Talking to kids about mental health can feel overwhelming—not just for them, but for us too. As adults, we often struggle to know when, where, and how to start. But mental health isn’t a taboo or a grown-up-only topic. It’s something children experience every day, whether they know the words for it or not.

This Children’s Awareness Month, let’s explore what it means to have real, honest, and age-appropriate conversations about mental health with the kids in our lives.

Start With Feelings, Not Diagnoses

You don’t have to explain clinical terms or dive into deep psychological theories. Start where they are: emotions. Ask questions like:

• "What made you feel happy today?"
• "Did anything make you feel nervous or scared?"
• "What do you do when you feel sad?"

These everyday check-ins build emotional literacy—the foundation for understanding mental health later on. The goal is to help children name their emotions, normalize them, and know that they’re allowed to talk about them.

Letting children see a wide range of emotions in action, and helping them describe those feelings, is a long-term investment. These small moments help build emotional intelligence, empathy, and a sense of psychological safety.

Model the Conversation

Kids don’t just listen to what we say—they absorb how we handle our own feelings. Use everyday moments to model mental wellness:

• "I felt frustrated today, so I took a walk to calm down."
• "Sometimes I talk to my therapist when I’m feeling overwhelmed."

These moments send a powerful message: mental health isn’t a problem to fix—it’s part of being human. When kids see adults prioritize their mental well-being, it becomes normalized, not stigmatized.

Make It Safe, Not Serious

Mental health doesn’t have to be a heavy or scary topic. Create space for conversation through creative activities like drawing, storytelling, puppets, or journaling. For younger children, try picture books like Ruby Finds a Worry or The Color Monster. For teens, music lyrics, YouTube videos, or scenes from their favorite TV shows can open the door.

Let the child lead. Ask, "What do you think that character is feeling?" or "Has anything like that ever happened to you?" Their answers may surprise you—and they’ll often say more than you expect, if they feel like it’s okay to be honest.

Listen More Than You Talk

One of the most impactful things we can do is simply listen. When a child opens up, resist the urge to correct, explain, or fix it immediately. Instead:

• Validate: "That sounds really tough."
• Reassure: "Thank you for telling me. I’m really glad you did."
• Stay curious: "What do you think might help next time?"

This kind of listening helps children feel seen and heard. It strengthens the trust that they can come to you again in the future—even about harder topics.

And sometimes, listening means noticing what isn’t being said. Changes in behavior, appetite, or school performance may be a signal that something deeper is going on.

Speak Their Language

Language matters. Younger children may not relate to words like "anxiety" or "mental health," but they understand "scared tummy" or "brain feels fuzzy."

With tweens and teens, use language that respects their growing need for independence. Ask them what words they use to describe how they’re feeling. Let them teach you, too.

Avoid minimizing or judging their feelings. Instead of saying, "You don’t need to worry about that," try, "I didn’t realize that was bothering you so much. Do you want to talk more about it?"

Address Your Own Discomfort

Let’s be honest—sometimes we are the ones who feel nervous about these conversations. Maybe we weren’t taught how to talk about feelings ourselves. Maybe we’re afraid of saying the wrong thing.

And that’s okay.

You don’t have to be a perfect communicator. You just have to be willing. Kids appreciate authenticity. A simple, "This is hard to talk about, but it’s important," goes a long way.

Being vulnerable as an adult helps children feel safer in their own vulnerability.

Know When to Get Extra Support

Not every conversation needs to lead to professional help, but knowing when to involve a counselor or therapist can make a big difference. Signs that a child may need additional support include:

• Persistent sadness or withdrawal
• Changes in sleep or eating habits
• Loss of interest in things they used to enjoy
• Excessive worry or outbursts that don’t seem to pass
• Regressive behavior (bedwetting, baby talk, clinginess)

If you’re unsure, don’t be afraid to reach out. School counselors, pediatricians, and child therapists can provide guidance and help determine what next steps are appropriate.

Final Thoughts

Talking to kids about mental health isn’t about getting it perfect. It’s about being present, being honest, and reminding them that their feelings matter. By starting early and keeping the door open, we help raise a generation that knows how to care for their minds as much as their bodies.