Supporting Your Child’s Mental Well-being: A Guide for Parents

Let’s face it—raising a child today comes with a new set of emotional challenges we never had to think about before. From school pressure to screen overload and social media comparisons, our kids are facing mental and emotional stress in ways that are easy to overlook.

In Singapore, a recent study found that nearly 1 in 3 adolescents reported symptoms of depression, anxiety, or loneliness. Even more concerning? Only 1 in 10 parents could spot those signs in their own children. Clearly, we need to do more to support our kids’ mental well-being.

Here’s a friendly, age-by-age guide to help you recognize signs of emotional distress, talk about feelings more openly, and know when to seek extra help.

Preschool Years (Ages 3–6): Big Feelings in Small Bodies

At this age, your child may not have the words to say “I feel anxious” or “I’m stressed.” But they’ll show you—clinginess, frequent tantrums, or even saying their tummy hurts when there’s nothing physically wrong can be clues.

Common signs to look out for:

• Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep

• Unexplained crying or moodiness

• Fear of being alone or separating from you

What helps:
Start simple. Label emotions out loud: “You look sad. Do you miss mummy?” Use books and games to talk about feelings. Create a safe space where it’s okay to cry, laugh, or be frustrated. At bedtime, try calming routines like quiet stories or simple breathing games (“Smell the flower, blow the candle”).

Primary School Age (Ages 7–12): Juggling Academics and Emotions

Primary school brings social challenges, homework, and higher expectations. Kids at this age may begin comparing themselves to others and worrying about school performance. Anxiety, stress, and even trouble sleeping often show up here.

Red flags to watch for:

• Trouble sleeping or having nightmares

• Avoiding school or friends

• Stomachaches or headaches with no medical cause

• Drop in school performance or motivation

Let’s talk emotions:
Ask questions that invite conversation: “What was the best part of your day? What was the hardest?” Avoid brushing off their concerns (“That’s nothing!”) and instead validate their feelings. You can say, “That sounds tough. Want to talk more about it?”

Mindfulness tip:
Try a “glitter jar”—shake it up and watch it settle together. It’s a fun way to talk about calming down when feelings get “all swirly inside.”

Teen Years (Ages 13–18): Identity, Pressure, and Screen Overload

Teenagers are figuring out who they are—while dealing with exams, social media, and pressure to succeed. In fact, nearly 27% of youth in Singapore between 15 and 35 report serious anxiety symptoms. And with all that stress? Sleep is often one of the first things to suffer.

Look out for:

• Staying up late or sleeping excessively

• Sudden mood swings or irritability

• Social withdrawal or lack of interest in hobbies

• Talking about feeling hopeless or overwhelmed

Keep the door open:
Teenagers may not always open up right away, but knowing you’re there—and not judging—goes a long way. Ask, “You seem a bit off today. Want to talk, or just need some time?” Sometimes just being present helps.

When to seek help:
If your teen’s sadness, anxiety, or sleep issues stick around for more than two weeks or are affecting their daily life, it’s time to speak to a mental health professional. The Child Guidance Clinic at IMH and the Singapore Children’s Society are great places to start.

Mental Health Issues to Watch at Any Age

Regardless of age, some signs deserve your attention:

• Persistent sleep problems

• Changes in appetite

• Excessive worry or fears

• Physical complaints without a medical cause

• Loss of interest in things they used to enjoy

And remember—you don’t have to wait for things to get “serious” before getting support. Early intervention helps kids build lifelong resilience.

Simple, Everyday Ways to Support Your Child’s Mental Health

✅ Model healthy coping – Let your child see you take breaks, express your feelings, and manage stress.
✅ Keep routines consistent – Predictability helps kids feel secure.
✅ Limit screen time – More screen time is linked to sleep problems and increased anxiety.
✅ Encourage physical activity – A walk, bike ride, or kicking a ball can do wonders for mood.
✅ Practice mindfulness together – Even five minutes of quiet breathing can reset a stressful day.

You’re Not Alone

Parenting is tough, and supporting your child’s mental health doesn’t mean having all the answers. It means showing up, asking questions, and being willing to listen—even when it’s hard.

If you’re concerned about your child’s emotional well-being, reach out to these local resources:

You don’t need to wait for a crisis to act. A little support today can make a big difference in your child’s future.