How to talk about mental health with your child 

And yet a critical component of children’s holistic well-being is often ignored: mental health. 

Recent data reveals a concerning reality: 14% of children and young people worldwide experience mental health disorders, but only 1% of the world’s health budget is dedicated to mental health services. 

While society has made progress in destigmatizing mental health, many parents still struggle to find the right words to discuss emotional wellness with their children.  

But these conversations aren’t just important—they’re foundational to how children understand their feelings, develop coping mechanisms and learn when and how to seek help.  

This Mental Health Awareness Month, we’ve compiled expert strategies to help you navigate these essential check-ins with confidence and compassion, helping create the healthy emotional and behavioral skills your child needs to thrive. 

Why mental health conversations matter 

Starting dialogue about mental health during childhood establishes emotional literacy and language that can serve children throughout their lives.  

Research continues to show that early detection and intervention of mental health disorders can significantly reduce the severity—and in some cases, the duration—of symptoms. Some studies even indicate that addressing concerns before age 14 can prevent more serious conditions from developing in adulthood. 

Before the conversation: Creating a safe space 

1. Choose the right time and place. 

Timing and environment are key for a healthy, open conversation about mental health. 

As your child is developing their identity and self-confidence, they might be fearful of disappointing you or being seen as different from others, which can make discussing difficult topics or sharing sensitive information daunting.  

Create a low-pressure, judgment-free space by choosing moments when your child typically feels most relaxed and receptive to conversation—like a morning walk for the early birds or after dinner clean-up for the night owls. 

2. Include activities that facilitate natural conversations. 

For many children, it can feel more relaxed and comfortable to talk while engaging in a shared activity rather than sitting face-to-face for a formal discussion. 

To take the pressure off and lead to a more organic conversation, consider:  

• Going for a walk with a pet 

• Doodle or color together 

• Take a drive 

• Shoot a basketball, play catch or kick around the soccer ball together 

Whatever you choose, make sure it’s an activity that requires minimal concentration so your child isn’t too distracted to engage in meaningful conversation. 

During the conversation: Effective communication strategies 

1. Connect mental and physical health. 

Children are often familiar with physical health concepts and their treatment. You can easily use this as a bridge to mental health discussions by drawing parallels. For example:  

“You know how sometimes you get allergies, and even though you can’t see what’s happening inside your body, we know it’s real and needs treatment? Well, mental health works similarly—we might not see it, like you would a broken arm, but it’s just as important to take care of.”  

This approach helps destigmatize mental health by placing it alongside familiar physical health concepts while emphasizing that mental health conditions, like allergies, aren’t anyone’s fault and don’t reflect one’s value or character. 

2. Practice active listening. 

Whether your goal is sharing information so that your child has knowledge of common mental health challenges or encouraging your child to discuss their own emotional well-being, active listening is essential.  

By practicing active listening, you’re showing your child that what they are feeling, thinking or saying matters. When you’re fully present and listening with empathy, your child is reminded that you care about them deeply, which increases their trust in you and receptiveness to your guidance. To actively listen, try:  

• Maintaining eye contact 

• Avoiding interruptions 

• Summarizing what you’ve heard 

• Validating feelings without judgment 

• Asking open-ended questions 

3. Leave space for questions. 

Making sure to leave time for questions can be crucial for ensuring your child feels heard and understands the content you discussed. Your child may have questions about how to support friends with mental health struggles, how to alleviate their own symptoms or more.  

By keeping space for questions, you continue to foster an open line of communication and ensure your child views you as a trusted resource. Remember: It’s okay to say, “I don’t know” and include them in the process of finding an answer. 

After the conversation: Ongoing support 

1. Be available and plan to follow up. 

As your conversation naturally concludes, it’s important to ask if there’s anything your child needs in the moment or how you can support in the future.  

You can offer to:  

• Participate with them in wellness activities proven to improve mental health, like eating a balanced diet, regular exercise and moments of mindfulness or gratitude.  

• Have a weekly check-in where you can listen and provide resources as they learn to practice self-care, positive coping mechanisms or other emotional regulation and resiliency skills.  

• Choose a code word for them to use when they’ve had a difficult day or need space. 

It’s also helpful to reiterate to your child that if they have any new questions or concerns, you’re always available to talk.  

2. Give yourself grace. 

Guiding your child through a tumultuous world and all the attention, time and energy it takes to prioritize health—especially mental health—is challenging, to say the least.  

Don’t forget to make time to care for your own mental health—whether that’s talking to a trusted friend or professional or practicing self-care activities—and extend grace to yourself.  

There’s no one-size-fits-all guide to parenting, and showing your child consistent love, support and openness to navigate life’s difficulties together is what matters most. 

When and how to seek professional help 

Professional help is necessary if your child,  

• Expresses suicidal thoughts or thoughts of hurting others. 

• Develops persistent sadness or irritability lasting longer than two weeks. 

• Experiences significant changes in sleep, appetite or energy. 

• Has difficulty participating in daily activities. 

• Withdraws from social interactions. 

If you notice these signs, contact your primary care or insurance provide for a referral to a licensed therapist, psychologist or specialized professional. Or, if there’s immediate concern for your child’s safety, contact emergency services. 

A foundation for lifelong mental wellness 

Mental health is fundamental to a child’s ability to thrive.   

By normalizing these discussions, you're providing your child with vocabulary for their emotional experiences, permission to acknowledge struggles and confidence in seeking support when needed.  

As you establish an atmosphere where mental health is viewed as an integral part of your child’s well-being—deserving of attention, care and open discussion—you’re helping create a brighter future where they can reach their full potential.  

This Mental Health Awareness Month, you can help other children around the world access the trauma-informed care and professional mental health care they need to thrive by donating, sponsoring a child or delivering a mental health care gift to a child in need.  

Together, we can create a world where every child has the support they need to be their strongest, healthiest selves!