How do we talk about mental health with children? I was feeling anxious just before we took our son to see a counselor for the first time. Based on helpful advice from our pediatrician and parenting resources, I told my son that we see helpers and doctors for all kinds of things. Everyone needs help sometimes. I said that this “feelings doctor” was going to help us talk about some big feelings. I shared with my son that several times in my adult life, going to see a feelings doctor (counselor) has helped me.
As caregivers, we can name the range of feelings that we experience and encourage children to name those feelings too. We can also invite children to bring their feelings to God in prayer. God welcomes all feelings and loves us no matter how we feel.
We can also encourage children’s mental heath through active listening, validating feelings, and working together to develop strategies to cope with challenges. We can also establish daily routines, plan shared activities and spend time in nature.
This message is excerpted from “When we know better we do better” by Lisa A. Smith in the May/June 2024 Gather magazine.
Copyright © 2025 Women of the ELCA. Inquiries for permission to reproduce should be directed to [email protected]. If you enjoy this resource, Donate Now.