Working with families facing challenges

In your role working with under fives, you may encounter families who may be facing difficult challenges. These could range from families experiencing homelessness, issues of substance dependency, or those who may have recently suffered the loss of a baby.

Knowing what to say to support families in these situations can be difficult and upsetting. However, it’s important to remember that, when families are vulnerable or struggling. it’s often possible for early years staff at any setting to make some kind of difference, be it small or large. 

The advice and guidance offered here by the Early Years team from the Centre aims to help you support families facing challenges and limit the impact on the mental health and wellbeing of the young children you support and care for.

It's important for you and your team to also look after your own wellbeing during these moments and you might find our Early Years Staff Wellbeing resource helpful also.