10 tips for talking to your child about wellbeing
Image: A mother and primary school-age daughter holding hands on a bed, smiling at each other.
Here are ten practical tips to get those conversations started and keep them going.
1. Choose the right moment
Some children share more easily when they are relaxed. A walk, a car journey or doing an activity together can feel less intense than a sit-down chat.
2. Keep it age appropriate
Primary-aged children may respond better to simple language and examples. Older children often want more detailed conversations and honesty. Meet them where they are.
3. Listen more than you talk
Try not to jump in with solutions straight away. Showing that you are really listening helps your child feel valued and safe to share.
4. Name feelings together
Helping children put words to emotions builds emotional literacy. You might say, “It sounds like you felt worried and frustrated,” to show understanding.
Adults don’t always have the words for how they’re feeling either, and children are still learning that emotions are more than just happy, sad or angry. An emotion wheel shows a wide range of feelings and can help both you and your child find the right words. You might look at it together and ask, “Which of these feels closest to how today has been?” Having a visual reference can take pressure off talking and make conversations about wellbeing feel easier and more natural. There are many options of emotion wheels online – find one that works best for you.
5. Normalise ups and downs
Let your child know that everyone has good days and hard days. This can reduce shame and make it easier for them to talk about struggles.
Children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) may experience wellbeing differently and can face extra challenges around communication, organisation, social interaction, change and sensory overload. Some children may struggle to explain how they feel or may show distress or dysregulation through behaviour rather than words. Using visual supports, routines or alternative ways to communicate such as drawing or using emotion cards can help. Patience, consistency and working closely with school staff or specialists can make a big difference in helping children with SEND feel understood and supported.
6. Share a little of your own experience
Talking about times when you felt nervous or overwhelmed can make wellbeing feel like a normal topic rather than a conversation about a problem.
7. Ask open questions
Questions like “What’s been on your mind lately?” invite more than yes or no answers and encourage deeper discussion.
8. Avoid judgement or quick fixes
Even if you disagree or feel tempted to fix things, try to stay calm. Feeling judged can shut conversations down fast.
9. Keep checking in
Wellbeing talks should not be a one-off. Regular check-ins show your child that you care and that support is always there.
10. Know when to get extra help
If you’re worried about your child’s mental health, reaching out to school staff, a GP or a trusted professional is a positive step, not a failure.
Talking about wellbeing does not require perfect words. What matters most is showing up, listening with care and reminding your child they are not alone. Small conversations, repeated over time, can make a big difference to how children understand their feelings and look after their mental health — now and in the future.
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