The Importance of Mental Health Check-Ins – How Parents Can Stay Connected

Written By: Krista Toomey, MSW

Routine emotional check-ins can strengthen your relationship with your teen and help prevent mental health concerns from building up. These check-ins don’t need to be long or serious; they can be casual moments over dinner, in the car, or before bed.

For parents, checking in with a young person can be as simple as asking, “How are you feeling this week?” or “What’s been on your mind lately?” It sends a clear message: you care, you’re listening, and it’s okay to talk about emotions. When these conversations become routine, they help build trust and normalize the ups and downs of life.

Tips for Mental Health Check-Ins:

• Ask open-ended questions like “What’s been on your mind?” or “What’s something good or hard about your day?”
• Avoid interrupting or jumping in with solutions, just listen.
• Make emotional conversations a regular part of your home, not a “big deal.”
• Respect their privacy but stay curious about their inner world.

Teens often won’t open up right away. That’s okay. The goal is to build a foundation of trust so they know you're always there when they’re ready to talk.

At California Youth Services, we incorporate regular emotional check-ins into our therapy sessions, school-based programs, and even our group activities. We want every teen to feel seen, heard, and supported, because good mental health starts with open, consistent conversations.

To learn more about our programs and enroll today, visit octeens.org or call 949-303-9016.