For Youth Mental Health Day 2026, #BuildFutureYou should not mean asking young people to ignore pressing realities, remain endlessly positive or have their whole lives planned. It means acknowledging what is difficult while helping them develop the confidence, support and practical tools to take their next step.
Here, Creative Health Practitioner and Mental Health Ambassador for The Principle Trust Children’s Charity, Yasmin Shaheen-Zaffar, shares how parents can help their children to build their future self.
Be intentional about social media consumption
Social media can make it look as though everyone else is achieving more, going out more, looking better, or just living an amazing life. Remind your child that they are comparing their whole life with someone else’s carefully selected highlights. If their feed regularly leaves them feeling anxious, inadequate or powerless, try muting certain accounts, changing what they follow or advising them to step away for a while. Staying connected and informed should not cost them their sense of self.
Steady your body before trying to solve everything
When the nervous system feels overwhelmed, it becomes harder to think flexibly or imagine possibilities. Movement, music, sensory activities, time outdoors, rest, breathing or connecting with someone safe can help turn the volume down. The aim is not to control every feeling, but to become steady enough for the next step.
Listen before reassuring
Statements such as “You’ll be fine” may be well meant, but they can leave a young person feeling unheard. Begin with: “I can understand why that feels worrying. Which part feels hardest at the moment?”
Replace big questions with smaller ones
“What are you going to do with your life?” can increase pressure. Try asking (not all at the same time): “What are you curious about at the moment?”, “What would you like to try next?” or “What is one step we could take together?”
Notice when worry is becoming overwhelming
Additional support may be needed when worries persist or begin to affect sleep, eating, education, relationships or everyday activities. Parents do not have to manage this alone and can seek help through their GP, school, college, counsellor or an appropriate mental health service.
Ultimately, #BuildFutureYou does not have to mean predicting or controlling everything that comes next. It can mean helping young people develop enough support, steadiness and flexibility to meet their future one gentle step at a time.
