As families prepare for another school year, parents are being reminded they don’t need to have all the answers when their child comes to them with a mental health concern.

Northern Health Region Mental Health Promotion Coordinator Jennifer Whalen says a parent’s first instinct may be to immediately try to solve the problem, but sometimes listening is the most important first step.

Whalen says families and schools should keep communication open and reminds students that asking for help is a strength and an important life skill.