Healthy Minds, Start Small: 8 Everyday Tips to Support Your Child’s Mental Health

Early childhood education is about more than ABCs and 123s — it’s about helping kids grow into confident, kind, emotionally strong humans.

Mental health starts early, and the habits we build with our children today help them develop the tools they’ll use for a lifetime. So, how do we support young minds in ways that feel natural, playful, and empowering?

We’ve got 8 simple, everyday tips that help little ones feel seen, supported, and strong — and most of them take just a few minutes a day!

  1. Encourage Big Feelings (& Small Ones Too!)

    Happiness, sadness, silliness, frustration — all feelings are welcome in a child’s world. Help normalize emotions by naming them out loud:

    “It sounds like you’re feeling frustrated right now.”

    The more kids hear that it’s okay to feel, the more comfortable they’ll become expressing themselves in healthy ways.

  2. Practice Positive Self-Talk

    Even little voices can learn to cheer themselves on. Try teaching your child affirmations like:
    "I am strong."
    "I can do hard things."
    "I am loved."

    These powerful phrases help build confidence and resilience from the inside out!

  3. Move Their Bodies, Calm Their Minds

    Wiggly bodies often mean wiggly feelings — so get moving!

    Whether it’s a quick dance party, a walk outside, or a few kid-friendly yoga stretches, physical movement helps release energy and regulate emotions.

    Bonus points for giggles included.

  4. Build Calm-Down Routines

    Every child benefits from knowing how to take a moment when things feel big.
    Create a calm-down kit with a soft toy, a favorite book, or a sensory item like a glitter bottle.

    Try this breathing trick:
    “Smell the flower, blow out the candle.”
    Simple. Peaceful. Magic.

  5. Encourage Creative Expression

    Kids don’t always have the words to explain what they feel — but they do have crayons, paint, blocks, and imagination!

    Let them express their emotions through art or storytelling without pressure or correction. Sometimes, a masterpiece says more than a meltdown ever could.

  6. Be a Listening Ear

    The best gift we can give a child? Our attention.
    Put down the phone, make eye contact, and truly listen — even if they’re explaining a dream they had about a purple dinosaur astronaut.

    Respond with love:
    “That sounds exciting!” or “That sounds tricky. I’m here for you.”
    Feeling heard builds safety and trust.

  7. Prioritize Sleep & Healthy Routines

    Little brains grow through rest!

    A consistent bedtime, healthy meals, and daily quiet time give kids a sense of rhythm and security.

    You can even call bedtime “charging your brain battery.”

  8. Celebrate Small Successes

    Did they try something new? Wait their turn? Share a toy?
    Celebrate it!
    Instead of focusing on perfection, praise effort:
      “I’m proud of how hard you worked!”

    This helps kids build confidence, self-awareness, and motivation — all essential for emotional well-being.

    Because healthy habits don’t just start in adulthood. Healthy minds start small. And we’re here to grow them — together.

    Want to try some of these tips at home?

    Tag us in a photo or story using #OpenMindsBigHearts to show how your family supports emotional wellness at home!

Thuy Tran