The Principle Trust Children's Charity is encouraging parents and carers to talk about children's mental health.
Talking about mental health with children can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. In the UK, mental health in children and young people is an increasingly urgent topic. It’s important to begin supportive conversations in the home, and not just through professional mental health services. The mental health charity, Mind, shared with The Principle Trust that in Bradford, contact with the charity regarding child mental health had risen by 30%, translating to 18,731 contacts, showing the increased demand for mental health support amongst children.
Here, Partnerships and Engagement Manager Kerry Magson from Skipton based The Principle Trust, a children’s charity dedicated to helping families make meaningful memories together, is encouraging parents and carers to start simple, open conversations about feelings and wellbeing. By creating moments of connection, such as on a walk, over dinner, or during a family trip, adults can help children feel safe sharing what’s on their mind.
Start Small
It all starts with small, everyday chats. Ask how your child is feeling and really listen to their answers. It’s important to avoid rushing to fix things or dismissing worries, even when they seem minor. Children don’t need perfect advice; they just need to know you’re there. Keeping language clear and kind, and reminding them that everyone has mental health, just like physical health, are excellent starts to making mental health a more open conversation.
Explore new emotions through experiences
Finding gentle ways to talk about emotions often works best when you’re doing something together. Going on a walk, cooking a meal, or exploring a new place creates natural space for conversation without pressure. The Principle Trust witnesses firsthand how shared experiences and family breaks can bring people closer together, helping children feel more relaxed and open. Those moments of joy and togetherness often lead to the most honest talks.
Keep consistent
Every child is different, so it's important to keep the conversation ongoing rather than one-off. You might talk about what helps them feel calm, what they do when they’re sad, or who they can talk to at school. As children grow, these check-ins build resilience and trust. Even if you don’t have all the answers, showing that you care and are willing to listen can really make a lasting impact.
Know when to seek help
There are so many incredible services that can provide lots of help and support to families. Whether it’s a school counsellor, a local community group, a charity or a health professional, just checking in with that third-party expert can make all the difference in the world - even if it just reassures you that everything your child is feeling is perfectly normal. Parents shouldn’t put pressure on themselves to have all the answers. It takes a village to raise a child, so lean on your village!
Talking about mental health doesn’t need to be a formal sit-down or a one-off discussion. It’s about small, honest moments that help children feel heard and supported. Whether it’s during a car journey, a walk, or quality time spent at home, being present and open can make a real difference. Every conversation helps build understanding, resilience, and trust and the foundations for positive mental wellbeing that can last a lifetime.
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