Welcome to our Ask Robyn service

It is completely understandable to feel uncertain about whether your child may need support beyond what you can provide at home. Many parents and carers find themselves wondering if changes in behaviour, emotions, or mood are simply part of growing up or if they may be signs that a child is struggling with something more significant. Wanting to get the balance right between giving things time and seeking help when needed shows how much you care about your child’s wellbeing.

Understanding changes in behaviour

Children and young people naturally go through many emotional, social, and developmental changes as they grow. At times, these changes can affect their mood, behaviour, sleep, confidence, or relationships. Occasional ups and downs are often a normal part of childhood and adolescence.

However, it can be helpful to pay attention to changes that seem unusual for your child, especially if they continue for several weeks or begin to affect everyday life. For example, you might notice that your child has become withdrawn, unusually anxious, frequently upset, angry, or less interested in activities they previously enjoyed.

Looking at the impact on daily life

One of the most important things to consider is how much the changes are affecting your child’s day to day functioning. While every child experiences difficulties from time to time, additional support may be worth considering if challenges are affecting areas such as:

• School attendance or learning

• Friendships and social connections

• Family relationships

• Sleep, eating, or self care

• Their ability to enjoy normal activities

If concerns are beginning to impact several areas of your child’s life, it may be a sign that extra support could be beneficial.

Trusting your observations

Parents and carers often know their child better than anyone else. Therefore, it is important not to dismiss concerns that continue to stay with you. You do not need to wait until a situation becomes a crisis before seeking advice.

Speaking with a trusted professional can help you better understand what is happening and whether any further support is needed. Seeking guidance early can sometimes prevent difficulties from becoming more overwhelming for a child and their family.

Practical steps you can take

The following suggestions may help you decide whether additional support would be useful:

• Keep a simple record of any changes you notice, including when they started, how often they occur, and what situations seem to trigger them.

• Have regular, gentle conversations with your child and create opportunities for them to share how they are feeling without pressure.

• Speak with people who know your child in other settings, such as teachers, childcare staff, or sports coaches, to see if they have noticed similar changes.

• Contact your GP or another appropriate professional if concerns persist, worsen, or begin to significantly affect your child’s wellbeing or daily life.

Remember that support can take many forms

Seeking extra help does not always mean that something serious is wrong. Sometimes a child may benefit from additional guidance, emotional support, or practical strategies during a challenging period. Reaching out for advice can help you feel more informed and confident about the next steps, whatever they may be.

If you would like to talk some more about this, our Support Line is open Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 1:00pm on 01 522 4300. Or you can email [email protected].

Thanks again for getting in touch. We wish you well,

Robyn