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Young Man in Therapy

Supporting Your Child as They Grow 

As your child’s healthcare team, we want to make sure all families know about some of the common changes and challenges that kids may experience as they get older. 

    • As kids get older, how they deal with tough feelings may change.

    • They may experience more stress, sadness, worries, or start using drugs or alcohol.

    • This can cause teens to think about harming themselves or ending their life.

    • Regularly checking-in to ask how your child is doing can help you know if they need more support. With the right support, they can heal and thrive.

  • Even if you don't notice these signs, it's still important to check-in to see how they're doing. 

    • Bullying

    • Problems with school

    • Social isolation - Spending more time alone or withdrawing from friends, family, or activities 

    • Discrimination based on identity (race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation etc.)

    • Struggling with mental health concerns 

    • Family history of suicide or mental illness 

    • Substance use (including alcohol and marijuana use) 

    • Exposure to trauma, abuse, violence, or loss of a loved one 

    • Expressing hopelessness, feeling like a burden, or having no reason to live 

    • Talking or thinking about hurting themselves, or about death or suicide

    • Previous suicide attempt(s) or self-harm

    • Increased irritability, worrying, or sadness

    • Trying to disguise or hide their body

    • Showing signs of self-injury, like scratches

    • Engaging in risky or self-destructive behaviors, including substance use or self-injury

    • Talking or joking about death, self-harm, or suicide 

    • Giving away prized possessions or saying goodbye to friends or family

    • Having access to things that can be used to hurt or kill themselves (like guns or medications) 

What Can Parents Do?

You are your child’s first line of support. Here’s how you can help: 

  • Even if your child has not expressed any mental health concerns, we recommend removing and limiting access to medications and guns to keep your child and their friends safe.

  • Having supportive relationships with friends, family, and others can help your child thrive. Schedule time together, such as family meals, and encourage them to spend time with friends or family.

  • Encourage talking about feelings and reaching out for support. Regularly check in to see what's going on in your child's life and ask how they're feeling. Let your child know you're there for them if they want to talk. For example, "I know school can be stressful - both with friends and with grades. I'm here if you ever want to talk about it."

  • Make time for judgement-free conversations and take concerns seriously. Give your child space to share their feelings and experiences.  Let them know that their feelings are valid. For example, “No pressure to talk right now, but I’m here when you’re ready.”

  • Don’t wait for a crisis. If you have any concerns about your child’s health or safety, reach out to their therapist or doctor's office.

If you're worried about your child’s safety: 

Take any concerns seriously. If your child is talking about suicide or showing warning signs: 

  • Stay with them or make sure a trusted adult is with them to make sure they're safe. 

  • Call a crisis line

    • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7): Call or text 988 to speak with a counselor

    • Make an appointment with Seattle Children’s Psychiatric Urgent Care (open 12pm-8pm): by either scheduling online here or calling 206-987-2164 and ask to schedule “Psychiatric Urgent Care.”

  • Remove access to dangerous items: (like guns and over-the-counter medications) by removing them from your home or locking them up in a cabinet or lock box. 

  • Seek emergency help if needed—if you are concerned your child has done something to harm themselves or that you can’t keep them safe, go to the emergency room or call 911.  

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