When feelings need a little extra care.
Every child has big feelings. Most pass with comfort, time and talking. Sometimes a child needs a little more, and that is nobody's fault.
Ask yourself
- How strong is the feeling?
- How long has it lasted?
- Is it getting in the way of sleep, eating, play, learning or family life?
A few weeks or more is worth talking about.
Signs worth a gentle look
Sadness, fear, worry or irritability that does not lift
Ages 2 to 8
No longer enjoying play or favourite things; pulling away from others
Ages 2 to 8
Big changes in sleep or eating, or frequent nightmares
Ages 2 to 8
Going backwards: wetting again, baby talk, much more clinging
Mainly 2 to 5
Tantrums that are very frequent, intense or still common after about age 4 to 5
Mainly 2 to 5
Not wanting to go to school; frequent tummy aches or headaches with no medical cause
Mainly 5 to 8
Straight away
If your child talks about wanting to hurt themselves or someone else, or seems unsafe, reach out straight away. Call your local emergency number or go to the nearest hospital. Asking for help is brave.
Who to talk to first
Start with someone you trust: your child's doctor or paediatrician, a clinic or community health worker, or a school counsellor. They can listen, reassure, and point you to the right next step.
Caring for you
Looking after yourself helps your child too. Rest, support and asking for help are part of caring for your family.
More for parentsFind help near you
Contacts checked October 2026Helplines change often. If a number does not connect, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest hospital.
Nigeria
Emergency
Free, national
112 (Lagos also 767)Cece Yara Child Helpline
Free, 24/7; child abuse concerns. No national 116 line exists.
0800 800 8001 (call or SMS)Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency
Lagos only; toll-free, 24/7
0800 033 3333SURPIN (suicide and crisis)
Toll-free, 24h; Hausa line 0814 224 1007
0800 078 7746Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative (MANI)
Mental health support; hours not stated
0809 111 6264HDI Child Helpline
Listing last updated 2022
0808 055 1376
Ghana
Emergency
Free
112 (police 191, ambulance 193)Mental Health Authority helpline
Toll-free; mental health and suicide support
0800 678 678Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection
Toll-free; child abuse and violence
0800 800 800 or 0800 900 900Orange Support Centre
Toll-free; abuse and psychological support
0800 111 222
Kenya
Emergency
Free
999 or 112National Child Helpline (Childline Kenya)
Free, 24/7; children and concerned adults
116; WhatsApp 0722 116 116Kenya Red Cross
Toll-free; emergencies and counselling
1199Befrienders Kenya
Emotional support; sources disagree on hours
+254 722 178 177 (call, SMS, WhatsApp)
South Africa
Emergency
A move to 112 only has been proposed
112 from mobiles; police 10111; ambulance 10177Childline South Africa
Toll-free, 24/7. The old 0800 055 555 number is retired.
116SADAG Suicide Crisis Helpline
Toll-free, 24h
0800 567 567SADAG ADHD line (for parents)
Toll-free, 8am to 8pm
0800 55 44 33Teddy Bear Clinic (abused children, Gauteng)
Office hours
011 484 4554
Tanzania
Emergency
Sources conflict on other emergency numbers
112National Child Helpline (C-Sema)
Free; 24/7 on the mainland; mostly used by parents
116; WhatsApp +255 624 100 100
United Kingdom
Emergency
Free
999NHS 111 (mental health option)
Free, 24/7, all ages; parents can call about a child
111NSPCC Helpline (worried about a child)
Weekdays 10am to 4pm
0808 800 5000Family Lives parenting helpline
Free; weekdays 9am to 9pm, weekends 10am to 3pm
0808 800 2222Childline (for children)
Free, 24/7
0800 1111Samaritans
Free, 24/7
116 123
United States
Emergency
Free
911988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Free, 24/7; can call about someone else
Call or text 988Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline
24/7, call or text
1-800-422-4453National Parent Helpline
Free, 24/7
1-855-427-2736
This page gives general information. It is not a diagnosis. If you are ever unsure, it is always okay to ask a health professional.