Easy-To-Do Strategies from Our Pediatric Psychologist to Support Your Child's Mental Health
- Dr. Kealoha
- May 28
- 3 min read
Mental health awareness is vital for every family, especially for parents of children with special needs. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a perfect time to explore simple, enjoyable ways to support your child’s emotional well-being. Dr. Kealoha's insights can help turn this month into a meaningful experience filled with connection, learning, and growth.
1. Create a Safe Space for Emotional Expression
All children, but especially those with additional needs, face challenges in expressing their feelings. Setting up a safe space at home encourages them to share emotions without fear. This could be a quiet corner with soft cushions, favorite toys, sensory tools, or calming visuals. Use this spot regularly for check-ins, asking simple questions like “How are you feeling today?” or “What made you happy?”
This practice helps children recognize and name their emotions, which is a key step in managing stress and anxiety and a first step in supporting emotion regulation.
2. Use Play to Teach Emotional Skills
Play is a natural way for children to learn. Incorporate games that focus on emotions, such as:
Emotion charades: Act out feelings and guess what they are.
Storytelling with feelings: Create stories where characters face challenges and talk about their emotions.
Art projects: Draw or paint feelings using colors and shapes.
These activities make emotional learning fun and less intimidating, and also help children build resilience and empathy.
3. Practice Mindfulness Together
Mindfulness can calm the mind and body, which benefits children who may struggle with sensory overload or anxiety. Simple mindfulness exercises include:
Deep breathing with a favorite stuffed animal on the belly.
Listening to calming sounds like rain or gentle music.
Guided imagery, imagining a peaceful place incorporating as many senses as you can.
Naming things around you that you can see, hear, smell, touch, or taste.
Try short sessions of 3 to 5 minutes, gradually increasing as your child becomes comfortable. Practicing mindfulness as a family strengthens bonds and models healthy coping skills.
4. Encourage Physical Activity with a Purpose
Physical movement supports mental health by releasing tension and boosting mood. Tailor activities to your child’s interests and abilities, such as:
Gentle yoga or stretching routines.
Nature walks focusing on observing plants and animals.
Dancing to favorite songs.
Make these activities playful and pressure-free. Physical activity combined with mindfulness or nature observation can enhance emotional regulation.
5. Build a Routine Around Positive Reinforcement
All children, but especially those with additional needs, often thrive with predictable routines. Include moments of praise and encouragement focused on effort and progress, not just outcomes. For example:
Celebrate trying a new coping skill (even if it didn't work the first time!).
Acknowledge when your child asks for help.
Reward small steps toward managing emotions.
Positive reinforcement builds confidence and motivates children to keep practicing healthy habits.
Knowing When to Seek Professional Help
Sometimes, children need more support than family can provide - and that's okay! Signs to watch for include:
Persistent sadness or irritability
Withdrawal from activities and relationships, particularly those they previously enjoyed
Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
Disinterest in activities they used to enjoy
Talk of self-harm or hopelessness
If you notice these signs, reach out to a mental health professional for guidance. Early intervention can make a significant difference. Psychology Today is a helpful resource for locating providers in your area. By utilizing the "filters" option, you can select your child's age and specify your concerns to obtain more personalized suggestions for local providers.
