How parents can teach kids about emotional health | Seht family health guide

Emotional health matters just as much as physical health. When we teach our kids how to understand, express, and cope with their feelings, we give them tools that last a lifetime. It’s not about shielding them from sadness or anger, it’s about helping them navigate emotions with confidence and kindness.

Here’s how we can guide our children through emotional health step by step, naturally, and with care.

1. Start with “feelings talk”

We don’t need to wait for a crisis. Everyday moments are perfect for talking about emotions.

• Ask questions like: “How did you feel when your friend didn’t show up?” or “What made you proud today?”

• Help them put a name to feelings: “You seem frustrated- that’s okay. Do you want to tell me why?" What this does is build a vocabulary of emotions and helps kids recognize the feelings they’re experiencing.

2. Model healthy emotional responses

Kids learn a lot by watching how we handle our own feelings. So when we say, “I’m feeling a bit worried, I’ll do some deep breathing,” we’re showing them that emotions aren’t something to hide. We can also apologize when we make a mistake, showing that checking in with feelings and repairing relationships is normal.

3. Build an emotional “toolbox”

When our kids face big feelings, anger, sadness, disappointment, we want them to have options. Some tools might include:

• Taking deep breaths or counting to five

• Drawing or writing about how they feel

• Going for a short walk or doing a sport

• Quiet time with a favorite book or music

Teaching children that they can choose a healthy way to cope builds resilience and calmness.

4. Create safe spaces for all feelings

It’s important that our children know: Every emotion is okay. Especially the ones we might find uncomfortable, like jealousy, failure, or sadness. When we say, “I can see you’re upset and that’s alright,” we send a message that feelings don’t make someone lesser. Kids Mental Health Foundation. We can set aside a “feelings check-in” each day, maybe at dinner or before bed, just to ask: “What’s one feeling you had today?”

5. Teach them to notice what’s happening inside

Emotions often start in the body: a fast heartbeat when scared, a ballooning chest when frustrated. When kids learn to recognize those signals, they gain control.

• Ask: “What did your body feel like when you were excited?”

• Use a “body map” activity: draw a figure and mark where emotions show up. This helps them move from “I feel weird” to “I feel my chest tight in my body, this means I’m getting angry.”

6. Encourage empathy and perspective

Helping kids understand others’ feelings builds emotional intelligence. We can ask things like: “How do you think your friend felt when that happened?”Encouraging them to think beyond their own feelings fosters kindness, connection, and stronger social skills. Children's Health

Final Thoughts

Building emotional health in our children is not about being perfect parents, it’s about being present, open, and willing to walk alongside them through every kind of feeling.

When we intentionally teach, model, and gently guide emotional awareness, we’re helping them build a foundation of strength and understanding.

The reward? Kids who feel seen, capable, and ready to face life’s ups and downs.

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Seht helps families stay informed, but is not a substitute for professional healthcare guidance.

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