.png)
Talking to children about mental health can feel challenging. As adults, we may worry about saying the wrong thing or not knowing how to start the conversation.
With 1 in 10 children feeling as though they have nobody to talk to, and admitting that they wouldn't open up to anyone at school, these conversations are more important than ever. Kids, like adults, experience emotions, anxiety, stress, and mental health challenges, and communicating about these topics is essential to their emotional well-being.
This guide will demonstrate strategies about initiating conversations surrounding mental health with children in an approachable and effective way.
Set the Stage for Open Communication
It is important to create a safe, non-judgmental environment where the child feels comfortable speaking openly. Children need to trust that they can talk to you without fear of criticism or dismissal.
How to:
Choose the right time and place: Find a quiet moment when both of you can focus—avoid starting the conversation when the child is distracted or upset.
Be calm and present: Ensure you’re mentally present and free from distractions. Put away your phone, sit at their level, and make eye contact.
Create a routine for talking: Establishing regular “check-ins” can normalise conversations about emotions, helping children feel more comfortable with discussing mental health when needed.
Avoid complexed vocabulary
Children understand and process information differently depending on their age and development. Adjust your language to their level of comprehension, using simple, concrete terms. Avoid overwhelming them with clinical language or too many details that could make them feel confused or anxious.
Validate Their Feelings
One of the most important things you can do is to validate the child’s feelings. Many children may not know how to express what they're feeling, and they need to hear that it's okay to experience a wide range of emotions. Validation helps children feel understood and less alone.
How to:
Acknowledge their emotions without minimising them. For example, if a child says they’re feeling scared or nervous, instead of dismissing it with “Don’t worry, there’s nothing to be afraid of,” try something like, “I can understand why that might make you feel scared. It’s okay to feel that way sometimes.”
Use empathetic phrases such as “That sounds really tough” or “I can imagine that might be hard for you.”
Ask Open-Ended Questions
Children often need a little encouragement to express themselves fully. Avoid asking yes/no questions that can close down the conversation. Instead, ask open-ended questions that allow them to share their thoughts and feelings more freely.
Open-Ended Questions:
“What’s been going on in your mind lately?”
“How does that make you feel?”
“Can you tell me more about why that makes you upset?”
“What do you do when you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious?”
These types of questions invite deeper conversation and let the child know that their feelings are important.
Normalise Mental Health Struggles
Make sure children understand that mental health is just like physical health—it’s something that everyone has. Normalise the idea that everyone can have tough days, and that it’s okay to ask for help when they’re struggling.
How to:
Reassure them that feeling anxious, sad, or even angry sometimes is normal, and it doesn’t make them weak or different from others.
ou can also highlight how you struggle, using phrases such as ‘I understand’ or ‘I feel like that too sometimes.’ This can give the impression that they are confiding in someone who knows how they feel.
Follow Up and Be Consistent
A one-time conversation isn’t enough. Make sure to follow up with the child regularly to check in on their emotional well-being. Reassure them that you’re available anytime they need to talk.
How to:
Ask simple questions like, “How have you been feeling this week?” or “Is there anything on your mind that you want to talk about?”
Let them know you care about their mental health, and you’re always there to listen.
Signs That Professional Help May Be Needed:
Ongoing sadness or withdrawal.
Extreme changes in behavior (e.g., irritability, sleep issues, lack of interest in things they once enjoyed).
Difficulty functioning at school or in social situations.
Conclusion
Opening up conversations about mental health with children is a crucial step in breaking down the stigma surrounding emotions and mental health struggles. By creating a supportive and safe space, you can help children develop emotional resilience, learn healthy coping mechanisms, and feel empowered to ask for help when needed.
If you want to work with a company that cares, contact our education team by either calling01772 208 952or email us ateducation@servicecare.org.uk. Alternatively, submit a vacancy using the link below!
Let's getsocial...