As parents and PTA leaders, we bear the responsibility of nurturing our children’s emotional well-being, a task that goes beyond academic success. We strive for our kids to be happy, resilient, confident, and emotionally healthy. In today’s world, however, that’s not always easy.
Having a conversation about emotional well-being with children is more urgent than ever. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or PTA member, knowing how to talk about mental health can help create a safe, supportive environment where young people feel seen, heard, and supported.
This post will guide you through the basics of understanding youth mental health, starting those sometimes tricky conversations, identifying available resources, and knowing when to seek professional support. Most importantly, it will give you practical tools and, hopefully, the confidence you need to be a steady presence in a child’s mental wellness journey.
What is Youth Mental Health?
Youth mental health refers to a young person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It shapes how they think, feel, and act as they navigate daily life. Mental health also affects how they deal with stress, relate to others, and make decisions. Supporting mental health in childhood is essential, as it sets the foundation for strong emotional development through every stage of life.
Children and teens can experience a wide range of emotional challenges. Many face anxiety around schoolwork or social situations. Others may struggle with depression, which can show up as sadness, irritability, or withdrawal. Stress is common and can stem from academic pressures, friendship difficulties, or family dynamics.
Now, with the rise of social media and our always-connected culture, kids are facing emotional challenges that didn’t exist a generation ago, such as reputation management and cyberbullying.
How a child feels emotionally has a direct impact on how they learn, how they interact with peers, and how they behave. A child who feels anxious or depressed might have difficulty concentrating in school, participating in activities, or maintaining friendships.
Mental health is not a separate issue—it’s at the core of every aspect of a child’s development, from their academic performance to their social interactions.
The Current State of Youth Mental Health
The statistics surrounding youth mental health are sobering. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately one in five children experiences a mental disorder in a given year.
Even more concerning is a report by The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) that states that half of all lifetime mental illnesses begin by age fourteen and three-quarters by age twenty-four.
The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the mental health crisis among our youth, as many kids went through prolonged isolation, academic disruptions, and family stressors.
As a result, rates of anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues among children and teens have sharply increased. This unprecedented event led to the U.S. Surgeon General issuing a public health advisory that proclaimed youth mental health as a national crisis.
Mental health challenges can affect any child, regardless of how well they do in school, how many friends they have, or how they appear on the outside. These issues don’t discriminate, and neither should our compassion or attention.
Why Conversations About Mental Health Matter
When we openly talk about mental health, we help normalize the idea that emotions are an important—and manageable—part of life. These conversations teach kids that it’s OK to feel sad, nervous, or overwhelmed and more than OK to ask for help.
Starting these conversations early helps children develop emotional literacy, which is recognizing, naming, and expressing our feelings. This skill can help build self-awareness and help regulate emotions more effectively. It also creates a foundation of trust, making it more likely that a child will come to you when facing a difficult situation.
On the other hand, silence or stigma can lead children to internalize their struggles, believing they need to “tough it out” or that their feelings are not valid. This can delay intervention and support until a crisis point is reached.
By talking openly and often, we can remove the fear and shame that so often surrounds mental health. Our goal should be to offer a message of care, strength, and support.
How to Start the Conversation
Initiating a conversation about mental health with your child may feel daunting, but it doesn’t need to be formal or forced. In fact, everyday moments like car rides, evening walks, or quiet time before bed provide natural, pressure-free opportunities to connect. The key is to be present, patient, and nonjudgmental.
Consider your child’s age and maturity level when approaching the subject. Younger children might benefit from discussing feelings through books, drawing, or play. You could say, “That character looked sad—have you ever felt that way?” For older children or teens, more direct questions work well, such as “How have things been going at school?” or “What’s been stressing you out lately?”
Use open-ended questions that invite more than a yes or no answer. Instead of asking, “Are you OK?” try “What’s been on your mind lately?” Listen carefully to the response, and avoid interrupting or jumping in with solutions too quickly. Often, what children need most is to be heard and understood.
Be an active listener without judgment. When your child opens up, validate their feelings. Acknowledge their emotions without minimizing them. Saying things like, “That sounds really tough; I’m glad you told me,” shows that you are a safe person to turn to.
Creating a culture of open communication is a process that builds over time, one positive conversation at a time.
Finding the Right Support: Resources for Parents and Caregivers
As a parent or caregiver, you don’t have to figure everything out alone. Many trustworthy resources are available to help families navigate youth mental health challenges. Organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the Child Mind Institute, and Mental Health America offer articles, videos, and toolkits designed specifically for parents. These resources provide guidance on how to talk to children about mental health, recognize warning signs, and connect with professional support.
For families facing urgent needs, support is available around the clock. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7 support via phone or text. The Crisis Text Line, accessible by texting HOME to 741741, is another valuable service. The Trevor Project provides specialized mental health support for LGBTQ+ youth.
Books can also be an excellent tool for sparking discussion and building understanding. Titles like The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel Siegel and What to Do When You Worry Too Much by Dawn Huebner offer practical, age-appropriate strategies that families can use together.
Many school districts and local health departments also provide free or low-cost mental health services, so it’s worth asking your school counselor or pediatrician about what’s available in your community.
Addressing Myths and Misconceptions
Despite growing awareness, mental health remains surrounded by outdated myths and stigma. One of the most common misconceptions is that experiencing mental health challenges is a sign of weakness. Emotional struggles are part of the human experience and can affect anyone, regardless of how strong or successful they seem.
Another myth is that children and teens will “grow out of it.” While some emotional ups and downs are normal during development, persistent or severe symptoms should never be ignored. Early intervention can make a tremendous difference in a child’s life, helping them build skills and confidence before their issues become more serious.
It’s also untrue that talking about mental health puts ideas into a child’s head. On the contrary, when discussing emotional well-being openly, we give kids language and permission to share their feelings. These conversations offer relief—not harm—and help reduce the isolation many children experience when struggling in silence.
It’s our responsibility to work together to replace harmful myths with helpful facts and foster open-mindedness in our communities. Mental health is a journey; every step toward understanding makes a meaningful difference.
Helping Kids Build Healthy Coping Skills
The next step is to help kids develop the tools they need to manage stress and navigate emotional challenges. Coping strategies should be age-appropriate and match a child’s personality and interests. Younger children may find comfort in art, imaginative play, or simple breathing exercises. Older kids might benefit from journaling, exercise, music, or mindfulness apps.
One of the most powerful things parents can do is model healthy coping behaviors. When children see adults taking breaks, managing emotions, and asking for help when needed, they learn that it’s OK to do the same. Talk openly about how you handle stress and encourage your child to share what works for them.
It’s also important to celebrate effort and progress, not just outcomes. Praise your child for recognizing their feelings, trying new coping strategies, or discussing something difficult. Your support and encouragement help build the resilience they’ll carry into adulthood.
Knowing When to Seek Professional Help
While family support is essential, there are times when a child may need more than what parents can provide at home. Knowing the signs that your child may benefit from professional help is crucial.
Watch for changes in behavior, such as withdrawal from friends and activities, extreme mood swings, or a sudden drop in school performance. Other red flags include persistent sadness, irritability, trouble sleeping or eating, or signs of self-harm. If your child expresses hopelessness or talks about not wanting to be alive, seek professional help immediately.
Your first step might be talking to your child’s school counselor or pediatrician. They can offer screenings, resources, and referrals to mental health professionals. Therapists, psychologists, and social workers are trained to help kids work through emotional challenges and build skills for long-term wellness. Framing therapy as a strength—something people use to grow and get support—can reduce fear or resistance.
It is crucial to let children know that seeing a therapist doesn’t mean something is “wrong” with them. It means they’re brave enough to work through their feelings with support. Many children and teens thrive with therapy, gaining tools to benefit them for the rest of their lives.
Final Thoughts
The most powerful tool we have in supporting youth mental health is connection. When children feel safe, seen, and supported, they are more likely to thrive. By talking openly about mental health, seeking out reliable resources, and responding with empathy, we can make a lasting impact not just on our children’s lives but also on our schools and communities.
As parents and PTA leaders, we can help break down stigma, advocate for better school-based services, and support one another in navigating the complexities of raising emotionally healthy children. Let’s continue these conversations, share what we learn, and show our children—through words and deeds—that their mental health matters.
Looking to do more? Consider organizing a youth mental health awareness night at your next PTA meeting, sharing this blog with other caregivers, or inviting a mental health professional to speak to your school community. Together, we can build a supportive, informed, and compassionate culture for every child.
Disclaimer:
The information in this blog is meant to support, not replace, the advice of a qualified mental health or medical professional. While we hope these insights help you feel more confident in talking about emotional well-being, they are not intended to diagnose or treat any mental health conditions. If you’re concerned about a child’s mental health, please reach out to a licensed therapist, psychologist, pediatrician, or healthcare provider. Professional guidance is always the best step when it comes to mental health.