Learn proven ways to explain mental health to your child with age-specific tips and language that build trust, calm, and lifelong emotional health.
Mental health is an important part of overall well-being, no matter your age. It affects how people think, feel, and act every day. Just like children learn to care for their physical health by brushing their teeth or eating vegetables, they can also learn how to care for their minds and emotions.
Regular conversations about mental health help children build emotional awareness and resilience as they grow and develop. Additional check-ins and screenings are tools that can help families identify challenges early and provide the right support.
Children grow and change quickly — physically, emotionally, and mentally. During childhood and adolescence, their brains are developing just as rapidly as their bodies. That’s why emotional and social growth are just as important as physical milestones when it comes to overall well-being.
Young children often feel big emotions before they have the words to describe them. That can lead to frustration or show up as changes in behavior — like acting out, becoming quiet, or seeming to “go backward” in their progress.
You can support your child’s mental health by helping them build healthy coping and social skills that fit their age. These early lessons strengthen their ability to adapt, manage stress, and navigate challenges as they grow.
Meeting kids where they are emotionally makes all the difference. Their relationships and surroundings shape how they see themselves and the world. When you listen closely, validate their feelings, and use language they understand, you help them feel safe, valued, and supported.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in five children may experience a mental health disorder from ages 3 to 17, and the chances increase with age. Open, honest conversations at home can make a big difference in strengthening a child’s mental health and getting proper support.
When parents talk about mental health in an appropriate and positive manner, it helps children:
Talking about emotions and stress helps children and adolescents overcome challenges and build lifelong coping skills.
Just as you would approach any new topic with a child, there are age-appropriate ways to explain mental health. In addition to building trust, it is important to validate that their questions and understanding of explanations are meaningful.
Young children make sense of the world through what they can see and understand. That gives parents a chance to help them put words to their feelings — and to notice emotions in others, too. As kids start recognizing and naming these feelings, they build empathy and learn healthy ways to express themselves and connect with people around them.
Parents might say, “It looks like you’re feeling sad,” or “I get frustrated sometimes, too,” as a means of validating feelings and normalizing discussions. Preschoolers also enjoy picture books and stories that show characters experiencing different emotions and ways to cope with them.
At this stage, kids begin to understand that thoughts, feelings, and actions are connected. They also tend to be inquisitive and more aware of stressors in their environment. School-age kids may develop worries or anxieties about school, fitting in, or family dynamics.
Parents can help by responding with honesty and reassurance, as well as by providing activities to help manage emotions like anxiety and promote well-being. It’s important to explain that mental health means keeping your mind healthy, like resting when you’re tired or talking about worries instead of keeping them inside.
Older children face a variety of pressures from school to friendships and social media. Parents should be open about topics like stress and anxiety, encourage their kids to share how they feel without judgment, and offer guidance about coping strategies.
It’s also important to emphasize to this age group that it’s always okay to ask for help with mental and emotional health. Avoid dismissing questions or concerns expressed by your child, even if you don’t have exact answers.
Parents can help by learning about mental health so they feel confident talking with their kids at any age — and can spot when extra support might be needed. Being informed also helps families avoid confusion, misinformation, and harmful stereotypes.
When children understand key concepts related to mental health, they are likely to function better in school, with peers, and in their communities. In turn, this can enhance their overall growth and quality of life.
Like physical health, mental health can be somewhat different for each person. Overall, it reflects well-being and resilience in terms of the mind and emotions. Good mental health allows people to learn, work, contribute, and grow as individuals.
When explaining mental health to a child, using comparisons to physical health can be beneficial. For example, just as people can expect to experience and recover from physical sickness, kids can learn that there are common challenges to mental health as well — and that these can be overcome.
In addition, just as you would see a doctor to treat illness or injury, there are many professionals available to treat behavioral issues and emotional problems. Kids should learn the concept of taking care of their mind and feelings, like they would their body.
From childhood through adolescence, it’s important for kids to recognize and express their feelings. Parents can remind their children that feelings are valid, and that they can be regulated in positive ways. This can ease anxiety and promote healthy coping strategies when emotions run high.
Some ideas to regain emotional calm and focus include:
Parents can model healthy coping by showing how they manage their own emotions — and by being honest when their reactions aren’t perfect. This helps kids see that feeling stressed or worried is normal, and that talking about those feelings can really help.
Parents have access to tools and resources to help explain mental health to their children and support their well-being. From books and videos to hands-on activities, these resources make it easier to start meaningful conversations and build healthy habits together.
Reading books or watching educational material about expressing feelings or coping with stress can have a positive impact on the whole family. There are many story options at local libraries as well as characters to identify with in children’s programming.
A few to consider include the following:
Encourage your child to engage in activities that support emotional well-being and social connection. These don’t have to be structured programs — everyday moments can make a big difference. The goal is to help kids express themselves, manage stress, and build confidence through positive experiences.
Examples include:
Reading for pleasure: Getting lost in a good book (not assigned reading) offers an escape and builds emotional vocabulary through characters' experiences.
Support your child’s emotional health with calming, kid-friendly activities.
Get your free guide with 50+ calming strategies for kids, including simple sensory activities and easy breathing techniques.
Teachers, school counselors, and other trusted adults can be valuable partners in supporting a child’s emotional well-being.
Staying in touch with your child’s school helps create consistency between home and the classroom.
Regular check-ins with teachers or counselors can provide insight into how your child is doing socially and emotionally, and reinforce the mental health support they receive at home.
Sometimes, professional support and counseling is the next best step. This is especially true if you notice signs of withdrawal, persistent sadness, or changes in sleep or appetite.
A mental health screening can help families understand what kind of care a child may need and learn how early support can help children thrive.
When looking to implement the tactics mentioned above, it can be hard to know where to start. Here are a few tips on what to prioritize in finding the best fit for your child.
Daily structure can help children feel safe and secure. Try to maintain consistent meal, bedtime, and homework routines in addition to family togetherness.
Exercise boosts mood and lowers stress. Physical activity, such as family walks, bike rides, or playing outside together, can make a big difference.
Parents can model kindness, empathy, and open communication. Encourage children to spend time with friends and loved ones who make them feel good about themselves.
Every child deserves support that helps them feel understood, confident, and capable of handling life’s challenges.
Sevita’s behavioral health services give families the tools and guidance to strengthen emotional well-being at every age. If your child could benefit from extra support, get in touch with a caring professional, ready to help them grow and thrive.
As parents, and love one's raising children, nothing is more important than the health of our children. That includes their behavioral health as well.
Discover essential summer mental health tips and engaging activities to thrive, manage challenges, and maintain well-being all season.
Learn the signs a child may need mental health support, common therapies like PCIT and TF‑CBT, and how Fargo–Moorhead families can find help.