Breaking Mental Health Stigma in Early Years
Fear, shame, and misunderstandings often prevent people from speaking up, making it harder to seek support or share experiences. But at Mini Minds Matter, we believe open conversations are the key to creating a caring, supportive environment where everyone feels valued.
By encouraging honest dialogue and building strong community support, we can break down barriers, normalise mental health discussions, and help families and educators prioritise well-being.
In this guest blog, Julie Robinson, Founder and Director of Mini Minds and Eagley School House Nurseries, shares practical tips to help create a stigma-free, inclusive community in your early years setting.
Understanding the stigma around mental health in early years
What Is the stigma?
Stigma around mental health refers to the negative attitudes and misunderstandings that often surround the topic. In early years settings, this can show up as families being hesitant to talk about emotional struggles or educators feeling uncomfortable sharing their own challenges. There’s often a fear of being judged or seen as weak, which stops people from asking for help. Unfortunately, this silence can lead to feelings of shame and isolation, making it harder to create supportive environments for children, families, and staff.
How does stigma impact us?
The effects of mental health stigma can be felt by everyone in early years settings. For children, stress or emotional struggles experienced by parents or educators can impact their own development and behaviour. Families might avoid reaching out for help because they’re afraid of being judged, which can mean they miss out on much-needed support. Educators dealing with mental health challenges might feel alone or unsupported, which can lead to burnout and make it harder to focus in the classroom. Breaking this cycle is so important for everyone’s well-being.
Encouraging open conversations
Making it okay to talk
Talking openly about mental health is a great first step toward breaking the stigma. When families, children, and educators feel safe to share their experiences, it’s easier to find support. Regular check-ins during staff meetings or chats with parents can encourage open conversations. For children, using simple activities like reading books about feelings or showing emotion cards during circle time can help them understand and talk about their emotions. This teaches children that it’s okay to ask for help when they need it.
Helping everyone learn
Teaching children about emotions helps them understand what they’re feeling and how to deal with it. Activities like drawing how they feel, acting out emotions, or even doing art projects can help them express themselves and learn empathy. For staff, workshops or handouts about mental health basics can make them feel more confident in guiding these conversations. Using fun tools like puppets or role-playing games can also help make these lessons feel less daunting and more engaging.
Clearing up misconceptions
A lot of stigma comes from misunderstandings about mental health. Educating families and staff with relatable stories or examples can help change this. You might share how therapy, mindfulness, or support groups have made a difference for others. When mental health is framed as a normal and treatable part of life, it helps reduce fears and encourages more open discussions.
Building a supportive community
Getting families involved
Families are a big part of mental well-being in early years settings. When families join discussions about mental health, it helps everyone feel more connected. Hosting workshops about parenting strategies, stress management, or emotional resilience can give parents practical tools to use at home. Activities like family mindfulness sessions or parent-child events can create opportunities for parents to bond with their children and each other.
Supporting educators
Educators are at the heart of early years settings, and it’s vital to support their mental health too. Providing training on topics like recognising emotional struggles, trauma-informed care, or mental health first aid can equip them to better support children and families. It’s also important to encourage self-care among staff. Ideas like mindfulness breaks, team-building activities, or access to counselling services can go a long way in helping educators feel valued and supported. When staff take care of themselves, they set a positive example for everyone around them.
Working with the wider community
Partnering with local mental health organisations can provide extra support for your setting. From bringing in expert speakers to sharing information about community resources like hotlines or free workshops, these partnerships can make a big difference. They also show that mental health is a shared priority, helping to reduce stigma and strengthen the entire community.
Case Studies: Real-Life Examples of Mental Health and Co-Regulation
To better illustrate the importance of addressing mental health in early years settings, let’s look at two real-life examples of how co-regulation and mindfulness practices have supported children in overcoming emotional challenges.
Child A – Visually Impaired with Special Educational Needs
Child A began nursery during the first wave of the pandemic after his previous nursery had closed. After attending another setting for eight months, his time there was disrupted by COVID-19. At his new nursery, it became clear that he was emotionally and physically below expectations. He was reluctant to engage in activities, often expressing frustration by hitting himself and using negative language about himself. One notable incident occurred when Child A became upset at the park, refusing to use the slide because he believed he couldn’t do it. His mother reported that she had to help him up the stairs to the slide, as he had no confidence in himself.
In response, we held a meeting with his mother and introduced a more positive language approach, using daily affirmations, mindfulness techniques, and encouraging positive self-talk. Over the next 10 to 12 months, consistent co-regulation practices between home and nursery helped improve his behaviour and self-confidence. By January 2022, Child A proudly responded to praise with, “That’s because I am amazing,” showing a significant transformation in his emotional regulation and resilience.
Child B – Developing Self-Regulation and Resilience
Child B began attending nursery at the age of two and, although excitable, met developmental milestones. However, after the pandemic lockdown, he returned to nursery a changed child, more cautious and wary of new situations, showing signs of emotional regression. He had previously been confident in social situations, but his emotional regulation appeared to suffer.
In response, we introduced mindful moments, daily meditation, and positive affirmations at nursery. Over time, these practices helped him regain his self-confidence. A significant turning point came when Child B shared an insightful moment with his father, saying, “I know you are strong here, but you need to be strong in here,” showing an understanding of the mental strength required to overcome challenges. By the end of the next six months, Child B had developed greater self-regulation and resilience, becoming more willing to take risks, form friendships, and handle challenges more effectively.
These two case studies demonstrate the power of co-regulation and the impact of positive mental health strategies in early years settings. By working collaboratively with families and using consistent emotional support practices, both children made significant strides in emotional growth.
Practical tips for reducing stigma
Make mental health part of everyday life
Simple daily activities can help normalise mental health conversations. For example, you could start the day with a quick check-in where children share how they’re feeling. Storybooks that talk about emotions or art projects that explore feelings can also make mental health easier to talk about. When these activities are part of your routine, they become second nature.
Celebrate differences
Every family and individual has a unique experience with mental health, and it’s important to respect and celebrate these differences. This might mean offering culturally sensitive resources or workshops tailored to specific needs. When we embrace diversity, we help everyone feel included and understood.
Focus on positive stories
Sharing stories of people who’ve overcome mental health challenges can inspire others. Whether it’s in a newsletter, on a noticeboard, or through social media, celebrating resilience and recovery shows that seeking support is a strength. Use uplifting, inclusive language like “working toward well-being” to encourage hope and positivity.
Why breaking the stigma matters
Healthier communities
When stigma is broken, people feel safe to talk about mental health and get help when they need it. This leads to healthier children, families, and educators who can thrive together.
Empowered educators and families
With the right tools and support, families and educators can confidently address mental health challenges. This strengthens relationships and creates an environment where everyone feels supported, valued, and connected.
Summary and key takeaways
Breaking the stigma around mental health in early years settings benefits everyone. By encouraging open conversations, building supportive communities, and making mental health part of everyday life, we can create an environment where emotional well-being is a priority. Small steps, like having honest discussions or celebrating diversity, can lead to big changes.
Now it’s your turn! Take the first step by starting an open conversation about mental health with your team or families. Consider hosting a workshop, sharing resources, or simply checking in with those around you. For additional tools and support, you can explore our work and services at Mini Minds Matter to find helpful resources and guidance tailored for early years settings. Together, we can create a culture where mental health is a shared priority and everyone feels empowered to thrive.
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About the Author
Julie Robinson, Founder and Director of Mini Minds and Eagley School House Nurseries
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