Supporting Children's Mental Health: Building Confidence and Resilience

May is Mental Health Awareness month, and we are highlighting children’s mental health and how it plays an important role in a child’s overall well-being. Mental health affects how children think, feel, and handle challenges.

Why Mental Health Matters

Children experience a wide range of emotions, just like adults. Challenges like anxiety, sadness, and frustration can affect their behavior and development. By understanding a child’s needs and offering support, caregivers can help them build emotional strength and grow into confident and resilient individuals.

Harvard Medical School explains that resilience — the ability to overcome hardship and stress — is something we can learn and strengthen at any age. Caregivers can’t prevent kids from experiencing deep sadness, stress, or setbacks but when possible, caregivers can nurture a child’s ability to cope and grow from difficult experiences.

Children who have experienced childhood trauma, such as abuse, neglect, losing a loved one, or witnessing violence may show emotional, physical or behavioral changes. As caregivers, it’s important to understand how trauma impacts children and learn ways to support them.

Below are tips for caregivers on how to support a child’s mental health:

Create a Safe Space

Children need to feel safe and loved to grow emotionally. Show them that their feelings matter and that they can talk to you about anything. A stable and healthy environment helps them feel secure and valued.

Spend time talking and listening to them.
Use kind words like, “I’m here for you,” or “It’s okay to feel this way.”
Keep routines consistent to give them a sense of stability.

Encourage Trying New Things

Confidence grows when children try new activities and learn from their experiences. Let them take small risks, like trying a new hobby or solving a problem on their own. Celebrate their efforts, even if things don’t go perfectly.

Let them help with simple tasks like cooking or organizing.
Encourage them to join a club, sport, or creative activity.
Remind them that mistakes are part of learning.

Be a Role Model

Children learn by watching the adults around them. Show them how to handle challenges calmly and positively.

Use positive self-talk, like, “I’ll figure this out.”
Break big tasks into smaller steps to show problem-solving.
Stay calm during stressful moments to set an example.

Teach Healthy Ways to Handle Emotions

Help children understand and manage their feelings. Teach them simple ways to calm down and express themselves, like deep breathing or drawing. This builds their emotional resilience.

Help them name their feelings.
Practice mindfulness exercises together, like breathing deeply.
Encourage creative outlets like art, music, or journaling.

Seek Help When Needed

Sometimes, children may need extra support to manage their emotions. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a counselor, therapist, or doctor if needed. Early help can make a big difference, especially in those children who have experienced trauma.