Talking to your children about leaving an abusive relationship can be especially difficult. If your child has witnessed or been involved in the abuse, they may need support to heal from what they’ve experienced.

If your child hasn’t seen the abuse firsthand, you might be unsure about what to tell them and how it will impact their relationship with their other parent.

Here are some specialist organizations that provide support for children and parents affected by domestic abuse:

• Childline – confidential support, counselling and information for children and young people by phone, webchat and email.
• NSPCC – helping children and their parents move on from abuse. They have local services for children.
• Young Minds – has a guide on what to do if your child has seen or experienced domestic abuse – and you can call 0808 802 5544 if you’re worried about your child.

If your child is regularly doing things that are tough for both of you to handle, there’s support available.

It’s normal to feel helpless, confused, isolated, or even ashamed—many parents feel the same way. Your child’s behavior is often an indirect way of expressing how they’re feeling, especially if they don’t have the words to say it. By staying calm and having a conversation, you might be able to understand what they’re going through and get to the heart of the issue.

If your child is struggling but won’t talk to you, they might feel more comfortable opening up to someone else—like a relative, family friend, or teacher. They may also feel safer talking to a professional who specialises in helping young people. Your child’s teacher or school nurse could connect them with a counsellor or support worker. You can also ask your GP about local services and referrals.

Here are some organizations that might be able to help:

• Family Action – can support you over the FamilyLine by phone, text or email. They have guidance on managing challenging behaviour in children. They also have a mentor service called Friendship Works, where they connect your child to someone they can trust for non-judgemental support and encouragement. You can get in touch on behalf of your child, or they can sign up to the service themselves.
• Family Lives – information and support for parents on a range of parenting issues, including advice on challenging behaviour.
• Young Minds – a guide on what to do if you’re experiencing challenging behaviour from your child, as well as a helpline for parents concerned about their child’s behaviour or mental health.  
• Our own online forum is full of single parents talking about how to overcome challenges – or you could join a Gingerbread friendship group to get support from others who understand what you’re going through.
  

It can be really worrying if you notice changes in your child’s personality or mental wellbeing. You’ve probably already tried talking to them, but it can be difficult to know how to respond or offer the right kind of help. Your child’s GP, school nurse or counsellor may be able to guide you on the support available in your area.

You might also find these organisations helpful:

• Young Minds has a helpline for parents concerned about their child’s mental health and lots of useful information for both parents and young people. 

• The Royal College of Psychiatrists has guides on lots of aspects of young people’s mental health. They have different information for parents and children on things like eating disorders, depression and stress.
• Youth Access offers free local support across the UK for young people from the age of 11.

Your child might be facing challenges with their sexuality, eating habits or substance use. Here are some organisations that can provide support for these specific issues:

• Beat helps young people with eating disorders and their families through their information, confidential helpline and email service. You can also find local support services.
• FRANK gives advice and support on drug and alcohol use, including for parents concerned about a child.
• Stonewall Young Futures is an information and support hub for LGBTQ+ young people thinking about their next steps.
• The Mix has essential support for young people under 25 on lots of topics: sex and relationships, drink and drugs, work, studying, and health and wellbeing.

Bullying isn’t always obvious. It can take different forms, including:

• Physical – pushing, hitting, or fighting
• Verbal – name-calling or spreading rumors
• Emotional – being excluded or humiliated
• Online – through social media or other platforms

If you suspect your child is being bullied, here are some places you can turn to for support:

• Childline has lots of support for children experiencing bullying. This includes information about different types of bullying and a bounce back from bullying tool to learn how to cope.
• Kidscape runs free assertiveness workshops for children affected by bullying, as well as workshops for parents on dealing with bullying and how to communicate with your child’s school. They also have an advice line for parents.
• The NSPCC has advice for parents to keep children safe from bullying, including how to spot the signs of bullying and where to get support. If you’re worried about your child you can call their helpline or email them.

If your child looks after you or someone else in the family, there’s special support for them. 

Contact your local council to ask for a young carer’s assessment. This will help decide what support your family might need and what the council can give you. They should make sure your child isn’t taking on too much, and that their education and wellbeing are in good shape. The NHS has more on young carer’s rights.

• Carers Trust is a network of organisations in England, Scotland and Wales offering information, advice, practical support and/or care in the home. Many but not all have services for young carers. Find your nearest one 
• The Booklet for Young Carers was written for young carers by young carers – it has all sorts of useful information and advice.
• The Children’s Society has advice and resources to help young carers be healthy, happy and focused on the future.
• Sidekick is a confidential helpline for young carers in the UK. You can text or email them anytime about anything that’s bothering you as a young carer. 
• Macmillan has lots of information and support if your child is looking after someone with cancer.

You may feel your child could do with a break, especially if they’ve been having a hard time. 

Our page on going on holiday can help you plan a holiday for your family or just for your child. It points you to places that arrange holidays and days out for young people who may not otherwise get a break, including free or subsidised places to help with the cost.