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Prioritise child safety and encourage parents to do the same
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Listen to parenting struggles in a non-judgemental and accepting manner
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Focus on building trust and rapport, as parents with mental illness can feel vulnerable
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Recognise and value parents’ strengths and positive attributes
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Re-affirm that the goal is to be a ‘good enough’ parent, not perfect
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Help the parent to keep their child’s needs and feelings in mind despite mental illnesssometimes getting in the way
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Help parents to facilitate open discussion with their child about what is happening in the home, including discussing the parent’s mental health issues and their diagnosis
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Ensure a family crisis plan is in place for when the parent is very unwell
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Help parents with parenting skills, including age-appropriate ways of relating to their child and setting firm and kind limits to protect everyone
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Where possible seek opportunities to protect children from being distressed by mental illness
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Ensure children have the best possible chance to grow up normally, and prioritise ensuring they attend school and have time to join in with their peers
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