World Mental Health Day is an important reminder that caring for our minds every single day is a necessity. Not just when things are going well, but especially when life feels heavy. For many California families, the “tough things” might be wildfires in nearby communities, anxieties around immigration crackdowns, or other emergencies that stir up fear, uncertainty, and stress.
Talking about those worries — however big or small — is a critical emotional support for children. We know conversations like these are hard. But with the right tools and encouragement, parents and caregivers can feel more confident stepping into these moments.
Kids don’t have to navigate scary, confusing feelings alone, and families deserve support, guidance, and a space to connect, heal, and grow together. BrightLife Kids can help you provide all of that.
Below are ways to start those conversations and keep them going. They offer mental health support for families so kids feel heard, parents feel supported, and everyone understands that it's okay to talk about hard things.
Why talking matters
When emergencies hit — wildfires, displacement, political change, cultural separation — everyone in the family can be affected. Kids may pick up on tension, overhear scary news, or feel unsafe even when adults try to protect them. If we stay silent, kids can internalize fears: they might feel more anxious, confused, or isolated.
Talking helps in several ways:
Validation: Letting kids know their feelings are okay builds trust and eases their burden
Clarity: Misconceptions and scary “what ifs” can grow bigger in the dark. Honest, gentle conversation helps ground what’s real
Resilience: When kids see adults modeling how to handle tough feelings, they learn tools they can use later
Connection: Sharing feelings together strengthens bonds. Kids often feel better when they know they’re not alone
How to begin: Tips for parents & caregivers
You don’t need perfect words — just willingness and presence. Here are some scripts you can use for crisis support for your kids:
Strategy | What It Looks Like | Why It Helps |
Validate all feelings | Instead of “Don’t worry” or “It’ll be okay,” try something like: “I know you’re scared right now. It’s hard when things change quickly. I’m worried, too. Let’s talk about it.” | When kids hear someone say their feelings make sense, they feel seen and less alone. |
Let them see you taking care of yourself | Say something like: “I’m feeling overwhelmed right now. I need to take a few deep breaths, maybe go for a walk, or call a friend.” | Kids learn coping skills by example. When they see adults respecting their own feelings and needs, it gives permission to do the same. |
Be real | It’s okay to say: “I’m not sure.” Or: “That’s a great question. Let’s see if we can find the answer together.” | Honesty builds trust. It also teaches kids that uncertainty is normal. |
Create open space for questions | Invite questions, answer as honestly and calmly as you can, and let them know it's okay if answers aren’t perfect yet. | Helps reduce anxiety caused by unknowns. It also keeps communication going beyond one conversation. |
Gestures that show up beyond words
Talking to kids about tragedy and emergencies is powerful — but actions matter too. Sometimes support means doing something concrete. When kids feel that their world is spinning, actions that can help those around them can offer them a sense of stability. Here are a few ways that you can show up to those in your community:
Bringing food or helping with meals
Doing small errands or helping clean up/tidy up
Lending pet care or childcare
Staying in touch: calls, texts, “thinking of you” messages even when there’s no perfect thing to say
Being a listening ear: just “being there” — quietly, compassionately, no pressure to fix everything immediately
These kinds of gestures tell children (and parents) that people care, that they’re not alone. And over time, that builds lasting comfort.
When it’s especially hard
Some conversations are harder than others — wildfires, immigration uncertainties, loss, displacement. When these are part of your reality, some extra considerations:
Safety first. Acknowledge the concrete risks, plans, and what is being done to stay safe. For instance, with wildfires: evacuation plans, air quality, protecting pets/plants/home. Knowledge helps reduce fear.
Trusted sources. Use facts from reliable sources to correct rumors or misinformation.
Emotional check-ins. For children especially, even after the emergency ends (the fires are contained, or immigration status is stable), feelings may linger: worry, grief, guilt, confusion. Keep checking in.
Seek help together. Talking with a coach, counselor, or someone outside the family can give both parents and children helpful perspectives and tools.
How coaching can help
BrightLife Kids offers free, confidential coaching for parents and caregivers of children ages 0–12. BrightLife Kids is always free for California families. Our behavioral health coaches can help support families through these conversations today and beyond:
Coaching. Our trained coaches can guide parents and caregivers with prompts, practice, and feedback. You don’t need to figure it all out alone.
Tools & resources. From tip sheets to example phrasing, we offer concrete language that makes talking easier.
Community. Knowing other families are navigating similar fears can reduce isolation.
A note to parents & caregivers
You may feel uncertain, emotional, or tired. That’s okay. You’re doing one of the hardest jobs: helping someone else feel safe when you yourself may not feel completely safe.
It’s okay to admit when you don’t know what to say. It’s okay to pause, breathe, ask for help. Your willingness to show up for your child in honesty, vulnerability, and love matters more than perfect words.
Today, on World Mental Health Day, let’s remember that the best time to talk about tough things is any day — because even on “good days,” feelings live quietly underneath. Opening space for them helps everyone breathe more deeply, feel more seen, and find hope even when life gets heavy.
If you’re unsure where to start, reach out. BrightLife Kids is here: free support, guidance, and encouragement whenever you need it. Because no one has to carry the tough things alone.