Home
Apple News
Children’s Mental Health Week: how to talk to your child when they’re struggling

Children’s Mental Health Week: how to talk to your child when they’re struggling

Many parents worry about saying the wrong thing when it comes to mental health, but saying nothing can matter more. Mental health charity Mind shares expert advice on how to start supportive conversations with your child, even when they don’t want to open up.

Rear view of a mixed race African-American and Hispanic father and his teenage 13 year old son. They are sitting outdoors on a park bench with a view of a city waterfront. The man is giving the teenage boy some fatherly advice.

Hollie Bond

Published: February 10, 2026 at 9:40 AM

Save

Children’s Mental Health Week 2026 is a powerful reminder that emotional wellbeing matters just as much as physical health – but for many parents, knowing how to talk to their child about mental health can feel overwhelming.

Watching your child struggle with their mental health is extremely distressing, and starting the conversation can push both of you out of your comfort zone. To help, we spoke to mental health charity Mind for expert guidance on how to broach the subject of mental health with your child, whether they’re already struggling or not.

While we might assume today’s young people are more emotionally open than previous generations, recent data from Mind suggests otherwise. Forty-five per cent of teenagers and young adults (aged 16–24) say not talking about mental health is better than having an awkward conversation – compared to just 19% of 65–74 year olds. That makes parental support and reassurance more important than ever.

Children’s Mental Health Week is the perfect moment to take those first steps – helping your child feel safe, supported and confident that they can come to you, whatever they’re dealing with.

What is Children’s Mental Health Week?

Children’s Mental Health Week is an annual awareness week that aims to shine a spotlight on the importance of children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing. Led by children’s mental health charity Place2Be, the week encourages families, schools and communities to start conversations, reduce stigma and help children understand their emotions. Each year focuses on helping young people feel supported, heard and empowered to look after their mental health.

Find out more here

How to start the conversation when your child is struggling

Father and daughter talking in the car view from behind

If you've noticed your child is struggling with something but they aren't opening up to you about it, it can be scary and stressful. However, it's important not show your stress or get agitated with your child and approach the matter carefully and thoughtfully. Dr Sarah Hughes, CEO of Mind suggests the following steps:

Choose the right moment – find a comfortable time and place to talk, like while doing an activity together.
Use open-ended questions – for example, “I’ve noticed you haven’t seemed yourself lately—do you want to talk?”
Be patient – if they’re not ready to talk, let them know you’re there when they are.
Consider different communication methods – if face-to-face is difficult, try texting, writing a letter, or chatting while walking or driving.
Minimise distractions – give them your full attention and use open body language to show you’re engaged.

What to do if your child won’t talk – and you’re worried

If you've tried all of the methods above and your child still won't open up to you, you may need some extra help. "If you feel worried that they may attempt suicide, or have seriously hurt themselves, this is an emergency," says Sarah Hughes. "You can call 999 and ask for an ambulance or go straight to A&E if you can."

If it's not an emergency but you're not making any progress opening up a channel of communication with your child, don't worry – sometimes telling people you love how you're feeling is the hardest thing of all and there are other ways to support your child. Mind suggests the following options:

Encourage talking to other trusted adults – they might feel more comfortable talking to a teacher, coach, or another family member.
Professional support – suggest they could speak to a school counsellor, GP, or mental health professional.
Helplines and online resources – services like Childline, YoungMinds, or Koothoffer confidential support.
Peer support groups – sometimes, connecting with others who have similar experiences can be helpful.

How to encourage open conversations from an early age

a rearview shot of a mother and daughter talking about their feelings

The earlier you can make talking about feelings and emotions a natural, everyday part of life for your child the easier it should be for them to come to you if they ever experience mental health problems in the future. Even if you're already navigating the mysterious world of teenagers, don't worry, it's never too late to start implementing some of these strategies from Mind below:

Check-in regularly – mental health changes all the time, so don’t wait until they’re struggling to start conversations.
Don't be afraid to ask how they are – they might want to talk about it, or they might not, but letting them know you’re there for them is just as important. Spending time with them, if you can, lets them know you care, and can help you understand what they're going through.
Ask how you can help – they will want support at different times and in different ways. This could be supporting them to exercise more or keeping track of medication or healthcare appointments.
Be open-minded – try to be non-judgemental and listen. Someone experiencing a mental health problem often knows best what's helpful for them.
Show trust and respect – consistently show interest in their thoughts and feelings, even about small things.
Don’t just talk about mental health – talking about mental health and wellbeing with them is important but it's only one part of your lives. Keep talking about things you've always talked about together and treat them the same as before.

Can you reduce the risk of mental health problems?

It's impossible to 100% prevent your child suffering from mental health issues, however there are steps you can take to help reduce the risk. These include fostering a supportive home environment and encouraging healthy habits.

Talking about how you’re feeling… might help them to open up too.

Dr Sarah Hughes, CEO of Mind

"Offer support for stressful things, like schoolwork and exams," says Sarah Hughes. "You can also help them take care of their wellbeing by encouraging activities like mindfulness, exercise, or pursuing creative outlets. Check up on their physical health too, like making sure they're eating well and sleeping enough."

As with all things in parenting, leading by example is also key to ensuring your child knows how to behave and react to their own mental health struggles. "Talk about how you're feeling," says Dr Sarah Hughes. "Being open about your own mental health and wellbeing might help them to open up too. And reassure them they’re not alone. Remind them that it’s okay to struggle and that support is always available."

For more information and support call Mind on 0300 123 3393 or visit mind.org.uk

Authors

journalist and two young kids sat on a bench in France for a review of Eurocamp

Hollie BondSenior Digital Journalist

Hollie is Senior Digital Journalist at MadeForMums. She writes articles about pregnancy, parenting, child health and getting pregnant. She has written for a number of national lifestyle magazines and websites over the past 12 years including Family History Monthly, You and Your Wedding and Muddy Stilettos. She has two children aged 5 and 8 and hasn't slept since 2017!