May is Mental Health Awareness Month a time to shine a light on the emotional well\u2011being of our communities. While mental health affects people of all ages, children and their caregivers face unique challenges that deserve special attention. Kids today navigate academic pressures, social changes, and a rapidly shifting world. At the same time, caregivers often juggle their own stress while trying to support the young people who depend on them. Understanding children\u2019s mental health and the well\u2011being of the adults who care for them is essential for building resilient families and communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why Children\u2019s Mental Health Matters<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\nChildren\u2019s mental health shapes how they learn, build relationships, and cope with challenges. According to the CDC\u2019s Youth Risk Behavior Survey<\/a>, 42% of high school students reported feeling persistently sad or hopeless, and nearly one\u2011third described their mental health as poor. These numbers highlight a growing need for awareness, early intervention, and open conversations.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSocial determinants<\/a> that are important for the mental health of children<\/h5>\n\n\n\n\n- Access to basic social needs for the family<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Caregiver health and parenting behavior<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Life experiences in the home and the community<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Children thrive when they feel safe, heard, and supported both at home and in school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Caregiver\u2019s Role: Support Starts with You<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\nCaregivers, parents, guardians, teachers, and child\u2011serving professionals play a central role in shaping a child\u2019s emotional world. But supporting a child\u2019s mental health begins with caring for yourself. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Caregiver self\u2011care isn\u2019t optional, it\u2019s foundational.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nWhen caregivers tend to their own emotional needs: they model healthy coping skills, they respond more calmly to children\u2019s distress, and they build resilience for themselves and their families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to Support Children\u2019s Mental Health Every Day<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n1. Create space for open conversations<\/a><\/strong>. Children often test the waters before opening up. Staying calm, using open body language, and letting them lead the conversation encourages trust. Prompts like \u201cTell me more about that\u201d<\/em> help keep dialogue flowing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n2. Watch for signs of emotional distress<\/a>.<\/strong> These may include sadness that last two or more weeks, having outbursts or being very moody or testy, loss of weight, trouble sleeping or doing poorly in school. Early recognition can make a significant difference. <\/p>\n\n\n\n3. Build routines that promote stability<\/a><\/strong>. Predictable schedules, consistent expectations, and shared family time help children feel grounded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n4. Encourage healthy coping strategies<\/strong>.<\/a> Teach and model, deep breathing, journaling, physical activity, and creative expression. <\/p>\n\n\n\n5. Seek support when needed<\/strong>.<\/a> Mental health challenges are common and treatable. Tools like parent mental health screens, family care navigators, and support groups can guide caregivers toward the right resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHelpful Resources for Families and Caregivers<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\nHere are trusted organizations offering tools, screenings, and guidance: Mental Health America<\/strong> <\/a>has Caregiver Tools, Parent mental health screenings and support directories. Kids Mental Health Foundation<\/strong><\/a> has free resources for starting conversations, activities and videos for children, and guidance from child mental health experts. Child Care Resources Center (CCRC)<\/a><\/strong> have strategies for addressing mental health concerns in children and families, and information on common mental health disorders. CDC Foundation <\/a><\/strong>has data and insights on youth mental trends and tips for supporting students and families. More resources can be found at UNICEF USA <\/a><\/strong>regarding protecting your child’s mental health at every age. <\/p>\n\n\n\nLove You, Kid! proudly supports the Wisconsin Alliance for Infant Mental Health (WI-AIMH)<\/a><\/strong>. WI-AIMH is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of social-emotional learning and relationship-based practices through raising public awareness, providing resources for professional development, and advocating for policies that are in the best interest of infants, young children, and their families. Check out the video, \u201cWhy Invest in Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health?\u201d on their website to learn more.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFinal Thoughts<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\nChildren\u2019s mental health is a shared responsibility and a shared opportunity. By nurturing open communication, supporting caregiver well\u2011being, and accessing trusted resources, families can build strong foundations for emotional resilience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This May, let\u2019s commit to listening more deeply, supporting more intentionally, and advocating more boldly for the mental health of every child and caregiver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, confidential, free, 24\/7\/365 help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/loveyoukid.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Mark-Steinberg_headshot_2019_cropped-1024x1024.jpg\")
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Social determinants<\/a> that are important for the mental health of children<\/h5>\n\n\n\n\n- Access to basic social needs for the family<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Caregiver health and parenting behavior<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Life experiences in the home and the community<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Children thrive when they feel safe, heard, and supported both at home and in school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Caregiver\u2019s Role: Support Starts with You<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\nCaregivers, parents, guardians, teachers, and child\u2011serving professionals play a central role in shaping a child\u2019s emotional world. But supporting a child\u2019s mental health begins with caring for yourself. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Caregiver self\u2011care isn\u2019t optional, it\u2019s foundational.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nWhen caregivers tend to their own emotional needs: they model healthy coping skills, they respond more calmly to children\u2019s distress, and they build resilience for themselves and their families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to Support Children\u2019s Mental Health Every Day<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n1. Create space for open conversations<\/a><\/strong>. Children often test the waters before opening up. Staying calm, using open body language, and letting them lead the conversation encourages trust. Prompts like \u201cTell me more about that\u201d<\/em> help keep dialogue flowing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n2. Watch for signs of emotional distress<\/a>.<\/strong> These may include sadness that last two or more weeks, having outbursts or being very moody or testy, loss of weight, trouble sleeping or doing poorly in school. Early recognition can make a significant difference. <\/p>\n\n\n\n3. Build routines that promote stability<\/a><\/strong>. Predictable schedules, consistent expectations, and shared family time help children feel grounded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n4. Encourage healthy coping strategies<\/strong>.<\/a> Teach and model, deep breathing, journaling, physical activity, and creative expression. <\/p>\n\n\n\n5. Seek support when needed<\/strong>.<\/a> Mental health challenges are common and treatable. Tools like parent mental health screens, family care navigators, and support groups can guide caregivers toward the right resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHelpful Resources for Families and Caregivers<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\nHere are trusted organizations offering tools, screenings, and guidance: Mental Health America<\/strong> <\/a>has Caregiver Tools, Parent mental health screenings and support directories. Kids Mental Health Foundation<\/strong><\/a> has free resources for starting conversations, activities and videos for children, and guidance from child mental health experts. Child Care Resources Center (CCRC)<\/a><\/strong> have strategies for addressing mental health concerns in children and families, and information on common mental health disorders. CDC Foundation <\/a><\/strong>has data and insights on youth mental trends and tips for supporting students and families. More resources can be found at UNICEF USA <\/a><\/strong>regarding protecting your child’s mental health at every age. <\/p>\n\n\n\nLove You, Kid! proudly supports the Wisconsin Alliance for Infant Mental Health (WI-AIMH)<\/a><\/strong>. WI-AIMH is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of social-emotional learning and relationship-based practices through raising public awareness, providing resources for professional development, and advocating for policies that are in the best interest of infants, young children, and their families. Check out the video, \u201cWhy Invest in Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health?\u201d on their website to learn more.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFinal Thoughts<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\nChildren\u2019s mental health is a shared responsibility and a shared opportunity. By nurturing open communication, supporting caregiver well\u2011being, and accessing trusted resources, families can build strong foundations for emotional resilience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This May, let\u2019s commit to listening more deeply, supporting more intentionally, and advocating more boldly for the mental health of every child and caregiver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, confidential, free, 24\/7\/365 help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Children thrive when they feel safe, heard, and supported both at home and in school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Caregiver\u2019s Role: Support Starts with You<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\nCaregivers, parents, guardians, teachers, and child\u2011serving professionals play a central role in shaping a child\u2019s emotional world. But supporting a child\u2019s mental health begins with caring for yourself. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Caregiver self\u2011care isn\u2019t optional, it\u2019s foundational.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nWhen caregivers tend to their own emotional needs: they model healthy coping skills, they respond more calmly to children\u2019s distress, and they build resilience for themselves and their families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to Support Children\u2019s Mental Health Every Day<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n1. Create space for open conversations<\/a><\/strong>. Children often test the waters before opening up. Staying calm, using open body language, and letting them lead the conversation encourages trust. Prompts like \u201cTell me more about that\u201d<\/em> help keep dialogue flowing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n2. Watch for signs of emotional distress<\/a>.<\/strong> These may include sadness that last two or more weeks, having outbursts or being very moody or testy, loss of weight, trouble sleeping or doing poorly in school. Early recognition can make a significant difference. <\/p>\n\n\n\n3. Build routines that promote stability<\/a><\/strong>. Predictable schedules, consistent expectations, and shared family time help children feel grounded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n4. Encourage healthy coping strategies<\/strong>.<\/a> Teach and model, deep breathing, journaling, physical activity, and creative expression. <\/p>\n\n\n\n5. Seek support when needed<\/strong>.<\/a> Mental health challenges are common and treatable. Tools like parent mental health screens, family care navigators, and support groups can guide caregivers toward the right resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHelpful Resources for Families and Caregivers<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\nHere are trusted organizations offering tools, screenings, and guidance: Mental Health America<\/strong> <\/a>has Caregiver Tools, Parent mental health screenings and support directories. Kids Mental Health Foundation<\/strong><\/a> has free resources for starting conversations, activities and videos for children, and guidance from child mental health experts. Child Care Resources Center (CCRC)<\/a><\/strong> have strategies for addressing mental health concerns in children and families, and information on common mental health disorders. CDC Foundation <\/a><\/strong>has data and insights on youth mental trends and tips for supporting students and families. More resources can be found at UNICEF USA <\/a><\/strong>regarding protecting your child’s mental health at every age. <\/p>\n\n\n\nLove You, Kid! proudly supports the Wisconsin Alliance for Infant Mental Health (WI-AIMH)<\/a><\/strong>. WI-AIMH is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of social-emotional learning and relationship-based practices through raising public awareness, providing resources for professional development, and advocating for policies that are in the best interest of infants, young children, and their families. Check out the video, \u201cWhy Invest in Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health?\u201d on their website to learn more.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFinal Thoughts<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\nChildren\u2019s mental health is a shared responsibility and a shared opportunity. By nurturing open communication, supporting caregiver well\u2011being, and accessing trusted resources, families can build strong foundations for emotional resilience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This May, let\u2019s commit to listening more deeply, supporting more intentionally, and advocating more boldly for the mental health of every child and caregiver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, confidential, free, 24\/7\/365 help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
When caregivers tend to their own emotional needs: they model healthy coping skills, they respond more calmly to children\u2019s distress, and they build resilience for themselves and their families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to Support Children\u2019s Mental Health Every Day<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n1. Create space for open conversations<\/a><\/strong>. Children often test the waters before opening up. Staying calm, using open body language, and letting them lead the conversation encourages trust. Prompts like \u201cTell me more about that\u201d<\/em> help keep dialogue flowing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n2. Watch for signs of emotional distress<\/a>.<\/strong> These may include sadness that last two or more weeks, having outbursts or being very moody or testy, loss of weight, trouble sleeping or doing poorly in school. Early recognition can make a significant difference. <\/p>\n\n\n\n3. Build routines that promote stability<\/a><\/strong>. Predictable schedules, consistent expectations, and shared family time help children feel grounded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n4. Encourage healthy coping strategies<\/strong>.<\/a> Teach and model, deep breathing, journaling, physical activity, and creative expression. <\/p>\n\n\n\n5. Seek support when needed<\/strong>.<\/a> Mental health challenges are common and treatable. Tools like parent mental health screens, family care navigators, and support groups can guide caregivers toward the right resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHelpful Resources for Families and Caregivers<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\nHere are trusted organizations offering tools, screenings, and guidance: Mental Health America<\/strong> <\/a>has Caregiver Tools, Parent mental health screenings and support directories. Kids Mental Health Foundation<\/strong><\/a> has free resources for starting conversations, activities and videos for children, and guidance from child mental health experts. Child Care Resources Center (CCRC)<\/a><\/strong> have strategies for addressing mental health concerns in children and families, and information on common mental health disorders. CDC Foundation <\/a><\/strong>has data and insights on youth mental trends and tips for supporting students and families. More resources can be found at UNICEF USA <\/a><\/strong>regarding protecting your child’s mental health at every age. <\/p>\n\n\n\nLove You, Kid! proudly supports the Wisconsin Alliance for Infant Mental Health (WI-AIMH)<\/a><\/strong>. WI-AIMH is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of social-emotional learning and relationship-based practices through raising public awareness, providing resources for professional development, and advocating for policies that are in the best interest of infants, young children, and their families. Check out the video, \u201cWhy Invest in Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health?\u201d on their website to learn more.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFinal Thoughts<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\nChildren\u2019s mental health is a shared responsibility and a shared opportunity. By nurturing open communication, supporting caregiver well\u2011being, and accessing trusted resources, families can build strong foundations for emotional resilience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This May, let\u2019s commit to listening more deeply, supporting more intentionally, and advocating more boldly for the mental health of every child and caregiver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, confidential, free, 24\/7\/365 help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
2. Watch for signs of emotional distress<\/a>.<\/strong> These may include sadness that last two or more weeks, having outbursts or being very moody or testy, loss of weight, trouble sleeping or doing poorly in school. Early recognition can make a significant difference. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Build routines that promote stability<\/a><\/strong>. Predictable schedules, consistent expectations, and shared family time help children feel grounded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4. Encourage healthy coping strategies<\/strong>.<\/a> Teach and model, deep breathing, journaling, physical activity, and creative expression. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 5. Seek support when needed<\/strong>.<\/a> Mental health challenges are common and treatable. Tools like parent mental health screens, family care navigators, and support groups can guide caregivers toward the right resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are trusted organizations offering tools, screenings, and guidance: Mental Health America<\/strong> <\/a>has Caregiver Tools, Parent mental health screenings and support directories. Kids Mental Health Foundation<\/strong><\/a> has free resources for starting conversations, activities and videos for children, and guidance from child mental health experts. Child Care Resources Center (CCRC)<\/a><\/strong> have strategies for addressing mental health concerns in children and families, and information on common mental health disorders. CDC Foundation <\/a><\/strong>has data and insights on youth mental trends and tips for supporting students and families. More resources can be found at UNICEF USA <\/a><\/strong>regarding protecting your child’s mental health at every age. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Love You, Kid! proudly supports the Wisconsin Alliance for Infant Mental Health (WI-AIMH)<\/a><\/strong>. WI-AIMH is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of social-emotional learning and relationship-based practices through raising public awareness, providing resources for professional development, and advocating for policies that are in the best interest of infants, young children, and their families. Check out the video, \u201cWhy Invest in Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health?\u201d on their website to learn more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Children\u2019s mental health is a shared responsibility and a shared opportunity. By nurturing open communication, supporting caregiver well\u2011being, and accessing trusted resources, families can build strong foundations for emotional resilience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This May, let\u2019s commit to listening more deeply, supporting more intentionally, and advocating more boldly for the mental health of every child and caregiver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, confidential, free, 24\/7\/365 help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHelpful Resources for Families and Caregivers<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Final Thoughts<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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