Children’s Mental Health Week always makes me pause and reflect, not just as a parent, but because 10 years ago I worked in the education sector providing mental health services in schools. I saw first-hand how much children carry on their little shoulders, often without the words to explain how they’re feeling.
Back then (and honestly, even more so now), children were dealing with big emotions. Anxieties about school, friendship and family worries, and the pressure to “do well” all the time. What struck me most was how powerful it was when a child finally felt safe enough to talk. Sometimes just being listened to made a huge difference.
Every child shows stress differently. Some act out, some go quiet, some try to be perfect, and others hide behind a smile. Children’s Mental Health Week encourages us to notice those signs and respond with patience and kindness.
Schools also play a huge role by weaving wellbeing into daily learning, helping children understand emotions, manage worries, and support each other in simple but powerful ways.
If there’s one thing my time working in schools taught me, it’s this: children don’t need us to have all the answers. They just need us to listen, care, and remind them they’re not alone.
So let’s take a moment to acknowledge the incredible children’s mental health charities who work tirelessly to support young people and families every day. Through counselling, education and community support, they create safe spaces where children can feel heard and understood.