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How can schools better support parents when life becomes difficult, even when they may not know how to ask for help?
In this episode of Between Two Psychs, I’m joined by my good friend Dr Marianne Trent, a clinical psychologist and host of Psychology Actually, to discuss parental mental health, family challenges and how schools can make a difference.
Marianne shares her experience of losing her father while raising two young children, navigating grief while managing everyday family life. We reflect on communicating this loss to her child’s school and how even a simple offer of support or a space to talk could have helped.
We explore how the role of schools has changed, with teachers increasingly supporting children and families through bereavement, mental health difficulties and complex personal circumstances. While schools are already stretched, supporting children means looking beyond the classroom and recognising the connection between parental wellbeing and a child’s ability to thrive.
We also discuss the challenges schools face when parents separate and relationships become difficult. Educators can feel caught in the middle, trying to prioritise the child while navigating complex family dynamics. We consider why schools need better support systems rather than being expected to manage every challenge alone.
Finally, we explore the importance of professional supervision and having a safe space to process difficult experiences. Whether you work in education, psychology or pastoral care, the right support can help you reflect, develop your practice and recognise that needing help is not a sign of failure.
In This Episode, We Explore
- Why supporting parents is an important part of supporting children
- My experience of grief while raising two young children, and what I wish had been different
- How schools can support parents who may not know what help they need
- Why teachers face growing mental health and family support needs
- Balancing curriculum delivery with supporting the whole child
- How schools can respond when parents separate and family relationships become difficult
- Keeping children’s needs central when navigating parental conflict
- The importance of professional supervision for teachers, school leaders and support staff
- How reflection can help us feel supported and develop our practice
- Recognising when we are struggling and feel able to ask for help
🎧 Listen now for an honest conversation about parental mental health, grief and the realities facing schools. We discuss why supporting children means recognising family challenges while ensuring the adults supporting them have the guidance, time and space they need, too.
You can also find Marianne through her podcast, Psychology Actually, available on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.
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If you have questions about the service or would like to engage directly, please contact Matheos Maneli. Public Sector Executive Recruitment
uk.linkedin.com/company/next-link-consortiumConnect with Me (Dr Adam McCartney)
Instagram: @dradammcartney
Website: dradammccartney.com
YouTube: @Dr.AdamMcCartney
Connect with Dr Marianne Trent.
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/dr-marianne-trent-psychology
Website: www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk
Youtube: Dr Marianne Trent
Instagram:@drmariannetrent
