6 Must-Read Books for Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health

Children’s emotional well-being is just as important as their physical well-being. How children interpret and manage their emotions determines their confidence, relationships, and capacity to recover from setbacks in the course of growing up. As parents and caregivers, having the right tools can make a big difference in helping children feel seen, supported, and empowered.

As parents, it’s natural to want the best for our children—not just academically or socially, but emotionally too. Mental health shapes how kids see themselves, how they connect with others, and how they handle challenges. With rising concerns about stress, anxiety, and the pressures children face today, having trusted resources can give parents the tools and confidence to support their child’s well-being at every stage.

If you’re looking for practical, research-backed, and compassionate resources, here are six highly recommended books that can help guide you on this journey, click each image to learn more!

1. Here I Am, I Am Me

This kid-friendly graphic primer introduces children to the basics of mental health in an approachable and engaging way. The illustrations and simple language make it perfect for starting conversations about emotions, coping skills, and self-acceptance. Parents can use it as a tool to normalize discussions about feelings at home.

2. Raising Mentally Strong Kids

Grounded in neuroscience, this guide explores how to build resilience in children from a young age. It helps parents understand the science behind stress and emotional regulation while offering everyday strategies to nurture confidence, problem-solving skills, and mental strength.

3. What To Do When Your Brain Gets Stuck

Part of the highly regarded “What To Do” series, this workbook uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques to help children manage intrusive thoughts, anxiety, and OCD tendencies. With exercises written in kid-friendly language, it gives parents and kids practical steps they can work through together.

4. Never Let Go

This heartfelt resource focuses on compassionate parenting while navigating a child’s mental illness. It acknowledges the challenges parents face while providing encouragement, strategies, and real-life stories. It’s especially helpful for parents seeking both practical guidance and emotional reassurance.

5. The Anxious Generation

This cultural deep dive looks at how technology, social media, and modern pressures are shaping youth mental health. It helps parents understand the broader societal factors impacting kids’ well-being and offers insights on creating healthier tech boundaries at home.

6. The Whole-Brain Child

A bestseller for good reason, this book blends neuroscience with parenting strategies in a way that’s both accessible and actionable. It gives parents tools to connect with their child’s developing brain, manage big emotions, and encourage cooperation—all while fostering long-term emotional intelligence.

Supporting your child’s mental health doesn’t mean having all the answers—it means creating an environment where they feel safe, heard, and understood. These books can provide the knowledge, strategies, and confidence to help you guide your child toward resilience and well-being.

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