Let’s be honest—parenting isn’t always easy. Between school schedules, screen time battles, and trying to get your kid to eat something green, it can feel like there’s barely time to breathe. On top of all that, we’re also trying to make sure our kids are okay emotionally.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I doing enough to support my child’s mental health?”—you’re not alone. The good news? You don’t have to be perfect to make a big difference. A few simple steps (plus knowing when to ask for help) can go a long way in helping your child feel safe, supported, and strong.

1. Let Them Know It’s Okay to Talk

One of the best gifts you can give your child is the space to talk about their feelings—without judgment.

Try asking:

“What’s something that made you smile today?”
“What was a tricky part of your day?”
“How can I help when you’re feeling upset?”

You don’t need all the answers. Just listening—really listening—can be incredibly healing.

2. Keep an Eye on the Little Signs

Kids don’t always say, “I’m anxious,” or “I’m feeling down.” Sometimes, it shows up as:

Acting out or shutting down
Changes in sleep or appetite
Avoiding school or friends
Frequent tummy aches or headaches

If something feels off, it’s okay to trust your gut. This might be a good time to explore family therapy or telehealth therapy to get some extra support—right from home, no commute required.

3. Build Everyday Habits That Support Mental Health

You don’t need a perfect routine—just a few consistent, calming habits.

Try:

Fresh air and movement (a walk, bike ride, or dance party counts!)
Regular bedtime and meals
Unplugged time (even 15 minutes helps)
Little check-ins like, “What do you need right now?”

And if getting into a rhythm feels tough, structured parent training can offer some helpful strategies—especially when emotions are running high at home.

4. Teach Coping Tools They Can Carry for Life

Life gets stressful sometimes. The goal isn’t to prevent every hard moment—but to help your child handle them when they come.

Some simple tools:

Deep breathing (“Smell the flower, blow out the candle” is great for younger kids)
Drawing, journaling, or talking it out
Naming feelings instead of bottling them up
Positive self-talk (e.g., “I can try again,” “This feeling will pass”)

Sometimes a therapist—through family therapy or even short-term telehealth therapy—can guide your child (and you!) through these skills in a safe and supportive space.

5. Make Home a Safe Landing Spot

Even on the tough days, your love and presence are more powerful than you think. Creating a home that feels safe, predictable, and warm helps kids feel grounded.

Try:

Family routines (like Taco Tuesdays or bedtime stories)
Setting clear, loving boundaries
Celebrating small wins
Letting your child know, “It’s okay to feel what you feel.”

If your child’s behavior feels overwhelming, parent training can help you understand what’s going on beneath the surface—and how to respond in ways that really work.

6. Talk About Mental Health Like You Do Physical Health

The more we normalize talking about feelings, the easier it gets for our kids to speak up when they need help.

Say things like, “It’s okay to have a hard day.”
Let them know that therapy is a normal, brave step (just like going to the doctor).
If therapy feels like a big leap, telehealth therapy is a great low-pressure place to start—from the comfort of your own space.

7. It’s Okay to Ask for Help

You are not supposed to have it all figured out. If your child is struggling—or if you’re feeling overwhelmed—there’s absolutely no shame in reaching out.

Options that might help:

A school counselor or pediatrician
A trusted local therapist
Family therapy to work on things together
Telehealth therapy for convenience and flexibility
Parent training to build new skills and confidence

Asking for help doesn’t mean you’ve failed—it means you care enough to show up in the best way you can.

You’re Doing Better Than You Think

Supporting your child’s mental wellness isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about showing up, staying curious, and knowing when to lean on others. Whether it’s a heart-to-heart over snacks, a good night’s sleep, or a call to a therapist—every step you take counts.

You’re not alone in this. And with the right support (for your child and for you), things can get better.

Resources You Can Trust:

Supporting Your Child’s Mental Wellness: A Real-Life Guide for Caregivers