Talking to Kids About Mental Health

From “16 and Pregnant” to “Teen Mom: The Next Chapter,” Teen Mom has never shied away from highlighting the real-life issues impacting young people and their families. From season to season, we get to see parents thoughtfully navigating tough conversations with their kids and checking in with them during challenging times. 

Every parent and caregiver, no matter their age, encounters these types of situations and can play a vital role in supporting their kids’ emotional well-being. Below are tips and resources from mental health experts to help you start the conversation, improve how you respond and go further on specific issues. You can also find out how to A.S.K. – Acknowledge, Support, and Keep-in-Touch – a simple yet powerful emotional support tool to keep in your back pocket.

 

Start The Conversation

Figuring out how best to approach your kids about their feelings can feel daunting, and that’s why these organizations have given great tips for where to begin, what language to consider, and how to make checking in and opening up a daily habit with your kids. 

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Start meaningful conversations

Get tips, reflection questions, and dialogue prompts for how to start the conversation.
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Help Kids Dare to Share

Discover some tips and suggested language for how to talk openly about mental health challenges, start a conversation or seek support.
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Start talking about emotions

Navigate questions that will help you create the habit of sharing. 

Listen and Provide Support

When young people open up about what they’re going through, it’s important to listen, acknowledge their feelings, and provide support. Check out these tips to practice active listening and tackle tough topics together.

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How to Talk to Kids About Tough Topics

Help kids navigate tough situations like divorce, parental addiction, grief, and more with these specific resource guides.
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Problem Solving & Giving Advice

Help teach your children how to navigate challenging situations.

 
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Learn how to talk about emotions

Learn about topics and emotions your child may be experiencing and how to provide support

 

Go Further

If you want to dig deeper and find more ways you can be there for your kids, check out this parenting guide, podcast, and framework, as well as specific tools for non-caregiver adults looking to reach a child in their life, and caregivers of kids who have left the home. 

Need help now?

If you’re struggling and need to talk to someone, you’re not alone. There are lots of free, confidential resources available 24/7.