How to Talk to Your 6th Grader About Mental Health
Mental health impacts all of us, including children. Yet, talking to your 6th grader about mental health and wellness can be challenging. You may not know how to begin the conversation, or you may worry about how your child will react. Here are some ways to start a healthy conversation about mental health with your 6th grader.
1. Normalize Mental Health Conversations
Start by normalizing mental health conversations. The more we talk about mental health and wellness, the less stigmatized it becomes. You may choose to start by asking your child if they know what mental health is or if they’ve heard of any mental health issues or conditions. You could also share your own experiences of mental health struggles or know someone who has experienced such issues.
2. Make it Age-Appropriate
It’s essential to frame mental health conversations in an age-appropriate manner. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), starting conversations about mental health in early years can help children understand and learn how to manage their emotions. While talking to your 6th grader, approach the subject in a way that matches their level of understanding. You could use real-life examples, such as describing ways that somebody may feel when they are having a tough day or when they’re not feeling great inside.
3. Share Resources
There are plenty of online resources available to help initiate conversations about mental health with your 6th grader. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a useful resource that provides age-appropriate materials for children and adolescents. They offer tips and resources for starting conversations about mental health and managing stress. Additionally, there are storybooks, videos, and other children’s books that can help them understand mental health conditions.
4. Be a Role Model
Practice what you preach. Be a good role model for your 6th grader when it comes to mental health. Take actions by practicing good self-care habits and expressing your emotions in a healthy way. Let your child know that it’s okay to have off days and that getting help, such as therapy, is a sign of strength, not weakness.
5. Use Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement supports behavior change. When speaking with your 6th grader about mental health, use positive reinforcement to motivate them. Encourage them to express their feelings and validate their emotions when they do. Praise them for talking about their feelings, and remind them that it’s brave and healthy to ask for help when they need it.
Conclusion
Mental health conversations are essential to helping children understand and manage their emotions. When talking to your 6th grader, start by normalizing the conversation around mental health, making it age-appropriate, sharing resources, being a role model, and using positive reinforcement. With the right approach, you can help your child build healthy habits, manage their emotions and live a happy healthy life.
