How To Explain Your Mental Health Condition To Your Child: Tips For Age-Appropriate Discussions

How To Explain Your Mental Health Condition To Your Child: Tips For Age-Appropriate Discussions, updated 6/26/25, 2:20 AM

If you’re a parent suffering from a mental illness, your first instinct may be to hide everything from your child. However, mental health experts and pediatricians alike say that it’s better to be open about your issues with kids. Learn more at https://missionconnectionhealthcare.com/mental-health/family-guide/explaining-to-children/

Mission Connection City: San Juan Capistrano Address: 30310 Rancho Viejo Rd. Website: https://missionconnectionhealthcare.com/

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How To Explain Your Mental Health Condition To
Your Child: Tips For Age-Appropriate Discussions
Many parents are reluctant to explain their mental
illnesses to their children because they feel the
information may cause distress or be too difficult to
understand. 
However, pediatricians say that
children are particularly
sensitive to changes in their
parents’ moods and behaviors.
For this reason, mental health professionals at Mission Connection emphasize the
importance of parents communicating their issues to the child.
Younger children will require simpler language to
grasp the concept of mental illnesses and how the
conditions affect their parents; older children may
want more details.
Teenagers may already be aware of mental illnesses. 
By allowing your teen to ask challenging questions, you
can work towards reducing mental health stigma in
your home.
Regardless of age, you should still observe how your child is feeling as you explain your condition. Take
the time to reassure them and emphasize that they're not to blame.

https://missionconnectionhealthcare.com/mental-health/family-guide/explaining-to-children/


https://missionconnectionhealthcare.com/mental-health/family-guide/explaining-to-children/

Find Out More At https://missionconnectionhealthcare.com/mental-
health/family-guide/explaining-to-children/