Articles
Supporting children with additional support needs
Every family makes changes to cope with the stress of everyday life. If your child has additional support needs, these...
Coping with stress
Most of us know that stress is bad for us. But understanding a bit more about how we can reduce...
Death and bereavement
Death can be one of the hardest topics to discuss with a child. But at some point, most children will...
Behaviour and feelings
When it comes to children, we’re used to thinking about ‘good behaviour’ or ‘bad behaviour’ and probably not much in...
Managing Children's Behaviour
These are some things which parents tell us have really helped them. When you are feeling most challenged as a...
Mental Health Issues in Children
For some children the stresses they face can cause serious issues, such as depression, anxiety, self harm or eating disorders...
Common Mental Health Issues
This page gives some basic information about some of the more common mental health issues affecting children which parents regularly...
Helping your child with mental health issues
Worries about mental health in the family are among the main reasons parents and carers get in touch with Children...
Challenging or distressed behaviour
As a parent, chances are you’ve been tested and frustrated by your child’s behaviour. It could be the tantrums of...
Spotting signs of abuse or neglect
What is abuse? Child abuse is when someone causes (or doesn't prevent) significant harm to a child. ( Source: Scottish...
Screen time
It is tempting to believe that the internet is a problem for our children, and adults have got it totally...
Online safety and parental controls
Parental controls are a key tool for parents to keep their children’s internet use safe – within the home at...
Disturbing or Extreme Content
The thought of your child seeing something disturbing or extreme online can be very distressing and can leave parents unsure...
Understanding self harm
For parents it can feel overwhelming to discover your child is self harming, as can trying to figure out what...
Bullying
Bullying is a concern for many of the families who contact Children First support line. Although the thought of your...
Separation and divorce
Separation and divorce can be one of the most stressful times in an adult’s life. The journey through feelings of...
Contact arrangements
Contact arrangements are a real source of stress and anxiety for parents, especially if communication has broken down, or if...
Kinship Care
Often, when parents are struggling or unable to look after their children, relatives or family friends will step in and...
Sexual development
As a parent you’ll know that children will gradually become aware of sex and sexuality at different ages and stages....