Originally published: February 2026
Your child’s mental health grows through everyday moments—in how they play, talk, and connect with the people who care for them. The small things you do each day make a big difference. Here are nine ways to help your child build strong mental health.
1. Talk about feelings
Help your child with naming emotions along with how to talk about and cope with their emotions. Knowing how to say and show how they are feeling, in safe and healthy ways, is an important life skill. You might want to try a feelings chart. It’s a visual tool that can help your child recognize and name their emotions.
2. Hear them out
Give your full attention when your child wants to talk—even during small moments like driving or cooking together. Listen without judgment and show understanding. You might say, “That sounds hard” or “I can see why you feel that way.” This helps your child feel safe opening up.
3. Create calm and routine
Predictable routines and a peaceful environment help children feel secure. Regular mealtimes, bedtime rituals, and time outdoors can lower stress and support managing emotions in a healthy way, also called emotional regulation. Try setting aside daily “quiet time” for reading, drawing, or stretching together.
4. Build healthy habits
Good nutrition, getting enough sleep, and active play are key to emotional and physical well-being. Encourage outdoor play, enjoy meals together, limit screen time before bed and encourage other digital well-being tips. These healthy habits build resilience and stability for better mental health.
5. Help them manage stress
Teach your child that stress is normal and something that everyone experiences. Help them notice how it feels in their body—maybe butterflies in the stomach or clenched fists. Try simple calming tools like deep breathing, gentle stretches, or connecting with nature.
6. Encourage problem-solving
When challenges arise, guide rather than fix. Ask, “What do you think we could do?” or “What might help next time?” Learning to solve small problems builds confidence, independence, and coping skills.
7. Model positive coping
Children learn from watching you. Share healthy ways you manage stress—like going for a walk, taking deep breaths, or talking about feelings. This helps them see that emotions are part of being human and that it’s okay to ask for help. Show yourself some love too, as your calmness helps your child feel secure.
8. Grow kindness and purpose
Encourage your child to help others and cultivate kindness. Doing kind things builds purpose and confidence. Whether it’s sharing a toy, helping a friend, or feeding a pet, small acts of kindness help kids feel capable and connected.
9. Reach out early
You know your child best. If they seem sad, withdrawn, or have changes in sleep, appetite, or energy that last more than a few weeks, help is available. Talk to your family doctor, school health champion, or a counsellor.
You can also:
- Use a Mental health in children and youth Recovery Alberta resource
- Call Health Link at 811 anytime to speak with a registered nurse
- Visit ahs.ca/helpintoughtimesfor services and resources
- Let your child know they can reach out to Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
You don’t need to be perfect—just present. Every time you listen, encourage, and support your child, you’re helping them build lifelong mental health and resilience.
For more information, go to:
- Promoting positive mental health
- Stress in children and teens
- Learning about validating your child’s emotions
- Everyday ways to talk about mental health: Tips for families
- Your child’s mental health
