Coffee morning catch-up - April 24th
Date: Friday 24th April 2026
Topic: Understanding Neurodiversity: ADHD, Autism & Beyond
Thank you to everyone who joined our April virtual coffee morning. It was a supportive and reflective session, with parents and carers sharing honest experiences, concerns, and practical ways to support children through challenging conversations. For those who were unable to attend, below is an overview of the key themes, discussions, and strategies shared during the session.
Welcome and introduction
We began by reflecting on last month’s session on Understanding Neurodiversity: ADHD, Autism & Beyond, before introducing this month’s focus: Talking About Difficult News & Big Emotions.
We acknowledged that children are often far more aware of the world around them than we might expect, and that avoiding difficult topics doesn’t always protect them.
Key message shared:
“It’s not about having all the answers, it’s about creating a safe space to talk.”
Why difficult conversations matter
We explored why it’s important to talk openly with children about upsetting or confusing events.
Key ideas discussed:
- Children may fill in gaps with their imagination if they’re not given clear information
- Avoiding topics can sometimes increase anxiety rather than reduce it
- Open, honest conversations help build trust and emotional safety
Parents reflected on how challenging it can feel to know what to say, and when.
Key message:
“Children don’t need us to fix everything – they need us to help them make sense of it.”
Understanding children’s reactions
We discussed the many ways children may respond to difficult news or big emotions.
Key insights:
- Emotions may show up through behaviour such as withdrawal, anger, or clinginess
- Younger children may struggle to express what they’re feeling
- Some children may fixate on worries or topics
- Every child responds differently – there is no “right” reaction
Parents shared experiences of noticing small behavioural changes that reflected bigger underlying emotions.
Key message:
“Big feelings often show up in small behaviours.”
How to talk about difficult topics
This part of the session focused on practical ways to approach challenging conversations.
Strategies shared:
- Start by asking what your child already knows
- Keep explanations simple and age-appropriate
- Be honest, without giving overwhelming detail
- Offer reassurance about safety where appropriate
- Allow space for questions – even if you don’t have all the answers
Parents highlighted that timing and tone can make a significant difference in how children respond.
Key message:
“Say less, listen more.”
Supporting emotional regulation
We explored how adults can help children manage overwhelming emotions.
Key approaches:
- Model calm behaviour and emotional language
- Use grounding strategies such as breathing or sensory tools
- Maintain routines to create stability
- Provide reassurance through presence, time, and consistency
There was strong recognition that children often take emotional cues from the adults around them.
Key message:
“Calm is contagious.”
Building emotional literacy & resilience
We discussed how helping children understand their emotions can support long-term resilience.
Key ideas:
- Encourage children to name their feelings (e.g. worried, sad, confused)
- Validate emotions before trying to solve problems
- Focus on coping strategies rather than removing feelings
- Reinforce that emotions change and pass over time
Parents shared simple but effective ways they support emotional understanding at home.
Key message:
“Name it to tame it.”
Managing exposure to news & information
We explored how children access information and how to manage exposure to potentially distressing content.
Guidance discussed:
- Limit repeated exposure to upsetting news or images
- Where possible, view or discuss content together
- Encourage breaks from screens
- Help children understand and question sources of information
Parents reflected on the challenges of social media and the speed at which children can access information.
Key message:
“Not everything needs to be seen to be understood.”
When difficult news is personal
This part of the session focused on situations where children are directly affected by events.
Key points:
- Be honest while maintaining reassurance
- Keep communication open and ongoing
- Seek support from school or professionals where needed
- Prioritise connection over “getting it right”
Parents shared how important it is for children to feel supported and safe during these times.
Key message:
“Closeness matters more than correctness.”
When to seek further support
We discussed signs that a child may need additional support:
- Ongoing anxiety or distress
- Sleep difficulties or persistent worries
- Withdrawal or noticeable behaviour changes
- Fixation on distressing topics
- Impact on day-to-day functioning
A key reminder was that seeking support early is a positive and proactive step.
Helpful support and community resources
- NHS – Guidance on children and young people’s mental health, including how to access support and services
👉 https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/children-and-young-adults/mental-health-support/ - YoungMinds – Advice, resources and a parents’ helpline for supporting children’s mental health
👉 https://www.youngminds.org.uk/ - Childline – Free, confidential support for children under 19 (phone and online chat available)
👉 https://www.childline.org.uk/ - The Mix – Free support for under 25s via phone, webchat and email
👉 https://www.themix.org.uk/ - Shout 85258 – 24/7 confidential text support for anyone in crisis
👉 https://giveusashout.org/ - Samaritans – 24/7 listening support for anyone needing to talk (call 116 123)
👉 https://www.samaritans.org/ - Family Lives – Advice and support for parents on family and emotional wellbeing
👉 https://www.familylives.org.uk/
Key reminder:
Support is available for both children and parents – reaching out early can make a significant difference, and families are not expected to manage these challenges alone.
Recommended viewing from parents
Parents also shared programmes they have found helpful in opening up conversations around online safety, media influence, and understanding the world young people are navigating:
- The Capture (BBC iplayer) – explores themes around surveillance, misinformation, and how media can shape what we believe. Useful for older students and as a discussion starter around trust and online content.
- Swiped (C4) – looks at the impact of smartphones and social media on young people’s lives, including wellbeing, relationships, and online pressures.
Key reminder:
Watching together, where appropriate, can help create natural opportunities for conversation and allow children to ask questions in a safe, supported way.
Key Takeaways for Parents and Carers
- Children need safe spaces to talk, not perfect answers
- Behaviour often reflects underlying emotions
- Honest, age-appropriate conversations build trust
- Emotional regulation starts with adult modelling
- Small, consistent support can make a big difference
Closing message:
“Being there to listen is more powerful than knowing what to say.”
Next coffee morning
Topic: Supporting Children Through Exam and or Assessment Stress
Date: Friday 22nd May 2026 at 10am
We look forward to continuing these supportive conversations and sharing practical ways to help children feel calm, confident, and understood.
Thank you for reading
Written by Natalie Hollins,
Parent Support Associate
Find it all on
your Parent Hub
Your central space for live events, updates, and everything that supports you.
Latest Tute updates
Keep up to date with what’s happening – explore all our news and blogs.