How to Support Your Kids’ Mental Health: Breaking the Silence, AAPI Families & More Valuable Tips with Lily Chen

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Parent Confidence Lab, Hans and Cristina Kullberg sit down with Lily Chen, Founder and Executive Director of UCA Waves, to talk about supporting children’s mental health, reducing stigma, and helping parents create safe spaces for meaningful conversations.As a public health nurse, mother of five, and first-generation immigrant from China, Lily shares how her own experiences shaped her passion for mental health education and advocacy. Through UCA Waves, she works at the intersection of nursing education, research, civic engagement, and community support to advance mental health equity, particularly within underserved and immigrant communities.Lily also shares practical advice for parents, including why mental health conversations should start early, how parents can practice self-awareness and self-care, and why active listening is so important. The conversation explores the unique pressures AAPI children may experience, including academic expectations, cultural identity, racial discrimination, and the need for belonging.What You'll LearnWhy parents should start talking about mental health with children earlyHow parental mental health and emotional well-being can affect the whole familyThe importance of self-awareness, self-care, and knowing your own limits as a parentHow active listening can help children feel heard and supportedSome of the unique mental health pressures AAPI children and families may experienceHow cultural expectations, identity, discrimination, and belonging can affect childrenWays parents can create a safe, non-judgmental environment for their childrenWhy reducing stigma is an important part of improving mental health conversationsHow parents can become more involved with their children’s schools and communitiesHow community programs, education, and peer support can help families access mental health resources About Lily ChenLily Chen is a public health nurse and the Founder and Executive Director of UCA Waves, an organization focused on wellness, advocacy, voices, education, and support. Her work brings together community programs, mental health education, research, advocacy, and workforce development to support mental health equity.Lily is also a mother of five and draws from both her professional experience and personal experiences as a first-generation immigrant to help parents better understand and support their children's mental health. UCA Waves provides programs including mental health education, peer support, workforce development, and community-based initiatives.Connect with Lily ChenLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/lilychen0331/UCA Waves: https://ucawaves.org/ Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicYouTubeiHeart RadioCaptivate Parent Confidence Lab by Avocado Health, your parenting partner in your pocket.Enjoying the show? Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly parenting insights, episode updates, and expert parenting tips delivered straight to your inbox.Sign up here: https://avo-little-more-confidence.beehiiv.com/