On Nurturing Resilience in a Children’s Mental Health Crisis. It Starts with the Stories We Share.

Coming into London Euston this morning, I saw this on the announcement board.

Simple, profound and impactful way to get people to think about what they are thinking about.

Solid questions which are hard to ignore and will without a doubt help at least one of the thousands of people who use the Northern line each day.

But what if this sort of intervention started way earlier.

Children are drowning in a sea of mental health challenges. From April to October 2024, there were 34,793 urgent mental health referrals for children in England, a 10% increase compared to 2023.

It time to quit sugarcoating the situation. Anxiety, low self-esteem, stress; are not just “phases.” They are potential crises. In fact scrap "potential". it is an actual crises. 1 in 5 children in the UK now struggles with a probable mental disorder. Urgent mental health referrals have surged by 10% in just the last five months. And let’s be honest, our system isn’t built to support them. The cracks are turning into chasms.

The truth is, mental health issues don't discriminate, neither should our resources. If we don’t equip kids with the right tools now, we are failing them. Ignorance is not bliss; it's a barrier. 

So, what fills a child's cup. Let's break it down.

💡 What inspires them?

Children mirror our actions. Role models show them what’s possible. If they don’t see it, they won’t believe it. A child’s resilience? Their unfiltered creativity? If we want them to dream big, they need stories that empower them. No more outdated narratives which perpetuate invisibility. Want to introduce them to trailblazers who dared to dream? Search our shop for Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls and many Little People, Big Dreams stories.

💡 Where do they feel safe to be themselves?

For far too many children, the answer is “Nowhere.” Because school isn’t safe. Home isn’t safe. Their minds aren’t safe. Half of all mental health conditions start before age 14. If we let that sink in, the obvious question becomes "Are we doing enough to create spaces where children can be themselves?" If they can’t be themselves or use their voice, they shrink to fit the world. Kids need spaces where they feel valued. Be Yourself: Why It's Great to Be You and Who Will You Be? remind kids that their uniqueness is their superpower.

💡 What’s one thing they could ask for help with?

As little as possible about childhood should be a fight. But for kids navigating anxiety, neurodivergence, or systemic inequalities, it often is. They need allies. They need stories that show them the power of community and asking for help. We teach kids to be “strong” but forget to teach them that vulnerability is also strength. My Big Bad Monster and I Am Helpful show that seeking support is not a weakness, it’s wisdom and that helping is good for the soul.

💡 Who energizes them?

Are they surrounded by people who lift them up or bring them down? When curation is intentional, children will be exposed to stories which model meaningful friendships, empowered connections, representation, or real-world belonging. Teach them to cultivate positive relationships with Super Sisterhood and The Great Big Book of Friends.

💡 What’s one thing they could say no to?

No is a complete sentence. Children must learn to set boundaries, and we must empower them to do so starting with saying “no” to outdated narratives which do nothing to shape self-worth but instead erase them. Let’s demand better. The Happy Book: A Book Full of Feelings, I Am Rosa Parks and so many other books about feelings help them find their voice and stand their ground.

💡 What does their body need?

Mental health isn’t just about the mind, it’s about the whole child. Sleep. Movement. Joy. Representation. The books they read should support their well-being from the inside out. Neglecting physical well-being is a fast track to mental exhaustion. The Busy Body Book and How to Stay Healthy: Wellbeing Workbook for Kids teach kids the importance of movement, health, and self-care.

💡 What do they like to learn about?

Curiosity fuels confidence. The right books inspires curiosity and open doors. But here’s the brutal truth: 33% of children don’t own a book at home. If knowledge is power, what does that mean for them? It means we have a duty to put the right books in their hands. When children explore, they grow. My STEM Day books and My First Book type titles feed their minds and empower them to see beyond limitations.

💡 What gives them more headspace?

Mental clutter is real, even for children. For many kids, the world is overwhelming. A book can be an escape, a guide, a friend. But only if it’s the right book. If we want to help them find calm and equip them with coping tools, self-confidence, and hope, we need to act with intention. The Little Book of Joy and A Better Day Journal provide powerful tools for mindfulness, gratitude, and emotional resilience.

If you are done with waiting, ignoring or thinking “maybe later.” and would rather revamp your book collection with more than just a handful of titles our Mental Health Awareness Book Bundle is a no-brainer. It’s the difference between a child struggling in silence and one thriving with knowledge, confidence, and self-worth.

For curation tailored to specific needs email hello@happiereverychapter.com