Addressing the Mental Health Needs of Young Children and Their Families

Young children experience mental health challenges
that impact early learning, social interactions, and the
overall well-being of their families. It is estimated that
between 9% and 14% of children from birth to 5 years
of age experience social and emotional problems that
negatively affect their functioning and development.1
Among babies, signs of depression can include
inconsolable crying, slow growth, and sleep problems.2
Mental health challenges among young children
occur within the context of early childhood growth
and development, during which children develop selfcontrol
and learn to tolerate frustration.3 For example,
although temper tantrums may be developmentally
normal for toddlers, tantrums characterized by selfdestructive
behaviors or aggressive behavior toward
people or property can indicate that emotional and
behavioral problems are present.4 A young child
who withdraws regularly from social situations and
experiences fear when interacting with others may
have mental health needs.