The £45 Billion Reason to Invest in Children's Emotional Health

At The Emotions Lab, we believe that teaching children to understand and manage difficult emotions—like anxiety—isn’t just essential for their well-being. It’s the foundation for happier homes, stronger relationships, and even more productive workplaces.

The Foundation for Life

Helping children understand and navigate their emotions equips them with lifelong tools for resilience, stress management, and strong relationships. Prioritising emotional health is key to their long-term mental and physical well-being.

A Hidden Workplace Cost

Parents balancing work and concerns about their children's mental health face an enormous strain—and so do their employers. Studies show: "Working parents’ concerns for their children’s mental health cost employers £8 billion annually." – HR Magazine

When children are struggling, parents bring that stress into the workplace, leading to reduced focus, productivity, and higher absenteeism. Addressing children's emotional health isn’t just a family issue—it’s a workforce issue.

A Powerful Investment

The financial benefits of supporting children's emotional, physical and cognitive development are undeniable. According to the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood: “Investing in early childhood in the UK could generate at least £45.5 billion in value added for the national economy each year.”

This includes billions in workforce earnings, business profits, and government tax revenue. Simply put—supporting children today builds a healthier, more productive society tomorrow.

The ripple effect is clear. Prioritising children's emotional well-being strengthens families, reduces workplace stress, and fuels economic growth.

The Emotions Lab