Children’s Mental Health Week is a timely reminder that emotional wellbeing is just as important as physical health. For many children today, growing up feels complicated. They are navigating academic pressure, social media, global uncertainty and the lasting impact of disrupted routines and relationships. As adults, we play a vital role in helping children feel safe, understood, and supported.
Mental health isn’t about avoiding difficulties; it’s about giving children the tools, relationships and confidence to cope with them.
What challenges are children facing right now?
Many children and young people are experiencing:
- Anxiety and worry, including fears about school, friendships, the future, or the wider world
- Pressure to achieve, academically and socially
- Low self-esteem, often linked to comparison and online influences
- Loneliness or isolation, even when surrounded by others
- Difficulties expressing emotions, leading to withdrawal, anger or challenging behaviour
These struggles don’t always show up as sadness. They can look like tummy aches, sleep problems, irritability, avoidance or sudden changes in behaviour.
The good news is that small, consistent actions can make a real difference. The 5 Ways to Wellbeing offer a helpful framework for supporting children’s mental health in everyday life.
The 5 Ways to Wellbeing: Practical Support for Children
1. Connect – Relationships matter
Strong, trusting relationships are the foundation of good mental health.
How to help:
- Make time for regular, distraction-free conversations
- Listen without rushing to fix or judge
- Acknowledge feelings, even when behaviour needs addressing
- Help children build positive peer relationships
For teachers, this might mean greeting pupils by name or checking in quietly with a child who seems withdrawn. For parents, it could be shared meals, bedtime chats or walks together.
Feeling connected helps children feel safe and valued
2. Be Active – Movement supports mood
Physical activity is closely linked to emotional wellbeing. It helps reduce stress, improve sleep and boost confidence.
How to help:
- Encourage play, not just structured exercise
- Model active behaviour as adults
- Build movement into the school day where possible
- Focus on enjoyment rather than performance
This doesn’t have to mean sports clubs. Dancing in the kitchen, walking to school or outdoor play all count.
3. Take Notice – Helping children understand emotions
Children benefit from learning to recognise and name their feelings.
How to help:
- Talk openly about emotions – yours and theirs
- Encourage noticing small positives in the day
- Use calming activities like breathing, drawing or time outdoors
- Help children recognise when they need a break
Taking notice builds emotional literacy and helps children develop self-awareness and resilience.
4. Keep Learning – Confidence grows through growth
Learning new skills helps children feel capable and hopeful.
How to help:
- Praise effort, not just outcomes
- Normalise mistakes as part of learning
- Encourage curiosity and creativity
- Support interests outside academic achievement
When children believe they can learn and improve, setbacks feel more manageable.
5. Give – Kindness builds belonging
Acts of kindness help children feel connected and purposeful.
How to help:
- Encourage helping others in small ways
- Recognise and celebrate kind behaviour
- Provide opportunities to contribute at home or school
- Model empathy and compassion
- Giving reminds children that they matter and that they can make a positive difference.
When extra support is needed
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, children need additional help. Asking for support is a strength, not a failure.
UK mental health support and helplines
NHS 111 (option 2) For urgent mental health support
GP or School Mental Health Team
Darlington Mind - 01325 283169 / [email protected]
PAPYRUS (prevention of young suicide)
Telephone: 0800 068 4141
Text: 07860039967
(Open Monday to Friday 9am – 10pm, Weekends & Bank Holidays 2pm – 10pm)
The Mix (aimed at people under 25)
Telephone: 0808 808 4994
Crisis Text Message Service: Text THEMIX to 85258
Shout
Text Shout to 85258
Support Line
Telephone: 01708 765200
Email: [email protected]
If a child is in immediate danger, call 999
A shared responsibility
Children’s Mental Health Week reminds us that supporting wellbeing isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about showing up consistently, listening carefully and creating environments where children feel safe to be themselves.
By working together - parents, teachers, schools and communities - and by embedding the 5 Ways to Wellbeing into daily life, we can help children build the emotional foundations they need, not just for this week, but for life.
Useful Links
Find out more about the Five Ways to Wellbeing - 5 Ways to Wellbeing
Go Bright for Mind at your school or club! - Go Bright for Mind
Find out about young people's services - Services and Support
Find out about our support for adults - Adult Services and Support