How to Talk to Your Gen Z Daughter About Mental Health: A Parent’s Guide
Hey parents,
If you’re raising a Gen Z student-athlete, you already know this generation faces a unique mix of challenges. Between school, sports, social media, and the pressure to succeed, it can sometimes feel like there’s no time for them to pause, let alone prioritize their mental health.
But here’s the thing: Mental health is just as important as physical health. As parents, you play a vital role in creating a safe space for your daughter to open up, share what’s on her mind, and develop the tools to navigate life’s ups and downs.
Not sure where to start? Here are some tips to help you have open, meaningful conversations about mental health with your Gen Z athlete—plus resources to support both you and your daughter along the way.
1. Start the Conversation Early and Often
Talking about mental health shouldn’t just happen when there’s a crisis—it should be a regular part of your relationship. Normalize conversations about feelings, stress, and self-care so your daughter knows it’s okay to talk about these things anytime.
How to Start:
Instead of asking generic questions like, “How was your day?” try asking, “What’s been exciting or challenging for you lately?”
Share your own experiences with stress or anxiety to show that mental health is something everyone deals with.
Helpful Resource:
Active Minds: A great resource for understanding mental health and how to start supportive conversations.
2. Be a Safe Listener
When your daughter does open up, the most important thing you can do is listen. Avoid jumping to conclusions or trying to “fix” the problem right away. Sometimes, she just needs to feel heard and understood.
What to Say:
“That sounds really hard. Thank you for sharing it with me.”
“I’m here to listen if you want to talk more about this.”
Helpful Resource:
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Offers parent guides and mental health support tips.
3. Watch for Warning Signs
As a student-athlete, your daughter is likely juggling a lot—practice, games, schoolwork, friendships, and more. If she’s struggling with her mental health, you might notice some warning signs, like:
Sudden changes in mood or behavior.
Loss of interest in sports or other activities she used to love.
Difficulty sleeping or changes in appetite.
Increased irritability, sadness, or withdrawal.
What to Say:
“I’ve noticed you’ve seemed really stressed out lately. How can I support you?”
Helpful Resource:
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, 24/7 support in the U.S.
4. Focus on Effort, Not Just Results
As parents, it’s easy to celebrate the wins—whether that’s a perfect report card, a game-winning goal, or a first-place medal. But constantly focusing on achievements can create pressure to perform.
Instead, emphasize effort, growth, and persistence. Let your daughter know that her value isn’t tied to her stats or grades.
Try This:
Instead of saying, “Great job scoring that goal!” try, “I’m proud of how hard you’ve been working and improving.”
5. Encourage Rest and Balance
Sports are amazing for building confidence and teamwork, but burnout is real. Make sure your daughter knows it’s okay to rest and prioritize her mental well-being.
Ways to Help:
Create a schedule that includes downtime, not just practice and homework.
Encourage self-care activities like journaling, reading, or spending time with friends outside of sports.
Helpful Resource:
The Trevor Project Self-Care Guide: Tips on balancing mental health and daily life.
6. Tackle Social Media Together
Let’s face it: Social media is a huge part of Gen Z’s world. While it can be a great way to connect, it can also fuel comparison, anxiety, and self-doubt. Talk openly about the pros and cons of social media, and help your daughter set healthy boundaries.
Tips:
Encourage breaks from screens, especially before bed.
Teach her to curate a positive feed by unfollowing accounts that make her feel bad about herself.
Remind her that social media is a highlight reel, not real life.
Helpful Resource:
Common Sense Media: Guides for navigating social media and screen time for families.
7. Be Open to Professional Help
Sometimes, even the best support from family and friends isn’t enough—and that’s okay. If your daughter is struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out to a therapist or counselor. Seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of strength.
How to Introduce It:
“Talking to a professional could give you some tools to handle what you’re feeling. Would you like me to help you find someone?”
“Therapy isn’t just for people in crisis—it’s a great way to work on yourself and feel supported.”
Helpful Resource:
Psychology Today: Use their therapist directory to find professionals in your area.
8. Model Healthy Habits
Kids watch what we do more than they listen to what we say. Show your daughter that prioritizing mental health is important by practicing it yourself. Whether it’s setting boundaries, taking breaks, or being open about your own feelings, lead by example.
A Final Note: You Don’t Have to Be Perfect
You don’t have to have all the answers or say the perfect thing every time. What matters most is that your daughter knows she’s loved, supported, and never alone in facing life’s challenges.
By creating a safe space to talk about mental health, you’re not just helping her thrive as an athlete—you’re helping her thrive as a person.
You’ve got this, and so does she. 💕
Additional Resources:
Mental Health America (MHA): Mental health screenings and resources for parents and teens.
Mindfulness for Teens: Mindfulness practices tailored for young people.
If this blog resonates with you, share it with other parents or drop a comment below with your own tips for supporting student-athletes’ mental health. Together, we can help this generation rise stronger than ever. 💪
