Talking about mental health might seem like a daunting task for many parents, but it’s one of the most important conversations you can have with your child. Just like we teach our kids about nutrition and exercise, we need to equip them with the knowledge and tools to handle their emotional well-being. Below I start to look at the reasons why we should take talking to our children about mental health so seriously.

Normalise Conversations

First and foremost, normalising discussions about mental health is crucial. When parents talk openly about mental health, it breaks the stigma surrounding it. Imagine your child coming home from school feeling sad or anxious. If they know it’s okay to discuss feelings and emotions, they’re more likely to approach you. You can start small by discussing your own feelings—share a time when you felt stressed or overwhelmed and how you coped. This sets a precedent for openness and shows them that everyone experiences ups and downs.

Build Awareness

Children often experience a whirlwind of emotions that they may not fully understand. By discussing mental health, you help them learn to identify their feelings. Explain that it’s completely normal to feel sad, anxious, or even angry sometimes. Use relatable scenarios, like feeling nervous before a big test or disappointed when plans change. These discussions help children understand that feelings are part of being human.

Foster Trust

Creating a safe space for discussions about mental health fosters trust between you and your child. When kids know they can come to you without fear of judgment, they’re more likely to share their thoughts, feelings, and worries. You might say something like, “You can talk to me about anything, even if it feels uncomfortable.” When they feel secure in expressing themselves, it strengthens your relationship and builds their emotional intelligence.

Teach Coping Skills

In your conversations, introduce practical coping strategies that can help your child manage stress and challenging emotions. Techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness exercises, or even simple physical activities can be incredibly effective. You could create a “calm down kit” together, filled with items like stress balls, colouring books, or calming scents, which they can turn to when feeling overwhelmed. You can find some of these techniques on our Sophie Says YouTube channel.

Encourage Help-Seeking

Finally, instil the idea that it’s okay to seek help when needed. Whether it’s talking to a parent, teacher, or a mental health professional, let your child know that asking for assistance is a sign of strength, not weakness. You might share stories of people who sought help and the positive outcomes that followed. This reinforces the notion that everyone needs support at times.

The next question which naturally follows why we should talk to our children about mental heal is how to speak to our children about mental health. This is not something any of us were taught when we were younger. Here are some tips for conversations, however I’ll go into more detail on this in another blog.

• Use age-appropriate language and examples. Younger kids may respond well to stories or characters from their favourite books or shows. This is where the Sophie Says books can really help, they are a great took to help children open up about how they are feeling in a fun and joyful way.
• Encourage questions and be patient. If they seem hesitant, let them know it’s okay to take their time.
• Share your experiences to show that everyone faces challenges, and normalize the discussion of emotions.
• Always remind them that feelings are valid, and it’s perfectly okay to seek help when they need it.

I feel strongly that early discussions about mental health can pave the way for emotionally intelligent, resilient adults. By breaking the silence and making mental health a priority in your family, you’re not only supporting your child but also fostering a brighter future for them. So why wait? Start the conversation today!

About Esther, The Author