A Mental Health Awareness Month Reflection

May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to reflect on what it really means to support the emotional well-being of the children in our lives (and ourselves). Mental health is health. And just like physical health, it needs our attention, care, and conversation—early and often.

I’ve seen how everyday moments, reading a book, asking how someone feels, pausing to take a breath, can quietly shape a child’s ability to cope, connect, and feel safe in the world.

Here are five gentle ways we can support children's mental health this month and beyond:

1. Stories that Normalize Big Feelings

Books are a powerful way to help children explore emotions, navigate challenges, and understand themselves.

When we read about characters who feel angry, nervous, brave, or sad, it gives children permission to feel those things too. Picture books can gently open the door to important conversations, without pressure.

💡 Try this: After reading a story, ask “Have you ever felt like that character?” or “What would you do if you were in their shoes?”

📚 Book Recommendation (Ages 0–3):

 “Llama Llama Misses Mama” by Anna Dewdney 

This sweet rhyming book gently explores separation anxiety and reassures little ones that grown-ups always return.

2. Language for Emotional Understanding

Young children don’t always have the words to describe what’s going on inside. That’s where books come in.

By using books, play, and open conversation to introduce words like "frustrated," "curious," or "overwhelmed," we give kids the tools to name and regulate their emotions—a foundational skill for mental well-being.

🗣 Remember: When kids can talk about their feelings, they’re less likely to act them out in challenging ways.

📚 Book Recommendation (Ages 3–6): 

“The Color Monster: A Story About Emotions” by Anna Llenas 

This is a vibrant, interactive book that helps children recognize and label emotions by color, perfect for early learners.

3. Connection in Everyday Rituals

Whether it’s a bedtime story, a morning snuggle, or five quiet minutes on the couch, small routines create feelings of safety.

These rituals remind kids that they’re loved, seen, and supported, no matter what kind of day they’re having. And in a sometimes overwhelming world, that sense of consistency and closeness can be deeply reassuring.

✨ Pro tip: Let your child pick the book or lead the routine. Choice builds confidence and connection.

📚 Book Recommendation (Ages 6–9): 

“What Do You Do With a Problem?” by Kobi Yamada 

This inspiring book encourages children to face challenges head-on and helps reframe problems as opportunities for growth.

4. Modeling Mental Health Openness

Children learn how to handle emotions by watching us.

When we talk about our own feelings, "I’m feeling tired today so I’m going to take a break" or model healthy coping, "I need a deep breath to calm down", we’re showing kids that emotions are normal and manageable.

The National Council for Mental Wellbeing reminds us: Mental health is health. Talking about it reduces stigma and helps kids grow up knowing they don’t have to hide their struggles.

📣 Small shift, big impact: Try replacing “You’re fine” with “That sounds hard. Want to talk about it?”

📚 Book Recommendation (Ages 9–12): 

“The Worry (Less) Book” by Rachel Brian 

A graphic novel-style guide that’s funny, accessible, and full of practical tools for handling anxiety and big feelings.

5. Supporting Caregivers Supports Kids

Children thrive when the adults around them feel supported.

Caregiving is joyful, exhausting, meaningful, and messy—and it can take a toll on our own emotional reserves. It’s okay to need help. It’s okay to set boundaries. And it’s more than okay to say, “I’m doing my best.”

Let’s normalize mental health for everyone, including ourselves.

🧡 Community matters. If you’re struggling, know you’re not alone. Support is strength.

Final Thought 💬

This Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s remind each other that every feeling is valid. That support is essential. And books, stories, and shared moments can be tiny acts of healing.

The more we speak up, connect, and create space for emotions, the stronger and more resilient our children, and our communities, become.

So this May, and always, let’s keep showing up for our kids, for ourselves, and for one another. One story, one conversation, one breath at a time.