How can I support my child’s mental health? As a parent, you may find yourself asking this question amid a notable rise in childhood mental health issues in Australia and around the globe. Many parents grapple with queries like, “What can I do to support my child?” and “How can I help them navigate their feelings?” Starting these conversations early is crucial and can significantly impact your child’s emotional development.
At Body & Mind, we’ve partnered with Calm, the #1 Mindfulness App, to provide you with additional tools for fostering emotional well-being in your family. In this blog post, we’ll share age-appropriate strategies for discussing mental health, equipping you with the resources you need to create a supportive environment for your child.
Age-Appropriate Tips for Conversations About Mental Health
1. Toddlers (Ages 1-3)
At this stage, children are learning to identify basic emotions. Use simple language to describe feelings. When they appear upset or happy, acknowledge these emotions with phrases like, “Sometimes we feel sad, and that’s okay.” Modelling healthy emotional expressions encourages them to recognise their feelings.
Helpful Tools:
- “The Feelings Book” by Todd Parr is a great introduction to various emotions, helping toddlers connect feelings with expressions. Read this book together and discuss the different faces and emotions portrayed.
- Use the Kids Sleep Stories in the Calm app to help your toddler wind down for bedtime. You can create a calming routine that encourages discussion about their day and feelings as they settle down for sleep.
2. Preschoolers (Ages 4-5)
Preschoolers are curious and enjoy imaginative play. Explain emotions through stories or play activities, using dolls or action figures to demonstrate feelings like sadness or anger. Encourage them to express how they feel: “Can you show me what makes you happy or sad?”
Helpful Tools:
- “The Rainbow in My Heart” by Jessica Urlich is a beautiful story that explores a range of emotions through colourful imagery and relatable language. Use this book to encourage your child to share their own feelings and connect with the story’s themes.
- Introduce your preschooler to mindfulness by listening to Kid’s Mindfulness Tracks inside the Calm app. These tracks can help your little one practice mindfulness through engaging stories and themes shared by some of their favourite characters.
3. Early School Age (Ages 6-8)
Children in this age group can understand more complex emotions. Discuss common feelings and experiences, introducing them to age-appropriate books about emotions. You might say, “It’s normal to feel nervous about a new school or meeting new friends.” Encourage them to share their feelings and thoughts.
Helpful Tools:
- “Today I Feel Silly & Other Moods That Make My Day” by Jamie Lee Curtis helps children explore a range of emotions through fun and relatable stories. Use this book together as a family activity to discuss the different moods and how they might relate to your child’s experiences.
- The Daily Move (Kids) series in the Calm app is a fantastic way to get your child moving while incorporating mindfulness practices. This can be a fun, interactive way to promote physical activity and emotional regulation together.
4. Middle Childhood (Ages 9-12)
As children enter middle childhood, they can handle deeper conversations about mental health. Talk about mental health issues like anxiety and depression, encouraging them to ask questions. A helpful approach could be, “Have you ever felt really worried about something? Let’s talk about it together.” This age is crucial for normalising discussions around mental health.
Helpful Tools:
- “What to Do When You Worry Too Much: A Kid’s Guide to Overcoming Anxiety” by Dawn Huebner provides practical strategies for managing anxiety, tailored for children. Discuss the strategies together and encourage your child to try them out.
- Encourage your child to explore the Breathing Exercises available in the Calm app. Practising these exercises together can help them learn effective techniques to calm down during stressful moments.
5. Teenagers (Ages 13+)
Teenagers face various pressures, making it essential to engage in open dialogues about mental health. Discuss mental health issues openly and encourage them to express their thoughts and feelings. You might say, “It’s important to talk to someone if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Here’s how to reach out for help.” Empower them to seek support and reinforce that asking for help is a sign of strength.
Helpful Tools:
- “The Teen’s Guide to World Domination: How to Make the Best of Your High School Years” by Josh Shipp covers various issues teens face, including mental health, and offers practical advice for navigating these challenges. Discuss the key points and strategies with your teen.
- Encourage your teenager to use the Daily Check-Ins feature in the Calm app, which includes reflection, gratitude, and feelings tracking. This can foster self-awareness and emotional regulation, providing a structured way for them to express how they’re feeling each day.
6. Bonus Tips for Parents
- Lead by Example: Children learn by observing their parents. Model healthy emotional regulation by sharing your own feelings and coping strategies. For instance, if you feel stressed, you might say, “I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed right now, so I’m going to take a few deep breaths to calm down.”
- Create a Safe Space for Emotions: Ensure your home is a safe environment for emotional expression. Encourage your child to talk about their feelings without fear of judgement. Reassure them that it’s okay to feel sad, angry, or anxious, and that they can always come to you for support.
- Practice Mindfulness Together: Incorporate mindfulness techniques into your family routine, both proactively and reactively. Show your child how to breathe deeply, meditate, or engage in calming activities. Practising mindfulness together can help them learn to manage their emotions more effectively.
- Explore the Conscious Parenting Masterclass Series inside the Calm app: This series offers valuable insights and strategies for parents to foster a more conscious and empathetic approach to parenting. Engaging with this series can deepen your understanding of your child’s emotional needs and enhance your parenting skills.
Benefits of Calm for the Whole Family
The Calm app provides a variety of resources that benefit every family member, promoting emotional well-being and mindfulness across all ages. With complimentary premium access included in all Body & Mind programs, your family can enjoy features like guided meditations, sleep stories, breathing exercises, and more. By incorporating Calm into your family’s routine, you can create shared moments of mindfulness that foster connection and emotional resilience for everyone.
Final Thoughts
As a parent, fostering ongoing conversations about mental health is essential for your child’s emotional development, especially given the rising mental health concerns. By creating a safe environment where your child feels comfortable expressing their feelings and incorporating these bonus steps into your family life, you can significantly impact their understanding of mental health.
At Body & Mind, we’re committed to supporting the mental health and well-being of your entire family. If you’re seeking guidance on how to effectively discuss mental health with your child or would like more information on our services, including telehealth psychology, counselling or NDIS support, we’re here to help.
Reach out to us today! Let us assist you in creating a nurturing environment for your child’s emotional development and mental wellness.