Professionals should feel confident discussing parental stress and the importance of safe coping strategies.

Parents and carers sometimes feel guilty about stepping away from a crying baby, however, taking a brief break when emotions are escalating can be a protective safeguarding measure.

Professionals can support families by:

• Encouraging honest discussions about stress and wellbeing.
• Exploring support networks.
• Supporting parents to complete the crying plan
• Reinforcing safe coping strategies.
• Identifying families who may benefit from additional support.
• Ensuring parents know where to seek help.

Conversations about coping and emotional wellbeing should involve all caregivers, including fathers, partners and extended family members.