building new routines when old ones are lost.
Published: 20th May 2020
Updated: 8th Mar 2026
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Updated: 8th Mar 2026
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Article: Homeschooling and Neurodiversity: Scott Mair’s Family Story
Following our podcast conversation with father of seven, Scott Mair, this piece explores his family’s journey through bullying, supporting neurodivergent…
Article: How Can I Talk to My Child About Their Mental Health?
Practical ideas for talking to your child about their feelings, building trust, and creating safe, calm spaces for honest conversations about mental h…
Published: 26th Nov 2025
Updated: 4th Mar 2026
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Updated: 4th Mar 2026
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Video: 8. Using Sanctions
Comedian and author Shappi Khorsandi explains how to deliver sanctions carefully, calmly and consistently.
Published: 29th Apr 2026
Updated: 29th Apr 2026
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Updated: 29th Apr 2026
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Article: Support for fathers of children with additional needs
Michael Charles runs a Dads Group for parents of children with additional needs. He reflects on the challenges fathers face, the value of shared experience,…
Video: How to help your child sleep
This film sees Dr Sian Williams give parents and carers with a child who is struggling to sleep.
Article: The Importance of Early Intervention: My Story of an Adult Diagnosis of Autism
Discover the importance of early intervention through Jon’s powerful story of an adult autism diagnosis. Learn how missed support in childhood can shape…
Published: 15th Jan 2023
Updated: 3rd Mar 2026
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Updated: 3rd Mar 2026
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Article: Validating your Child’s Feelings
Explore how early empathy and open communication shape children’s long‑term emotional wellbeing. Learn why listening to small problems builds trust, strengthens…
Published: 6th Jun 2023
Updated: 3rd Mar 2026
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Updated: 3rd Mar 2026
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Article: “Adolescence”: How could Early Intervention have changed the outcomes of real life experiences?
Learn how early intervention and emotional literacy can change children’s outcomes, inspired by themes in “Adolescence.” Explore why family connection,…
Published: 28th Mar 2025
Updated: 3rd Mar 2026
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Updated: 3rd Mar 2026
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Video: 2. The importance of expectations
Actor and comedian Sharon Horgan explains how to introduce simple rules that can be applied to everyone in the household.
Published: 29th Apr 2026
Updated: 29th Apr 2026
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Updated: 29th Apr 2026
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Video: 1. Staying positive
Academy Award-winning actor Olivia Colman explains the importance of looking after yourself and staying connected with others, to ensure you look after…
Published: 29th Apr 2026
Updated: 29th Apr 2026
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Updated: 29th Apr 2026
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Video: 7. Keep Calm
Comedian Romesh Ranganathan shows parents how to take a moment to collect their thoughts when things start to erupt.
Published: 11th May 2020
Updated: 27th Feb 2026
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Updated: 27th Feb 2026
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Video: 6. Limit conflict
TV presenter Holly Willoughby explains how to implement a plan to help avoid situations that can lead to conflict.
Published: 11th May 2020
Updated: 27th Feb 2026
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Updated: 27th Feb 2026
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Video: 5. Good Behaviour
Athlete Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill offers advice on building good behaviour through rewards.
Published: 11th May 2021
Updated: 27th Feb 2026
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Updated: 27th Feb 2026
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