10 Questions to Strengthen Your Children’s Mental Health
The Importance of Opening Up Dialogue at Home
We live in an age where the challenges to children’s and adolescents’ mental health are becoming more and more evident. The excessive use of social media, prolonged screen time, academic pressure, and digital bullying have generated new forms of stress for children.
And many families don’t know how to handle this situation.
Adding to this, many young parents, who grew up in a different context, now face the challenge of raising their children in a much more complex and changing environment.
Sometimes, what is called “permissive parenting” ends up distancing parents from the possibility of detecting early signs of anxiety, depression, or even a risk of self-harm in their children.
This type of parenting is based on giving unlimited access to devices or avoiding uncomfortable conversations to not create conflict.
That’s why, now more than ever, it’s necessary to open up constant and genuine dialogue at home.
Mental health should not only be addressed when serious problems arise; it also involves prevention, support, and building trust.
NAMI’s Contribution to Families
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is one of the most recognized organizations in the United States for its commitment to the education, support, and advocacy of people with mental health conditions and their families.
NAMI works to reduce stigma, provide resources, and promote a positive mental health culture in communities, including programs and materials adapted for Latino families.
1.What is your favorite way to relax or de-stress?
Knowing how your child manages stress helps identify if their strategies are healthy. Ask them what works best for them: listening to music, drawing, exercising, or just resting. If they don’t have a clear way, you can suggest simple activities like deep breathing, yoga, or family walks.
2.How are things with your friends?
Social relationships are fundamental for emotional well-being. Talking about friendships helps detect signs of isolation, conflict, or, on the contrary, positive experiences that strengthen their self-esteem. Encourage them to share future plans or activities that they are excited about.
3.What is taking up most of your mental energy?
This question helps identify important worries, such as exams, family responsibilities, or personal situations. By listening to them, you open the door to offering practical support: helping with time management, finding additional resources, or teaching them techniques to manage stress.
4.Do you feel anxious?
Anxiety is common in children and adolescents, but it’s often not expressed directly. Exploring what situations cause nervousness and how they feel physically (palpitations, lack of sleep, tension) is key to normalizing talking about emotions and seeking help when needed.
5.What or who inspires you the most right now?
Talking about inspiration fosters motivation. It can be a close person, a teacher, an artist, or even a fictional character. Recognizing these sources of inspiration strengthens resilience and helps guide personal goals.
6.What was your favorite part of the week?
Highlighting the positive reinforces gratitude and the ability to enjoy small achievements or happy moments. This question invites them to focus on pleasant experiences, even in the midst of difficult weeks.
7.How can I best communicate with you about your well-being?
Saying “I love you and I worry about you” and asking what the best way to talk about mental health is shows availability and unconditional love. Establishing clear channels of communication, whether through short conversations, messages, or quality time, builds trust.
8.What are you looking forward to, and what are you not looking forward to?
Exploring positive and negative expectations allows you to anticipate moments of stress or frustration. With this information, you can better support your children and teach them coping techniques to face what they don’t want to do.
9.Do you think you have too many responsibilities?
An excess of schoolwork, extracurricular activities, or responsibilities at home can be a difficult burden. Talking about time management and priorities helps balance their routine, preventing physical and emotional exhaustion.
10.What new activities, music, or hobbies do you want to try?
Hobbies and new experiences foster creativity, motivation, and social connection. Supporting your children in exploring pastimes enriches their emotional life and gives them tools to manage stress.
Available Resources in Massachusetts
In case you notice signs of anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts in your children, remember that there are free and confidential resources:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: available in English and Spanish, 24/7. Just dial 988 from any phone. 988lifeline.org
NAMI Massachusetts: Helpline (617) 704-6264, Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. www.namimass.org
Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line (BHHL): 833-773-2445, available 24/7 in multiple languages. www.masshelpline.com
Health Care For All (HCFA): Toll-free line 1-800-272-4232 for guidance on health coverage and services. www.hcfama.org
Samaritans, Inc. 877-870-4673 (24/7, confidential support in English). www.samaritanshope.org
Boston Emergency Services Team (BEST Team): 1-800-981-4357 (immediate response to mental health crises in the Boston area). www.bmc.org/psychiatry/best-team
La Alianza Hispana: (617) 427-7175 – www.laalianza.org
Children’s Behavioral Health Initiative (CBHI): MassHealth Customer Service: 1-800-841-2900. www.mass.gov/childrens-behavioral-health-initiative-cbhi
Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA) – Psychiatry & Behavioral Health: (617) 665-1000. www.challiance.org
Boston Medical Center – Child & Adolescent Psychiatry: (617) 414-4238. www.bmc.org/psychiatry/child-adolescent
Important Notice to the Reader
The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be interpreted as professional advice, diagnosis, or medical treatment. For any questions or concerns related to your personal health, we strongly recommend consulting a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional.
Our sources: https://www.nami.org/
