Keiki Mental Health Resources

How can parents offer mental health support?

• Care for your children’s mental health just as you do for their physical health.

• Let your children know that everyone experiences pain, fear, sadness, worry, and anger and that these emotions are a normal part of life; encourage them to talk about their concerns and to express their emotions.

• Be a role model—talk about your own feelings, apologize, don’t express anger with violence, and use active problem-solving skills.

• Encourage your children’s talents and skills, while also accepting their limitations. Celebrate your children’s accomplishments.

• Give your children opportunities to learn and grow, including being involved in their school and community and with other caring adults and friends.

• Think of “discipline” as a form of teaching, rather than as physical punishment; set clear expectations and be consistent and fair with consequences for misbehavior; make sure to acknowledge both positive and negative behaviors.

• Review positive parenting tips for children of all ages.

• Pay attention to warning signs of a potential mental health issue, and if you’re concerned there might be a problem seek professional help.

  (Source: Mental Health America)

Signs of potential mental health problems in children and teens

You know your child best, so if you’re noticing one or more of the signs below that feel uncharacteristic for your child, it may be a sign of a deeper issue with their mental health.

• Poor grades despite strong efforts

• Constant worry or anxiety

• Repeated refusal to go to school or to take part in normal activities

• Hyperactivity or fidgeting

• Persistent nightmares

• Persistent disobedience or aggression

• Depression, sadness or irritability

• Notable changes in sleep, weight, eating habits or other everyday patterns

• Loss of interest in the things they usually love or quitting activities that they enjoy

• Canceling plans with their closest friends with little or no explanation

• A whole new set of friends you've never met before

• Refusing to talk about what's bothering them, even after you've made it as safe as possible to discuss hard issues openly

• Obsession with a certain goal, possibly with the belief that if they don't achieve it, their life will never be the same

• Signs of drug, alcohol or other substance use

• Signs of self-harm such as cuts, burns, bruises, etc. that your teen tries to hide or can't explain fully and credibly

• Sexual activity or interest that seems new or more intense than before

Learn more about common mental health issues in children and teens.

(Sources: Mental Health America, American Academy of Pediatrics)