Q&A: Talking to Kids About Mental Health, Processing Current Events, and More

In this Q&A episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson answers listener questions inspired by last week’s conversation with Dr. Alfiee about youth mental health, community care, and what it really means to help young people thrive.Dr. Dave discusses how parents can talk with kids about mental health without making them feel like something is “wrong” with them, how to help children process stressful news and current events, and how families can think about social media in a balanced way. He also explores the mental health needs of marginalized kids, how to reduce stigma around therapy — especially for boys and young men — and why community support can make parenting feel less isolating. In this episode, Dr. Dave covers:What to do when kids are stressed by politics, current events, or frightening newsHow to balance concerns about social media with the belonging some kids find onlineWhat parents should understand about the mental health needs of marginalized kidsHow to reduce stigma around therapy, anxiety, depression, and asking for helpWhy boys and young men may need extra support talking about emotionsRealistic ways to build community around parenting and caregivingWhat parents can do while waiting for therapy or additional supportFurther ReadingHelping Children Cope After a Traumatic EventHelping Children Cope With Frightening NewsMental Health Challenges of LGBTQ+ KidsMental Health Support for Black FamiliesMeeting the Mental Health Needs of Black Adolescent BoysWhat to Do (and Not Do) When Children Are AnxiousVideo LibraryFamily Resource Center