Supporting our Children’s Mental Health
Supporting children’s mental health is one of the most powerful investments we can make in their future and it starts with everyday actions that build trust, resilience, and emotional literacy.
Lucy Fuller 5th August 2025
What Do Our Children and Teenagers Need to Feel Okay About Themselves, Their Families, and Their Environment?
Feeling Heard: Children and teens may struggle to name difficult emotions or understand why they feel the way they do. Even so, they need those closest to them to acknowledge their experience and reassure them that it’s okay to feel what they’re feeling.
Rather than trying to fix or analyse, we can simply stay present and offer quiet companionship and listening without judgment.Feeling Safe: When children are overwhelmed by anger, fear, frustration, or anxiety, they need us to be like a sponge - soaking up their big emotions in a soothing, steady way.
If a child senses that their expression makes us angry or anxious, they may begin to hide their emotions. Over time, this can lead to internalised distress and mental health challenges.
Our calm presence helps them feel safe enough to share openly.Feeling Understood: Children sometimes make impulsive or puzzling choices. Instead of reacting with criticism, we can approach these moments with curiosity and compassion.
By talking through what happened and seeking to understand their perspective, we show them that they’re not alone and that their inner world matters.
Without this, children may feel misunderstood, isolated, and helpless.Feeling Connected: Human connection is vital for emotional growth. Children flourish when they feel part of a community, whether through friendships, group activities, or shared interests.
Explore together what brings your child joy. Could they join a club, team, or class with like-minded peers?
Family connections matter too. What activities do you enjoy together as a parent-child pair or as a whole family? These shared experiences build lasting bonds.Feeling Loved: After emotional storms, everyone eventually returns to a baseline of calm. This is a key moment to reaffirm love and connection.
Whatever disruption occurred, it’s important that all involved feel reassured, that love remains constant, and the family has moved forward together.
The difficult patch becomes part of the family’s story - not erased, but gently woven into its fabric without lingering tension.