Expert Webinars
Every child has hard days. But sometimes a hard day turns into a hard month, and it's tough to know when to wait it out and when to get help. This webinar topic on children's emotional health helps dads build everyday habits that support well-being, spot signs of trouble and know where to turn.
A child's emotional health is built in ordinary moments. Steady routines, enough sleep, physical activity, time outside and regular one-on-one time with a parent all help kids feel safe and connected.
Make it easy for your child to talk to you. Put the phone away when they speak. Ask about their day in specific ways: “Who did you sit with at lunch?” Avoid jumping to fix or judge. Kids who feel heard are more likely to come to you when something is really wrong.
Kids often show emotional pain through behavior instead of words. Watch for changes that last more than a couple of weeks:
When something difficult happens, like a divorce, a death in the family, a move or a scary news event, kids need honest, age-appropriate information. Keep it simple for young kids. Give older kids more detail and room to ask questions.
Reassure them about what will stay the same. Let them know their feelings are normal. You don't need to have all the answers; saying “I don't know, but we'll figure it out together” is enough.
Talk to your child's pediatrician if you notice lasting changes. They can screen for concerns and refer you to a child therapist or counselor. School counselors are another good starting point. Our counseling services page explains different kinds of support.
If your child talks about hurting themselves or others, or you're worried about their safety, call or text 988 right away for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. For concerns about abuse, the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline is 1-800-422-4453.
Fathers often show care through doing: fixing, coaching, solving. That's valuable, but kids also need you to just listen sometimes. When your child brings you a problem, try asking, “Do you want my help, or do you just want me to listen?” Many kids, especially older ones, will tell you.
Your own emotional health matters here too. Kids pick up on a parent's stress and mood. Taking care of yourself is part of taking care of them.
Replays of this topic, when recorded, are in the community recordings area at https://phenomenalfatherhood.builda.space/community/Welcome-Fathers/recordings. Related clips are in the video gallery. For more reading, see understanding and supporting child anxiety and the emotional and mental health resources. Return to all expert webinar topics.
FAQ
Look for changes that last more than a couple of weeks: sleep or appetite changes, withdrawal, frequent physical complaints, irritability, falling grades or talk of hopelessness. Talk to their pediatrician if you're concerned.
Consider a therapist when emotional struggles last for weeks, affect school, friendships or family life, or follow a major event like a loss or divorce. Your pediatrician or school counselor can help with referrals.
Be honest in age-appropriate terms, reassure them about what will stay the same, let them ask questions, accept their feelings and check in again over the following days.
Keep going
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