Angela Legh, Author, Challenges Parents to Rethink Tween Mental Health: Do Children Feel Safe Enough to Speak Up?

Author and parenting advocate explores how emotional safety at home shapes children’s willingness to share their experiences

LOS ANGELES, CA, UNITED STATES, October 19, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- A child can be surrounded by people who love them and still feel alone with their emotions. As conversations about youth mental health and loneliness gain attention, author and parenting advocate Angela Legh is asking parents to consider a question that could change how they communicate with their children: Do tweens feel emotionally safe enough to tell adults what they are really experiencing?

In her October 10 blog post, “Are Children Emotionally Safe Enough to Tell Us How They Feel?”, Legh explores the everyday interactions that shape whether children feel comfortable expressing difficult emotions. Her commentary challenges parents to look beyond their intentions and consider how their responses can influence a child's willingness to speak up. The conversation comes as UNICEF’s Global Youth Mental Health Coalition launches Turn Down the Noise, a campaign addressing loneliness, fear of judgment, and barriers to social connection among young people.

“Parents often tell children they can talk about anything, but the real test comes when a child shares something uncomfortable, disappointing, or difficult to hear,” Legh says. “If we respond with criticism, immediate advice, or dismissal, children may learn to keep those feelings to themselves. Emotional safety begins when children discover that they can be honest about what they feel without risking the connection they depend on.”

For parents of children ages 9–14, the distinction between loving a child and helping that child feel understood can be significant. A tween who has been excluded by friends, embarrassed at school, or worried about fitting in may need someone to acknowledge the hurt before offering solutions. When adults rush to correct a problem, even with good intentions, they may overlook the emotional experience the child is trying to communicate.

“Instead of focusing only on changing a child’s behavior, parents should become curious about what may be driving it. Irritability, withdrawal, or an unusually strong reaction to a seemingly minor event may signal feelings a child doesn’t yet know how to identify or express. Understanding those feelings doesn’t mean abandoning boundaries or accountability. It means approaching difficult moments with empathy and a willingness to understand what our children may be experiencing,” Legh says.

Legh encourages parents to create opportunities for conversation by listening without judgment, asking questions before giving advice, acknowledging their mistakes, and repairing misunderstandings. These everyday interactions can help children build trust and feel more confident expressing their emotions.

The same principles inform Legh’s The Bella Santini Chronicles, a fantasy series for young readers that explores belonging, courage, emotional awareness, and the choices children make as they grow. Through Bella’s adventures, the series gives families and educators an accessible, imaginative way to discuss challenging feelings and personal experiences.

“Whether through my books or my parenting commentary, my goal is to help adults better understand what children are experiencing emotionally. Tweens carry those feelings into every part of their lives, from home and school to their friendships. When we take the time to understand what’s beneath the surface, we can help children feel heard, supported, and emotionally safe,” Legh says.

Children are constantly learning which feelings are welcome and which make the adults around them uncomfortable, Legh points out. Parents do not have to respond perfectly every time, she adds, but they must be willing to listen, recognize when they have missed something, and show children that difficult feelings do not make them less worthy of understanding.

Readers can explore Legh’s latest commentary at https://angelalegh.com/ and learn more about The Bella Santini Chronicles at https://bellasantini.com/.

About Angela Legh

Angela Legh is an award-winning, internationally recognized bestselling author, speaker, and advocate for emotional resilience in children. She is best known for The Bella Santini Chronicles, a fantasy series for young readers that explores emotional awareness, belonging, courage, and personal growth. Through her books, parenting commentary, and resources for parents and educators, Legh helps families better understand tweens’ emotional experiences and build stronger relationships through empathy and open communication.

Learn more at https://angelalegh.com/.

Amanda Kent
Boundless Media USA
+1 313-403-5636