What to say (and what not to say) when talking to your kids about mental health It's important to talk to children about mental health. Here's how you can start a casual conversation with your family. Posted at 2:39 PM, Mar 03, 2021 and last updated 2021-03-04 08:16:04-05 RICHMOND, Va. -- One out of every six children between the ages of six and 17 will be diagnosed with a mental health disorder this year, according to the national alliance on mental illness. Having casual conversations with children about mental health from a young age can make all the difference as they grow up, mental health experts said.