Founder, Adam Stacey, Lunchroom News & Entertainment

Talking to Your Children About Mental Health

- Adam Stacey, Content Creator, Writer, & Mental Health Advocate, Lunchroom News & Entertainment 

Mental health is an essential part of overall well-being, yet it’s a topic many parents find difficult to discuss with their children. However, starting these conversations early can help reduce stigma, build emotional intelligence, and foster open communication. Children, just like adults, experience a range of emotions and challenges, and understanding mental health helps them navigate life with greater confidence and resilience.

Why It Matters

Children begin forming their understanding of emotions and relationships at a very young age. When parents talk openly about feelings and mental well-being, they normalize these discussions and create a safe space for children to express themselves. Mental health conversations don’t need to be prompted by a crisis. They can—and should—be part of everyday life. Talking about how it’s okay to feel sad, anxious, or overwhelmed teaches children that these emotions are a normal part of the human experience.

When to Start

There’s no “perfect” age to begin talking about mental health. Even preschool-aged children can understand basic emotional vocabulary like “happy,” “sad,” “angry,” or “scared.” As children grow, parents can gradually introduce more complex topics such as stress, anxiety, depression, and coping strategies. Tailoring the conversation to your child’s developmental stage helps ensure they understand and feel comfortable asking questions.

How to Start the Conversation

Start with open-ended questions like, “How are you feeling today?” or “Did anything happen at school that made you feel upset or excited?” Use books, shows, or real-life events as conversation starters. For example, if a character in a movie feels nervous, ask your child if they’ve ever felt that way.

Use age-appropriate language and be honest. If your child asks about mental illness, provide a clear, non-frightening explanation. You might say, “Sometimes people’s brains don’t work the way they want them to, and they need help, just like we go to the doctor when we’re sick.”

Model Healthy Behavior 

Children learn a lot from observing their parents. Modeling healthy emotional habits—like talking about your feelings, asking for help, and using coping strategies like deep breathing or taking a walk—shows them that it’s okay to care for their mental health. It also reassures them that adults experience and manage tough emotions too.

Encourage Open Communication

Let your child know they can talk to you without fear of judgment or punishment. Validate their feelings, even if you don’t fully understand them. Saying “I hear you” or “That sounds really tough” helps them feel seen and supported. If your child does open up about a mental health concern, take it seriously. Avoid minimizing their experiences or jumping straight into problem-solving mode. Sometimes they just need someone to listen.

Seek Help When Needed Finally, let your child know that getting help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Whether it’s talking to a school counselor, a therapist, or a doctor, professional support is a valuable resource. By teaching your children that mental health matters and that it’s okay to ask for help, you empower them with lifelong tools to thrive emotionally and mentally.