Mental health isn’t just something we talk about at the doctor’s office or during a crisis. It’s a part of our everyday lives, and that includes what happens at home. Creating an environment where feelings can be shared openly helps reduce stigma, encourages early help-seeking, and builds resilience in youth. Today, we’re exploring ways to make mental wellness a shared value in your family, along with no-cost resources to support the children and youth in your life.

Strategies for Healthy Family Communication

Talking about mental health at home can become a natural part of your family routine. One proactive way to do this is through regular check-ins with youth, where you can try asking questions like:

• “What was something that made you feel proud today?”
• “Is there anything that felt tricky or stressful?”

You can also share your own feelings and coping strategies (e.g., “I was feeling overwhelmed at work, so I took a quick walk to reset and I felt better.”)

Making your child comfortable is just as important as starting the conversation. When they open up, meet them with curiosity and care. Reassuring youth or saying “I’m glad you told me” can help them feel safe sharing their feelings and encourage them to continue doing so. Try to avoid brushing things off with phrases like “You’re fine” or “It’s not a big deal.” Even if their stress seems small to you, it’s real to them, and validating their emotions helps build trust.

Using clear and age-appropriate language is also helpful. For young children, simple explanations may work best, while conversations with teens can look a bit more complex.

Comparing mental health to physical health can make things easier to understand: “Everyone’s brain needs care, just like we care for our body.”

As you’re talking to your child, pay attention to how they respond. If they seem confused or upset, this may be a time to pause and clarify anything they misunderstood. Speak openly and respectfully about mental health challenges – avoid labelling or shaming language (e.g., “crazy” or “psycho”). If someone in your family has experienced anxiety, depression, or another condition, consider sharing that story in a way that emphasizes hope and help-seeking.

Knowing the Signs

Sometimes, behaviours that seem like moodiness or being “difficult” can actually signal underlying mental health challenges. Recognizing patterns in your child’s behaviour can help you identify when something else might be going on. Telling the difference often comes down to persistence and impact: is the behavior ongoing and not improving with typical guidance or support? Is it affecting daily life — school, friendships, sleep, or self-esteem? If so, it might be more than “misbehavior” alone.

Signs to watch for may include long-lasting sadness or irritability, sudden changes in mood that strain their relationships, or a drop in grades or school engagement. If you notice concerning behaviours, it’s okay to reach out to a qualified professional. They can help you determine the next best steps, and early support makes a meaningful difference in children’s well-being.

Stigma-Busting Activities You Can Try Together

Reducing stigma and talking about mental wellness doesn’t always need to be a serious, sit-down conversation – you can make it fun! Here are a few ideas for discussing mental health while connecting with your child:

• Family Walk & Talk: Go for a screen-free walk and let the conversation flow naturally. Movement can make it easier to talk about and process feelings.
• Movie Night: Choose a family-friendly movie together that explores emotions or mental health themes, then talk about it afterward.
• Use the Student Mental Health Toolkit: Explore no-cost resources designed for youth and families in the Students Activities and Resources for Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers section. These tools are designed to help you teach youth coping strategies and support your wellness as a caregiver.

Resource Spotlight: The Caregiver Manual

Our Caregiver Manual, Caring for Yourself While Caring for Your Child’s Mental Health, is a free, practical guide for caregivers of all kinds to help create a Stigma-Free home. Inside, you’ll find printable mental health activities you can complete together as a family. You’ll also discover ways to strengthen your own well-being while building connections with youth in your care. The manual features expert tips from Psychiatrist and CEO of Future Ready Minds, Dr. Shimi Kang, MD, FRCPC. It’s a valuable resource for parents and anyone who supports youth, with tools that can be adapted to fit your family’s needs.

Access the Caregiver Manual Here

There’s no single “right” way to talk about mental health. What matters most is being present, staying open, and learning alongside your child. Thank you for creating a home where youth mental wellness is supported and stigma has no place.

Let’s keep the conversation going:

Explore our Stigma-Free School Program and find more resources for caregivers through the Student Mental Health Toolkit. If you have any questions, we’re here to help: reach out to our team anytime.

References

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. (2017, July). Talking to kids about mental illnesses.

Pereira-Smith, S. (2025, July 11). Everyday Ways to talk about Mental Health: Tips for families. Healthy Children.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2023, April 24). For parents and caregivers of children. SAMHSA. 

Author: Monique Zizzo