Starting the Conversation About Mental Health

Good mental health is essential to a child’s overall wellbeing. Just like we talk to children about how to take care of their bodies—by eating well, sleeping enough, or brushing their teeth—we need to teach them how to take care of their minds. But for many parents, the idea of introducing mental health can feel daunting. It might seem too complex or upsetting, especially if your child hasn’t shown any signs of emotional distress.

The truth is, mental health is relevant to every child—not just those experiencing challenges. Talking about it openly helps children become emotionally aware, more resilient, and better equipped to express how they feel.

But how do we begin such an important conversation?

Tips for Talking to Children About Mental Health

1. Talk About Emotions Every Day
The foundation of mental health conversations starts with everyday emotions. Try to name your feelings aloud throughout the day:
“I’m feeling a little nervous before my meeting,” or “I’m so happy we’re spending time together.”

Encourage your child to do the same. When something happens—good or bad—ask questions like, “How did that make you feel?” or “What do you think made you feel that way?”
This helps normalize emotional expression and builds their emotional vocabulary.

2. Choose the Right Time
Pick a calm, low-pressure moment to introduce mental health. After sharing a snack, watching a show together, or walking home from school can be great times. Avoid bringing it up when emotions are already running high, like after a tantrum or during a stressful moment, as they may associate the topic with negative feelings.

3. Use Analogies to Make Mental Health Relatable
Mental health can feel abstract, especially for younger children. Analogies help bridge the gap. For example:

• “Our mind is like the weather—it changes. Sometimes it's sunny, sometimes cloudy, and that's okay.”
• “Just like we catch colds, sometimes our minds get tired or overwhelmed and need rest or help.”
• “Feelings are like traffic lights. Green means we’re feeling good, yellow means we’re unsure, and red means we need to stop and take care of ourselves.”

These comparisons help kids understand mental health in terms they already grasp.

4. Address Their Concerns with Compassion
Kids may have big or confusing feelings about the topic. Reassure them that mental illness is not something to be ashamed of, and that it’s okay to talk about it. Let them know:

• It’s not something you can “catch” from others.
• Many people—both kids and adults—need help with their mental health from time to time.
• There are people like doctors, therapists, teachers, and family members who can help.

Encourage questions and answer them simply and honestly, without overwhelming detail.

5. Encourage Help-Seeking and Self-Care
Let your child know that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. Explain that just like we visit a doctor when our tummy hurts, it’s okay to talk to someone if we feel sad, scared, or worried.

You can say:
“If something is bothering you—whether you understand it or not—you can always come to me. We can figure it out together.”

The more you model this, the more natural it becomes for them to speak up when something’s not right.

A Lifelong Gift

By starting conversations about mental health early, you're giving your child tools that will serve them for a lifetime. You're helping them become more emotionally intelligent, more resilient in the face of challenges, and more compassionate toward others who may struggle.

You don’t have to get it perfect. Just showing your child that it’s okay to talk about feelings—and that you’re someone they can trust—makes all the difference.

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