How to Talk to Your Kids About Mental Health: Building Trust and Resilience from an Early Age

Talking to kids about mental health can feel daunting, especially when our own experiences with it have been complex or challenging. However, starting these conversations early is essential to nurturing emotional resilience and trust. At Evolve Supply Co., we’re committed to making mental health a topic that families can approach openly and confidently. This belief fuels not only our donations to Rise Above The Disorder, covering therapy costs for those in need, but also our Let’s Talk About It Blog, where we discuss mental health topics for all ages.

When I first started talking to my own child about mental health, I honestly didn’t have a roadmap. Like many Canadian parents, I was navigating my own journey, including struggles with anxiety and trauma, and the last thing I wanted was to make my child feel uncertain or afraid. But over time, I realized the importance of normalizing mental health conversations at home. I wanted him to know that feelings—whether positive or difficult—are just a part of being human. These talks have not only deepened our bond but have empowered him to come to me when he’s feeling overwhelmed, knowing he’ll find a safe space without judgment.

 

 

Why Talking About Mental Health Matters for Kids in Canada

According to a recent study by the Canadian Mental Health Association, about 1 in 5 children in Canada experience mental health challenges. That’s 20% of our young population, yet only about one-third receive the help they need. These numbers underscore why it’s crucial to start conversations early. Kids who feel comfortable discussing their emotions are more likely to ask for help and develop healthy coping mechanisms.

I’ve seen firsthand how simply being open can make a difference. When I openly share about days when I feel anxious or when my emotions feel heavy, my child sees that it’s okay to talk about hard feelings. In a world where mental health is still stigmatized, these small, honest exchanges can help break down barriers for the next generation. Our goal at Evolve Supply Co. is to be part of this positive shift, not only through our products but through actionable resources that parents and families can use to open up this crucial dialogue.

 

5 Tips for Talking to Kids and Teens About Mental Health

Here’s what I’ve found helpful in my own journey with my son. These tips have been shaped by both personal experiences and lessons learned along the way:

1. Create a Safe Space for Listening
   Kids need to know that there’s no judgment waiting when they open up. I often remind my child, “You can tell me anything, and I’ll listen.” This open-door policy took time to build but has been so worth it. Creating this safe space at home means my child feels comfortable talking to me before things build up or feel overwhelming.
2. Use Age-Appropriate Language
   With younger kids, mental health terms like “anxiety” or “depression” can feel overwhelming. Instead, I talk about “big feelings” or “days that feel harder.” When I first shared my own experiences with feeling anxious, I described it as having “a heart that beats faster when I’m feeling a bit too worried,” which made it relatable and less intimidating.
3. Share Your Own Feelings (Within Reason)
   Children learn so much by example. When I share about a challenging day, it lets my child see that adults have hard feelings, too, and that’s okay. I explain how I cope, whether it’s through breathing exercises, talking it out, or simply resting. This openness encourages him to express his own feelings without fear of being misunderstood or “too much.”
4. Emphasize Mental Health as Part of Overall Health
   In Canada, we teach kids about taking care of their physical health—brushing teeth, eating healthy, staying active. I explain to my son that mental health is similar: it’s another part of us that needs care and attention. By talking about it like this, he sees it as a normal part of life and not something to hide or avoid.
5. Answer Their Questions Honestly
   Kids are naturally curious, and they’ll likely have questions. My son once asked, “Why do people feel sad if they’re not hurt?” Answering honestly without overloading him with information has helped him understand that emotions can sometimes feel confusing but are always valid. Letting kids ask these questions shows them that their thoughts matter and that they’re safe to explore these topics with us.

 

 

My Personal Experience: Why These Conversations Matter So Much

Starting mental health conversations with my son has been a learning curve. I often questioned if I was saying the right thing, if he would understand, or if it might worry him. But I’ve learned that being open, even when it’s imperfect, is far better than saying nothing at all. Knowing that he can come to me when he’s feeling overwhelmed or even just a little unsure has been one of the most rewarding parts of our relationship.

At Evolve Supply Co., we aim to create more spaces for these vital conversations. Through our contributions to Rise Above The Disorder, we’re helping more people access therapy and mental health resources, regardless of their financial situation. And on our Let’s Talk About It Blog, we provide practical advice and personal stories that resonate with families navigating similar journeys.

 

 

Final Thoughts: Raising Emotionally Resilient Kids

Mental health isn’t just an “adult issue,” and it’s critical to teach our kids that their feelings matter. Starting these conversations early helps them recognize that they’re never alone and that seeking help is a strength, not a weakness. In a country where 70% of mental health problems begin during childhood or adolescence, it’s crucial to give our kids the tools to navigate their emotional world with confidence.

At Evolve Supply Co., we’re here to support you in building those bridges. With every purchase, 20% goes directly toward mental health resources, like therapy, through Rise Above The Disorder. Together, let’s raise a generation that sees mental health as part of life and knows that help is always within reach.

If you found these tips helpful, explore more on our Let’s Talk About It Blog for additional resources on mental health conversations, coping strategies, and ways to foster emotional wellness at every age.

Xo 

Tyler