Children and teens have ups and downs, just like adults. But sometimes a bad week becomes something more. As a parent, you are often the first person to notice when something is not right.

For children in newcomer families, changes like a new school, a new language, missing friends and family back home, or facing racism or bullying can all affect how they feel. In this article, you will learn the signs to watch for at every age, how to start the conversation and when to get extra help.

Signs your child may be struggling

Young children

More tantrums or clinginess, trouble sleeping, bedwetting after being dry, stomach aches with no clear cause, or going back to younger behaviours.

School-age children

Not wanting to go to school, worry or fear, losing interest in play or friends, falling grades, or frequent anger or sadness.

Adolescents

Pulling away from family and friends, big changes in sleep or eating, irritability, hopelessness, risky behaviour, signs of substance use or talk of self-harm.

Remember: one bad day is normal. Watch for changes that last two weeks or more, or that affect school, friendships or daily life.

How to start the conversation

1. Pick a relaxed moment. Side-by-side times like car rides, walks or cooking together often feel easier than sitting face to face.
2. Gently name what you have noticed. “You seem quieter since school started. How are things really going?”
3. Listen more than you talk. Let them finish, and resist the urge to fix things right away.
4. Take their feelings seriously. Avoid “You are too young to be stressed.” Try “That sounds really hard. Thank you for telling me.”
5. Make a plan together. Ask, “What would help?” and agree on one next step.

Everyday ways to support your child

• Keep regular routines for sleep, meals and family time. See our family routines guide.
• Spend one-on-one time with each child, even 10 minutes a day.
• Encourage activity, time outdoors and limits on screens, especially at night.
• Talk openly about feelings at home, including your own.
• Stay in touch with your child’s teacher and school counsellor.
• Remind your child of their worth and their roots, especially if they face racism or bullying.

When to get extra help

Reach out to your family doctor, your child’s school counsellor or call 811 if signs last two weeks or more, or if your child’s struggles affect school, sleep, eating or friendships.

• Kids Help Phone (children and teens, 24/7): call 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
• 811 Health Link for health advice and referrals
• 988 (call or text) if your child is in crisis or thinking about suicide
• 911 in an emergency

Programs that build confidence and belonging

Our Junior Youniversity programs, Royal Readers for children and Teen Pulse for teens, help young people build confidence, friendships and a strong sense of who they are, guided by caring mentors.

Frequently asked questions

What are signs a child may be struggling with their mental health?

Watch for changes that last two weeks or more, such as trouble sleeping, not wanting to go to school, losing interest in friends or activities, frequent anger or sadness, or in teens, pulling away from family, hopelessness or risky behaviour.

How do I talk to my child about their feelings?

Choose a relaxed moment, such as a car ride or walk. Gently name what you have noticed, listen more than you talk, take their feelings seriously and agree on one next step together.

Where can my child get mental health help in Alberta?

Start with your family doctor, your child’s school counsellor or 811 Health Link. Children and teens can reach Kids Help Phone 24/7 at 1-800-668-6868 or by texting CONNECT to 686868. In a crisis, call or text 988 or call 911.

How does moving to a new country affect children’s mental health?

New schools, a new language, missing friends and family, and experiences of racism or bullying can all affect how children feel. Most children adjust with support, but watch for signs that last and reach out early.

Related reading: Caring for your emotional wellbeing · Raising children across cultures · Where to get mental health help in Alberta

Families Arising Resource Centre Edmonton is a registered non-profit that supports Black, immigrant, newcomer and multicultural families through programs for mothers, fathers, children and teens. Découvrez nos programmes or browse our free resources.