The Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William reassured young people at school that you don't have to be sociable.
During Friday’s visit to Stewards Academy in Harlow, Essex, the royals - who are raising awareness for the Heads Together campaign - spoke to concerned parents from the school where they discussed how they can encourage their children to talk about big changes in their lives.
Kate, 34, told the group that it’s perfectly fine for their child to be 'shy' as she continued to highlight a positive national conversation about mental health problems.
'There seems to be so many handbooks about how to bring your babies up, how to bring your toddlers up,' she explained. 'But when they get to this [stage] it’s different.'
'That's what the vision is, you stand up there, be super confident, be super sociable and have lots of friends,' the royal added. 'Well actually, it’s ok to be shy and it’s about accepting those things.'
© Photo: Getty ImagesPrince William and Kate paid a visit to Stewards Academy in Harlow, Essex on Friday
William and Kate, who are also working with Prince Harry with this campaign, have teamed up with a number of organisations and charities in the field to help address the issues faced by members of society with psychological issues.
'They have so many social pressures, plus they have exams, expectations to do well, plus friends to make. It’s a lot of pressure and you can see why a lot of people buckle,' said William, also 34.
One parent revealed: 'You know that they [children] are not going to tell you what is wrong straight away. So you go out and do something that is nice and relaxing and hope that while they are chilled and not thinking too much about it, they will open up.
© Photo: Getty Images"It’s ok to be shy," said Kate
'You’ll try whatever you can because ultimately you want the best for your child.'
Heads Together will be producing a Back to School guide to help parents have these conversations. Currently less than half of parents talk to their children about mental health.
