06/02/2026
Practical Tips for Parents during Children's Mental Health Week and Beyond!
Children’s Mental Health Week (9–15 February 2026) is a great reminder that our children’s emotional well-being matters just as much as their physical health. Organised by the UK charity Place2Be, this year’s theme, “This Is My Place”, focuses on building belonging, connection and safe spaces where children feel seen, heard and understood.
As a parent, you are uniquely positioned to nurture your child’s emotional resilience; not by being perfect, but by being present, curious, and supportive.
Let’s explore what the latest UK data tells us, why it matters, and how you can take small but meaningful steps to support your child.
Why This Matters: UK Mental Health Landscape for Children
Understanding what the data shows can help us stop feeling alone and instead feel equipped and ready to act.
🔹 Rising Prevalence of Mental Health Challenges
In England, around 1 in 5 children aged 8–16 have a probable mental health disorder.
🔹 Mental Health is a Broad Experience
These experiences aren’t limited to one age or type of feeling: anxiety, low mood, stress and behavioural concerns are all part of the picture for many families.
🔹 Support Needs are Growing
Hundreds of thousands of young people are referred to mental health services each year, and demand has continued to rise, highlighting ongoing pressure on services and long waiting times.
This doesn’t mean every child will experience a mental illness, far from it, but it does signal that emotional well-being needs proactive attention and kindness from parents, schools and communities alike.
Practical, Parent-Friendly Tips for Children’s Mental Health Week
These suggestions aren’t just for this one week, they’re foundation stones you can build on year-round.
Start With Belonging
A sense of belonging is powerful. Feeling included helps children trust, explore and connect; building blocks for emotional resilience.
- Ask about relationships, not just behaviours. “Who made you laugh today?” tells you a lot
- Celebrate small successes like helping someone or trying something new
- Create family rituals that make your child feel valued
Belonging isn’t about perfection, it’s about feeling safe to be yourself.
Talk About Feelings; Gently and Often
Emotions can be scary for kids if they feel there’s a “right” or “wrong” way to feel.
- Use simple emotional language early and often eg, “That sounds frustrating, let’s name it together.”
- Model emotional sharing: “I felt anxious in that situation too.”
- Normalize ups and downs; all feelings are human
Parents sometimes avoid mental health conversations because they’re unsure what to say, so start with curiosity, not answers.
Build Routines That Support Mental Well-Being
A predictable rhythm gives children a sense of security:
- Regular sleep and wake times
- Balanced meals together
- Consistent downtime to unwind without screens
Even small rituals like a bedtime read, a post-school walk or cooking together, create predictable emotional anchors for young minds.
Move the Body to Calm the Mind
Physical activity isn’t just “healthy”, it’s therapeutic.
- Encourage outdoor play, bike rides, dancing or park time
- Notice what your child enjoys; some prefer solo creative movement, others team sports
These moments are great for stress relief, friendships, and confidence.
Manage the Digital World Together
Too much screen time, especially before bed, is linked with sleep disruption and mood challenges (supported by broader research beyond the UK context).
- Set a “digital sunset” an hour before bedtime
- Encourage media breaks and screen-free weekends
- Talk together about what they see and feel online; curiosity beats fear
Know When to Reach Out for Support
Being a supportive parent doesn’t mean you have to do it all.
- If you’re worried about persistent mood changes, anxiety, tearfulness, withdrawal from activities, or school avoidance, reach out to a GP or school mental health lead early rather than waiting
- Local NHS services and school counsellors are there to help families navigate these conversations and referrals
Remember: asking for help is a sign of strength, not failure.
Activities and Ways to Take Part in Children’s Mental Health Week
Here are some gentle, family-friendly ways to get involved:
- Download free resources from the official Children’s Mental Health Week site; there are activity sheets and conversation starters for home and school
- Plan a family moment of sharing, perhaps over dinner or during a walk
- Talk about the theme “This is My Place”; what makes your child feel at home, safe, and connected?
Participating isn’t about doing something big, it’s about being present with your child and acknowledging how they feel.
Barracudas helps support children in the school holidays
At Barracudas, we’re proud to play our part in supporting children’s mental, physical and emotional well-being during the school holidays.
Our camps are designed to keep children active, engaged and smiling, with a wide range of fun activities that encourage movement, creativity and confidence, while giving them a healthy break from screens.
Just as importantly, we work hard to create a welcoming, safe and inclusive environment, where every child feels they belong. Our trained, caring staff focus on positive relationships, kindness and encouragement, helping children feel secure, valued and free to be themselves throughout their time with us.
Final Thought: You’re Not Alone—And It’s Okay to Ask for Help
Parenting is a journey with no perfect roadmap. There will be questions, setbacks, celebrations and quiet progress.
But every conversation you have, every moment you listen without judgment, and every time you show up; you’re building a foundation of trust, resilience and love that matters more than any checklist ever could.
💛 Your child’s mental health matters. And so does your own.