Create a safe space for your child’s wellbeing to raise confident adults

Haven’t we all come across that quiet child who withdraws or the one who acts out sometimes? Maybe our neighbour’s kid or that student in school who is mostly dismissed as going through a phase? Well, such behaviour can actually be a sign that they are struggling emotionally.

A study conducted by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) found that children who experience severe mental or behavioural challenges are likely to show signs of depression in midlife. They are also more likely to struggle with their ability to work as adults. These findings show us that a lack of emotional wellbeing in one’s childhood cannot be brushed off as just a phase; it can have long-lasting effects.

This connection becomes clear when we see how untreated emotional challenges affect the learning, self-esteem and coping skills of children over time. When these struggles are not addressed early, they have the potential to shape a person’s overall mental health. Unfortunately, this concern is staring at us on a global level today. According to the World Health Organisation, nearly one in seven children and adolescents between the ages of 10 and 19 experience some or other mental health condition. And many of these challenges go unnoticed and untreated.

When emotional struggles are ignored early in life, they can affect how children see themselves, relate to others and cope when they grow older.

Young minds are incredibly impressionable. Children absorb emotions, words and experiences deeply, and many times without the ability to fully understand or express what they are feeling. Stress at home, lack of emotional support at school or other organisations and constant pressure of studies can leave a scar or two on their delicate minds. And since children are still learning how to process emotions, the environment that they grow up in plays an important role in shaping their world.

This is why creating a safe and nurturing space at home is so important. A supportive environment at home helps children feel heard, valued and safe. It lays the foundation for emotional strength. When children grow up feeling safe, they thrive not just academically but also emotionally. This foundation helps them become healthier and more confident as adults.

So, let us explore how to create a safe space for a child’s wellbeing.

Build strong, supportive bond at home

It is no secret that a child feels safest at home. It’s a place they associate with trust, warmth and emotional support. When children know they are loved and accepted just as they are, they feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings freely. So, it is important as adults to invest in little moments like spending time together, showing affection and being present for them.

Research also highlights how important a peaceful home environment is. A long-term study by anthropologists Mark V Flinn and Barry G England found that children who grew up in households marked by frequent conflicts showed higher levels of cortisol. These children were more likely to feel tired, fall ill, play less and even struggle to sleep.

Other studies have shown that children who experience housing instability are likely to face emotional stress and developmental challenges. In fact, studies suggest that trauma-informed care is crucial for supporting these children, as constant change and uncertainty make it harder for them to feel safe and emotionally secure. Together, these findings show that loving and stable relationships and a secure home environment are essential for both the emotional and physical wellbeing of children.

Create space for honest conversations

Many of us have seen it happen; children are told to stay quiet, not interrupt. Whether it’s during a wedding where adults are busy talking or during a get together when the adults and their friends are laughing and chatting, it is often the children who are asked to keep quiet. Even at home, when a parent is caught up with chores and a child tries to share a story or a feeling, they are sometimes hushed or brushed aside.

Although this may seem harmless, being silenced too often can teach children to hold back their thoughts and emotions. This may, over time, stop them from sharing altogether. They might even start believing that their voice does not matter.

Children need to feel and be heard. When parents and caregivers encourage open conversations, children feel safe expressing their worries, ideas and emotions. Asking questions, listening with patience and acknowledging how a child feels helps them build emotional trust. Research also supports these everyday conversations. A study published in the journal Psychological Science found that in young children aged four to six, those who engaged in conversations at home, showed greater brain activity.

Indeed, something as simple as talking to children supports their emotional wellbeing as well as their cognitive and language development.

Bring predictability into daily life

Children feel more secure when their days have a structure. Regular routines for meals, homework, playtime and sleep help them feel safer and more grounded. When they know what to expect, it gives them a sense of control and reduces feelings of worry and uncertainty.

According to one such research conducted by (Gee & Cohodes, 2021), routines help strengthen the parts of the brain that are responsible for regulating emotions. When children rely on familiar patterns, they are better able to manage their feelings. Even during busier times, just maintaining a routine can offer children that much-needed comfort and reassurance.

Teach healthy ways to handle emotions

When we think of films that truly moved us, Taare Zameen Par comes right on top. The film follows Ishaan Awasthi, an eight-year-old boy who is often labelled a troublemaker. He struggles in school and is constantly belittled for his poor academic performance. He is seen as lazy and careless by his father and teachers. Ishaan is eventually sent to a boarding school, where he sinks into a state of fear and depression. This gets worse with the school’s strict teaching methods until a teacher who actually notices him enters his life.

Ishaan’s story  touched many hearts. While he struggled, his dear ones did not even begin to understand his challenges or what he was going through. Unable to express what he was feeling and misunderstood by his parents, he slowly withdrew into himself. This movie showed us how deeply children can be affected when their emotions are overlooked.

As parents and caregivers, we must understand that children are still learning how to manage feelings like anger, fear, sadness and frustration. When these emotions feel too intense, they may act out or shut down. As parents, we can support our children by teaching them simple coping skills such as taking slow, deep breaths, naming what they are feeling and stepping away for a break when emotions run high. This teaches children the skills they need to handle emotions when they grow older.

Norwegian schools place strong importance on children’s mental health and emotional wellbeing, treating it as an essential part of education. Most schools have in-house support systems such as school counsellors, psychologists and health nurses who regularly interact with children. Children are encouraged to talk openly about their feelings, challenges and worries. By offering help within the school itself, Norwegian education ensures that children feel supported, heard and emotionally secure.

India, too, has been taking steps in the right direction. To address concerns related to the mental health of children, NCERT has introduced a dedicated module called “Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health” for teachers and children. Counselling in schools and colleges, workplace stress management and suicide prevention services have also increased in the country.

Encourage friendships, sports, fun

In today’s fast-paced world, many parents focus only on academics and performance. Although this is important, children also need time and space to build social skills, friendships and enjoy just being kids. Emotional wellbeing grows not only in classrooms but also on playgrounds and creative spaces.

Social relations built while playing and doing other activities are important for children’s emotional health. Encouraging them to take part in sports, art and music boosts their confidence. Research supports this balance between play and learning too. A study by the University of Illinois found a strong link between children’s physical fitness and their academic performance. This shows that social and physical activities don’t distract children but support it.

Finland has set a wonderful example by placing great importance on extracurricular activities. Schools in Finland encourage children to take part in sports, music, arts, crafts and outdoor activities and these in turn help children build confidence, social skills and emotional balance. By giving children time and space to explore their interests, Finland supports both the mental and physical wellbeing of children.

A child’s mental wellbeing is shaped by everyday experiences, relationships and environments. When children grow up feeling safe, heard and supported, they develop confidence and emotional strength that seeps into adulthood. Small mindful efforts made today can protect children’s emotional health and help them grow into balanced, capable and emotionally secure adults tomorrow.