Why teaching mental health skills early is transformative for kids (Ages 7–10)

Evidence-based prevention + simple tools children actually get

If you’ve got a child aged 7–10, you’ve probably seen it: big feelings, wobbly mornings, tight tummies, school refusal, overwhelm, and moments where you’re not sure how to help.

Many families feel like anxiety in children is now a normal part of growing up.But here’s the truth:

Mental health skills taught early don’t just help children cope now — they protect them later.

And the research is remarkably consistent.

Why the early years matter

Parents searching for “how to help an anxious child,” “emotional regulation for kids,” or “early mental health education” are really asking the same question: “Is it still early enough for these tools to shape their long-term wellbeing?”

Yes — and here’s the research:

1. Up to 20% of children and adolescents experience a mental health condition. (World Health Organization, 2021)

2. Suicide was the third leading cause of death globally for 15–29-year-olds.

3. For children aged 10–14, an estimated 8,327 deaths occurred globally in 2019 due to suicide.

4. Half of all mental health conditions begin by age 14. (Kessler et al., 2007)

5. In Australia, 14% of children aged 4–12 meet criteria for a mental health disorder each year. (AIHW, 2023)

These aren’t statistics — they’re kids like ours, still learning how to feel safe in their own bodies and minds.

That’s why this age is known as the prevention window — the stage when emotional habits form and stick.

What are protective factors in children’s mental health?

Protective factors are the skills and supports that help children:

• manage stress and anxiety

• recover from setbacks

• understand and name emotions

• build confidence and self-identity

• ask for help

• stay connected socially

When taught early, these skills reduce the risk of mental health struggles in adolescence and adulthood. (Masten & Tellegen, 2012)

This isn’t intervention.This is prevention — and prevention is powerful.

What early mental health education looks like

It’s NOT:

• lectures

• fixing behaviour

• telling kids to “calm down”

• treating feelings like problems

It IS:

• naming feelings without shame

• understanding how the brain and body work

• using simple regulation tools (breathing, grounding, movement, thinking skills)

• forming identity stories that build confidence

• feeling safe with trusted adults

Why Frizz & Ferguson work so well

Children learn best when they feel safe — and when learning feels like play, not therapy.

Frizz, the brave and honest friend, tells kids:“Me too. I get it. Let’s try this together.”

This is co-regulation through story, which is how children internalise coping skills that last.

What kids learn through Wellbeing Hacks (in kid-friendly language)

Mental Health Skill	What Kids Learn to Say	Long-Term Protective Effect
Emotional naming	“I know what I’m feeling.”	Less overwhelm
Breathing & grounding	“My body can calm down.”	Reduced anxiety patterns
Thought awareness	“My thoughts aren’t always true.”	Protection against negative thinking
Resilience & repair	“I can try again.”	Stronger stress recovery
Self-kindness	“I don’t need to be perfect.”	Lower shame + self-criticism

These aren’t quick fixes.They are brain-wiring patterns that support confidence, resilience, and emotional safety — in childhood and beyond.

How Wellbeing Hacks supports your child

Wellbeing Hacks gives families the simple, evidence-based strategies kids need to:

• calm their bodies and minds

• understand their emotions

• challenge unhelpful thoughts

• build resilience

• feel confident in who they are

If you’d like to learn how Wellbeing Hacks can support your child’s mental health, click here:

👉 Wellbeing Hacks

With support

Lena