Helping your child to explore and understand their emotions

Children's Mental Health Week is all about helping young people feel strong and supported in their mental well-being. 

This year’s theme - ‘Know Yourself, Grow Yourself’ - encourages young people to understand and express their feelings, and highlights the importance of self-awareness for emotional growth and lasting resilience.  

It’s not always easy talk about how we’re feeling. Try these five pointers to help guide your child in exploring their emotions. 

Use everyday moments for emotional learning 

Connecting emotions to moments in everyday life will help your child develop their emotional vocabulary and problem-solving skills. For example, if they’re frustrated by homework, talk about how that feels and initiate a conversation about ways to manage it. 

Delve into stories and play  

Books, stories, and role-playing games can help children explore emotions in a way that is safe and relatable. Pick stories with emotional challenges and resolutions, chat through how the characters felt and ask your child what they’d do in a similar situation. 

Be a role model for emotional awareness 

Children learn by observing, so share your own feelings in an age-appropriate way. For example, you could discuss how you’re feeling nervous ahead of an important work meeting, then show your child how taking deep breaths helps you restore your inner calm.  

Teach coping strategies 

Besides deep breathing, introduce your child to other simple techniques such as journaling, mindful drawing or meditation. Practice them together to show your child their emotions are valid and that they’re not alone. 

Practice naming emotions 

Emotions can sometimes feel overwhelming, but giving them a name will help your child manage them. Try using tools like flash cards, emojis or an emotion wheel. Stick to simple words like ‘angry’, ‘confused or ‘happy’. 

For more help supporting a child or young person dealing with anxiety, check out SilverCloud’s free, online courses.  

You don’t need to see a GP, keep to appointments or visit a clinic. Work through them with your child in the comfort of your own home at a time and pace that fits in with your lifestyle.  

Find out more or sign up today and download the app: SilverCloud. Making Space For Healthy Minds

Published: 03/02/2025