Families in Crisis: How to Support Children and Parents
Update: 24 September 2025
Family life is often envisioned as a harmonious unit, yet many face significant challenges that can put immense strain on its members. Difficulties such as financial strain, illness, parental conflict, and the upheaval of family breakdown can deeply affect not only parents but also their children. Understanding the impact of these difficulties, how to support children through tough times, and how to support parents is crucial for promoting a healthier family dynamic and ensuring the well-being of all family members.
The Impact of Family Difficulties on Children
Financial Strain: Financial issues are a leading cause of stress within families. According to a report by Children’s Health 2025, children in families facing economic hardship often experience anxiety about their basic needs, such as food, shelter, and education. Children may not fully understand what is going on, but they can sense the tension and distress that is happing in the home. This environment can lead to feelings of insecurity and can negatively impact a child’s emotional and psychological well-being.
Family Breakdown: Family breakdown, including divorce or separation, is another significant challenge that can impact children profoundly. Research from the NSPCC indicates that children experiencing parental separation often go through a range of emotions, including sadness, anger, and confusion. The child may feel caught in the middle or may worry about losing a parent altogether. This emotional turmoil can affect their relationships, schooling, and overall mental health.
Serious Illness: Serious illness in a family member, whether it’s a child or a parent, changes family dynamics drastically. The NHS reports that children may have to take on responsibilities and roles beyond their years, often leading to feelings of stress and overwhelm. They might also fear losing a loved one, leading to anxiety and depression. Furthermore, siblings may feel overlooked if the sick family member requires significant attention.
Loss of a Loved One: Grieving the loss of a family member can be an incredibly challenging time for children. Children often struggle to articulate their grief, which can manifest in behavioural issues or challenges at school (NSPCC,2023). You may see changes in attachment where a child does not want to leave you. They may also worry about the future or feel guilt about their inability to prevent the death.
Parental Conflict and Discipline Disagreements: Ongoing parental conflict or disagreements over child discipline can create a toxic environment for children[5]. Children exposed to high levels of conflict may experience emotional difficulties, including anxiety, depression, and behavioural issues. They may feel they have to take sides or start to think they are to blame for the problems.
Supporting Children Through Family Difficulties
Recognising the difficulties that children face during troubling family times is the first step in providing appropriate support. Here are several ways to help a child cope:
Open and Honest Communication: Encourage your child to talk about their feelings openly. Use age-appropriate language and create a safe space where they can ask questions or express concerns. Emphasise that validating their feelings and reassuring them that it’s okay to feel upset can be very beneficial.
Routine and Stability: Maintaining a daily routine can provide children with a sense of normalcy and security. Structure helps minimize anxiety by providing predictability in their lives. Try to keep mealtimes, bedtimes, and activities consistent despite the chaos surrounding them.
Encourage Emotional Expression: It’s important to help children articulate their emotions. Activities such as drawing, writing, or playing can serve as outlets for children struggling to express their feelings verbally. Encourage them to engage in these activities, which can provide insight into their emotional state.
Professional Support: If a child’s emotional distress is overwhelming, seeking help from mental health professionals can be essential. Psychologists, counsellors, or family therapists can provide coping strategies tailored to a child’s specific needs. Resources such as the NHS offer access to mental health support for children and families.
Quality Time: Spend quality time focusing on activities your child enjoys. This can distract them from stress, strengthen your bond, and create positive memories. Engaging in family dinners, game nights, or outdoor activities helps children feel valued and loved.
Supporting Parents During Family Challenges
Supporting parents during times of crisis is equally important. Parents often bear the weight of family stress and providing them with guidance and relief can directly benefit their children. Here’s how you can support parents:
Encourage Self-Care: Parents may neglect their own well-being while managing family difficulties. Encourage them to engage in self-care activities, such as exercise, hobbies, or socialising with friends, which can help alleviate stress and improve their overall outlook.
Provide Emotional Support: Create a support network for parents where they can share their struggles and feelings without judgment. This might involve setting up a regular “listening session” with trusted friends or family members who can provide emotional support.
Educate on Parenting Resources: Inform parents about resources available through organisations like the NSPCC and local community services, schools, community centres, G.P. These resources provide guidelines for coping with family difficulties, understanding children’s emotions, and effective discipline techniques.
Encourage Professional Help: Just as children may require therapy, parents may also benefit from professional support. Counselling can help them work through their emotions and develop better coping strategies while navigating their family situation.
Promote Healthy Co-Parenting: For separated or divorced parents, fostering a cooperative co-parenting relationship is crucial. This often requires clear communication and respect, which can significantly enhance a child’s emotional health. Resources and workshops providing strategies for healthy co-parenting can be particularly beneficial.
Conclusion
Navigating family difficulties is a challenge that many face, and the impacts on children can be profound and lasting. By understanding the effects of financial strain, illness, loss, and conflict, families can create robust support systems for children and parents alike. Open communication, maintaining stability, promoting emotional expression, and seeking professional help are vital to ensuring the well-being of all family members.
By prioritising emotional health and resilience, families can better weather the storms of life, allowing children to emerge with the skills they need to thrive in the future. As emphasised by resources like the NHS, NSPCC and the child’s school. awareness, empathy, and appropriate support can facilitate healing and growth within the family unit.
