In recognition of Children’s Mental Health week, the Wisconsin Office of Children’s Mental Health (OCMH) is highlighting solutions to the stress that students face this time of year, including how adults can help them cope and easy conversation starters as kids head into summer break.
Spring can be an especially stressful period for kids. Students have final exams, projects, and performances. They may have spring sports and seasonal jobs with little down time. To support a young person in your life – whether you are a parent, teacher, neighbor, or health care provider – ask them about their worries and if they need help balancing their demands.
Some kids may feel overwhelmed by the end of the school year and not know how to cope with daily stress in healthy ways. Letting the young people in your life talk is the first step.
“One of the best things adults can do for kids is to ask open-ended questions and just listen. When kids talk about how they are feeling and what is stressing them out, it gives them a way to process emotions and helps to build a trusting relationship,” said OCMH Director Linda Hall. “The key is to listen in a non-judgmental and supportive way. This builds a sense of safety and belonging. Having open and honest conversations helps to normalize mental health topics and reduce stigma. It also can help a child to problem solve, which strengthens their resilience.”
Conversation starters that supportive adults can use with kids include asking what their biggest worry is about summer, or their new school, or maintaining friendships; or asking what the biggest challenge on their plate is right now, what’s the most pressing deadline, and asking how you can help.
“Adults don’t have to have answers for any of these questions. Just do the listening. You don’t have to offer any advice. Be empathetic to each child’s individual struggle and remind them that you are here to help them,” said Hall.
OCMH released a series of three easy ways to help youth feel a sense of belonging, specific to adults, parents, young people, schools, and neighborhoods. Both shareable images and PDF versions are available, along with Conversation Cards, which offer easy prompts to get kids talking. Access all these resources on the OCMH Children’s Mental Health Week webpage.
