Conversations around mental health are tough. Conversations with children about mental health can feel even tougher.
Depending on the age of your child it can be hard to communicate with them - and for them to adequately communicate to you what they're feeling.
Finding a book that you can take time out with your child to start a conversation, or even just plant an idea or a language for a discussion in their mind, can be helpful for when it comes to any topic - including their, your or other's mental health.
There's a catalogue of books out there now designed to help parents to not only talk to their kids about mental health, but to arm them with tools to attempt to tackle things together.
Jaspreet Kaur, also known by her online name 'Behind the Netra', is a TED speaker, award-winning teacher, spoken word poet, author and activist from London. She has recently released her book, The Spaces Inbetween: Finding mindfulness moments in the city - a book that looks at where you go when the hustle and bustle of the city gets too much and is filled with tips and coping mechanisms.
We asked Jaspreet to choose a series of books that are all designed to start a conversation with your children about mental health.
The Spaces in Between by Jaspreet Kaur is out on 13th April RRP £12.99
Books To Help You Talk To Your Kids About Mental Health
1 of 7The Spaces In Between – Jaspreet Kaur and Manijt Thapp
The Spaces in Between is all about finding moments of calm, solace and joy in the hustle and bustle of a big city. It’s about finding those quieter spaces and moments of mindfulness we sometimes miss. Packed with beautiful illustrations that reflect our diverse cities around the world, this book reminds us that it’s okay to feel anxious or nervous sometimes.
2 of 7My Monster and Me – Nadiya Hussain and Ella Bailey
A moving story about a young boy whose worry monster follows him everywhere. Nadiya has done an amazing job of providing parents and children with the tools to discuss their worries. Nadiya has always been a big inspiration to me, her honesty about her own mental health struggles has allowed her to be a role model to kids and grown-ups alike.
3 of 7Mindful Champs - Nima Patel
This three-month journal provides daily mindfulness practices, such as gratitude, reflection, and self-love to foster positive emotional development and well-being. It’s a great practical tool for young people to apply in their daily routines.
4 of 7The Fix-It Friends: Have No Fear! – Nicole C. Kear and Tracy Dockray
This book shares the lovely story of two friends, Veronica and Maya, who come up with a step-by-step plan to conquer their fears. It’s a wonderful way to show young people that nothing is impossible with support around you and a plan of action.
5 of 7Wonder – R.J Palacio
Wonder follows the inspirational story of August (Auggie) Pullman, who was born with a severe facial difference that prevented him from attending mainstream schooling. The book teaches us about important themes such as empathy, compassion, acceptance and kindness and how our differences should be celebrated! The movie adaption was beautiful too!
6 of 7My Many Colored Days – Dr Seuss, Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher
This book by the infamous Dr. Seuss gives young people the groundwork and tools for describing their worries and feelings through different colours, normalizing the experience of having lots of different emotions. It’s also a great way for little ones to learn colours!
7 of 7What to do When You Worry Too Much - Dawn Huebner and Bonnie Matthews
This is a wonderful guide for children and parents on how to navigate anxiety through cognitive-behavioural techniques. The fun illustrations, metaphors and easy-to-understand descriptions empower kids to overcome their anxieties and worries with tools that suit them.