It’s common to associate changes in mental health with puberty and becoming a teenager, but even very young children can experience poor mental health. They may not have the words to describe what they’re experiencing, but mood swings, excessive anxiety or decreased interest in the world around them are common signs that a child may not be feeling their best mentally.
Erin Troup is a counselor who specializes in the social and emotional needs of young children. Her therapy center, the Sprout Center for Emotional Growth and Development, offers early child-hood therapy and mental health training for educational professionals across three locations in the Greater Pittsburgh area. We spoke with Troup to learn more about how parents can help their children navigate mental health.
What are some signs that young kids are struggling with their mental health that parents should look out for?
Children thrive on routines. When we notice that their routines are drastically changed — for example, because of a big move or the death of a caregiver — it’s a sign to keep an eye out for changes. With young children, parents might notice they’re more fussy than usual, or that they’re withdrawn. It’s hard to describe, but if you’ve ever looked at a little child and they’re alert and they’re playing, you’ll see a spark in their eyes. If you’re not seeing much of a spark or much engagement, that might be a sign. Children love looking at faces and at other people, and a lack of interest in that might be a sign that they’re not feeling good. Other things to look out for include changes in eating and sleeping patterns.
Most young kids [in 2025] grew up during or after the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. How has this affected their mental development?
It was a stressful time, but a lot of stressors were eliminated for kids at home. Many parents think that anxiety and stress in young children is a bad thing, but experiencing everyday stressors is really good for their development. They’re able to overcome stress if they’re exposed to [stressors] at an early age. But since those stressors were eliminated, we see bigger behaviors now when children become frustrated or anxious.
How can parents make up for some of the experiences their child may have missed out on due to the pandemic?
It’s important to have social experiences. Reach out to neighbors and friends for playdates. Recognize that everyone gets busy, but it’s important to find the time for play. And you should recognize that your child may need more frequent breaks and separations from stressful things going on because they may not have grown used to it. Once they practice, they get better at it.
How can parents explain mental health concepts to kids who are too young to really understand what they’re feeling?
These feelings are normal for children to have. It’s just that the intensity might be what they’re not used to. Having a caregiver to validate those experiences and help guide them is important. Children tend to co-regulate and will look to their caregiver for reassurance and support, and parents should provide that. But talking them through some of these experiences can be helpful. Things like, “Oh, you look overwhelmed. Taking a break might be helpful; let’s go over here for a little while.”
What mental health resources are available to parents in the Pittsburgh area?
[University of Pittsburgh Medical Center] (UPMC) has the Matilda H. Theiss Health Center, where they focus on early childhood attachment. Pitt has an infant mental health course. Family support centers are a great resource for families, and you can find a lot of those through Allegheny County Family Centers. For families who qualify, Nurse-Family Partnerships provide a lot of infant and early childhood- based support services in-home.
[As far as statewide resources go], the Pennsylvania Association for Infant Mental Health has a lot.
