Mental fitness for every age

You play a key role in helping your child develop the skills and abilities they need to thrive. There are things you can do to help them improve their social, emotional, and mental well-being. Learn the steps you can take at every age to help your child, teen, or young adult strengthen their mental fitness.

What is mental fitness?

Mental fitness is a lifelong process of building and maintaining strong mental health. Like physical fitness, it requires regular care and practice. There are two main parts to mental fitness:

Practicing healthy habits

It’s important for children, teens and adults to practice healthy habits that support their mental well-being. When these habits become part of daily life, like brushing teeth each day to prevent cavities, they can help build a foundation to support mental health over time.

Daily healthy habits that promote mental fitness include:

Building and maintaining meaningful relationships

Eating balanced, nutrient-rich meals

Getting enough sleep

Getting regular exercise

Spending time in nature

Building mental strength

Learning to handle challenging situations helps people of all ages to believe, “I got through that. I can get through the next thing, too.”

Children, teens, and adults can build mental strength by facing age-appropriate challenges. Dealing with stress or adversity helps build confidence, self-awareness, and coping skills.

Addressing your child’s needs at every age

You can start building your child’s mental fitness today. You don’t need to wait for a program or do it perfectly. It might be as simple as:

Cooking a balanced dinner

Prioritizing a full night’s sleep

Taking a walk together as a family

Small changes add up. Start with one habit, and once it sticks, build on it. Over time, you’ll help your child develop lifelong tools for strong mental health.

Find out how you can support your child’s mental fitness at each stage of their young lives.

Early childhood (0-5 years)

A child’s brain experiences major growth in the earliest years of life. By helping your child feel safe and cared for, you’re supporting their development of mental wellness skills to manage life’s challenges.

Learn more about mental fitness in early childhood

School-age child (6-11 years)

During the school years, children begin to focus more on life outside the home. Making friends, completing homework, and participating in sports and social activities help build your child’s self-esteem. By supporting your child’s growing independence, you’re helping them gain a sense of responsibility and learn to make good choices.

Learn more about mental fitness in school-age children

Teens (12-18 years)

Your teen seeks more independence and responsibility as they develop their unique personality.

With this independence comes a greater focus on their interests, opinions, activities, and friends. As you help them learn to make decisions on their own, they become capable of taking on more responsibilities.

Learn more about mental fitness in teens

Young adults (19-25 years)

During the transition to adulthood, young adults may move out to attend college or start a career. As you give them more space to grow, your young adult still needs the support of a loving family during a time of excitement, adventure, and uncertainty.

Learn more about mental fitness in young adults

Parenting Tips and Resources

Supporting Children's Emotional Development

Learn how to build your teen’s resilience with practical tips and support. Help them navigate challenges, grow coping skills, and thrive in tough times.
Eating Together Builds Meaningful Bonds

Learn about the importance of eating family meals together and how it affects the physical and mental health of parents, children, and teens.
Helping Children Relax and Recharge

Discover how to create a family culture that balances work and play for good mental health.
Preventing youth alcohol and drug use

Learn how to prevent youth alcohol and drug use with tips for parents, facts about fentanyl, and resources to support healthy teen decision-making.
Mental Fitness in Young Adults (19-25 Years)

Young adults (ages 19 to 25) experience major changes and personal growth. Learn ways to support their mental wellness as they transition to adult life.