Mental health affects everyone. If you find yourself or your child are struggling, have a look at some of these fantastic resources.
And remember, if you need help urgently and feel you are crisis.
You can call Childline free on 0800 1111, or start a live chat with a counsellor.
For useful resources for young people and families on a huge range of topics including anxiety, depression, eating disorders and self harm.
Febrile seizures are seizures that occur in children in the context of a fever. They are relatively common in children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years and can sometimes run in families. While febrile convulsions can be frightening, they are usually brief and do not cause any long-term harm to the child. Very rarely, seizures that are prolonged or atypical require further investigations or monitoring.
During a seizure, your child may go stiff, jerky, shaky, twitchy or go floppy. Their eyes may roll or flicker. They may change colour going red, pale or blue. They may wet themselves. When someone has a seizure they may be unconscious and unaware of what is happening. After the seizure, your child may be drowsy or confused but will usually recover fully without any lasting effects.
Febrile convulsions are usually diagnosed based on the child’s symptoms and a description of the seizure provided by the parent or caregiver. Your healthcare provider may also conduct a physical examination to rule out other possible causes of the seizure. In some cases, additional tests such as blood tests may be done to investigate the underlying cause of the fever. It’s important to seek medical advice if your child has a febrile convulsion, especially if it is their first seizure or if they have other concerning symptoms.
In most cases, febrile convulsions do not require specific treatment beyond managing the fever and ensuring the child’s safety during the seizure.
If your child experiences a further febrile convulsion at home:
Remember, while febrile convulsions can be frightening to witness, they usually do not indicate a serious underlying medical condition. However, it’s essential to seek medical advice if your child experiences a febrile convulsion, especially if it is their first seizure or if they have other concerning symptoms.
Problems with sleep are very common in children. Here are some useful resources to help manage sleep problems and bedwetting that might be helpful. Also follow the links to some helpful websites with more tips and tricks.
You are certainly not alone with this; plenty of nursery aged children, and older, spend some, or all, of the night in their parents bed. For many parents this isn’t a problem. But there are many who yearn for privacy and dream (when they get the chance) of an unbroken night’s sleep. Just why do little ones sleep horizontally across the pillows and thrash around quite so much?
Here is a simple plan with which you can teach your child to sleep through the night in his or her own bed. Quick and gentle, the programme will allow your child a real sense of achievement as well as ensuring all of you wake feeling more rested and able to cope with the demands of the day. It’s extremely difficult to be the good parent you want to be when you simply have not had enough sleep.
See the tabs below for the weekend training plan
Headaches are a common complaint in children and can occur for various reasons, including stress, dehydration, or illness. Most headaches in children are mild and temporary. Understanding the causes and symptoms of headaches can help you to effectively manage your child’s discomfort and seek medical advice when necessary.
Headaches in children may present with a range of symptoms, including a dull or throbbing pain in the head, sensitivity to light or noise, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, or changes in mood or behaviour. Children may also describe their headache as a feeling of pressure or tightness in the head. It’s essential to pay attention to any associated symptoms or patterns, such as headaches that occur at specific times of day or in response to certain triggers, as this information can help determine the cause of the headache.
Diagnosing the underlying cause of headaches in children often involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and sometimes additional tests or evaluations. Your child’s healthcare provider may ask about the frequency, duration, and severity of the headaches, as well as any associated symptoms or triggers. It can be helpful if you keep a headache diary. They may also inquire about your child’s medical history, lifestyle, and any recent illnesses or injuries. In some cases, further evaluation, such as blood tests, scans, or referral to a specialist, may be necessary to rule out underlying medical conditions or identify potential contributing factors. It can be very helpful to get your child’s eyesight tested by an optician, as untreated visual problems are a common cause of headaches.
Treatment for headaches in children depends on the underlying cause and the severity of symptoms. In many cases, simple measures such as rest, hydration, and over-the-counter pain relievers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen may provide relief from mild headaches. It’s essential to follow dosage instructions carefully and avoid giving aspirin to children. For recurring or severe headaches, your child’s healthcare provider may recommend additional treatments or interventions, such as stress management techniques, lifestyle changes, or prescription medications.
While most headaches in children are self-limiting, there are some red flag signs that may indicate a more serious underlying condition and require prompt medical attention:
If your child experiences any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
For further information have a look here.
Remember, while occasional headaches are common in children and often resolve with rest and supportive care, persistent or severe headaches may require further evaluation and management by a healthcare professional. It’s important to monitor your child’s symptoms closely and seek medical advice if you have any concerns. The Head Smart Campaign is a great place to get more information, with clear guidance around worrying features of headaches.
Minor head injuries are a common occurrence in children, particularly those who are active or participate in sports. While most head injuries are mild and have no complications, they should be taken seriously and monitored carefully.
Symptoms can vary but may include headache, dizziness, nausea or vomiting. Some children may also experience changes in sleep patterns or mood disturbances. It’s essential to monitor your child closely for any new or worsening symptoms, especially in the first 24 to 48 hours after the injury.
It is typically diagnosed based on a combination of the child’s symptoms and a physical examination by a healthcare professional. In very rare cases, additional tests may be done to rule out more serious injuries. It’s important to seek medical advice if your child experiences a head injury, especially if they have lost consciousness, vomited repeatedly, or if their symptoms are severe or worsening.
Treatment for a mild head injury focuses on managing symptoms. In most cases, rest and avoiding activities that could worsen symptoms are recommended. You can use over-the-counter pain relievers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to help with headaches or discomfort. It’s also important to ensure your child stays hydrated and gets plenty of rest while recovering from the injury. It is okay for your child to sleep, as long as they can be woken up easily and they have a normal breathing pattern.
If your child’s symptoms worsen or if they develop any concerning signs seek medical attention immediately.
These could be signs of a more serious head injury that requires prompt evaluation and treatment. It’s essential to ensure your child gets a lot of rest and returns to activities gradually. They should avoid physical exertion, sports, and screen time until they feel better. Be sure to monitor your child closely for any new or worsening symptoms.
Remember, most head injuries in children resolve on their own with rest and supportive care and your child should be completely back to normal by 2 weeks following the initial injury. It’s important to seek medical advice if you have any concerns about your child’s symptoms or if their condition is not improving.
