Schools Are Failing Our Kids, And It’s Not Just About Grades
Schools are failing to address the mental health crisis among youth. 1 in 5 Gen Z Canadians haven’t felt happy in the past year, and fun levels have plummeted since 2019. Academics alone won’t prepare kids for life: emotional resilience, social skills, and well-being must be prioritized. It’s time for schools to take responsibility. The future of Canada depends on it.
Straight A’s Won’t Help If Kids Can’t Handle Life
Schools push students to excel academically, but what about their mental health? Nearly 1 in 4 Gen Z students report depression, and anxiety is at an all-time high. Kids are acing tests while silently struggling with panic attacks. We teach math and science—but not resilience, emotional intelligence, or coping skills. It’s time to rethink education. Are we setting kids up to succeed—or to suffer?
1 in 4 Teens Have No Friends: Why Our Kids Are Struggling
We’re in a friendship recession—1 in 4 Canadians have zero close friends, and social anxiety is skyrocketing. Gen Z is lonelier than ever, with fun levels dropping drastically since 2019. Digital connection has replaced real friendships, leaving kids isolated. This crisis isn’t just sad—it’s shaping their future. It’s time to rebuild connection, one real conversation at a time.
What No One Tells You About Admitting Your Teen to a Psychiatric Ward
No parent ever expects to admit their teen to a psychiatric ward. But when the unthinkable happens, you’re forced to walk through those locked doors, hoping this place will save them. In this chapter from Wake Up, You Could Lose Your Teen to Suicide, I share the fear, the heartbreak, and the fragile hope that comes with watching your child fight for their life. I hope you never experience this—but if you have, you’re not alone.
Good Cop, Bad Cop Parenting: Are You Supporting Your Teen or Undermining Your Partner?
When one parent becomes the “good cop” and the other the disciplinarian, it can create tension, inconsistency, and even undermine parenting authority. Teens learn to play parents against each other, causing resentment and mixed signals. A united front fosters respect, trust, and structure. Learn how to balance roles, set clear expectations, and parent as a team. #Parenting #FamilyDynamics
I Missed the Signs: Why Every Teen Needs Someone Who Listens
The signs your teen is struggling are often subtle: changes in mood, habits, or behaviour. Don’t wait for a crisis to act. You can connect with your teen before things escalate by listening, being present, and creating a safe space. The signs are already there; your presence and compassion can make all the difference.
Hate When People Try to Fix Your Problems? So Does Your Teen
Ever talk to Fix-It Frank, the friend who jumps in with solutions before you’ve even finished your sentence? Feels frustrating, right? Now, imagine how your teen feels when you do the same. If you want them to open up, stop trying to fix everything. The key isn’t forcing conversations, it’s creating space for them to want to talk. Sometimes, the best thing you can say is nothing at all.
You Say Tomato, They Say Zucchini: How to Thrive When Your Teen Pushes Back
The teenage years often feel like a battleground, with pushback mistaken for rebellion. But what if it’s growth—a chance for parents and teens to thrive? Reflecting on my journey, including the loss of Maddie and raising my boys, I’ve learned teens need space to explore their identity. Mentors can help by offering neutral guidance, building confidence, and teaching life skills, easing parent-teen tensions.
I Had Everything in High School, But No One Knew What I Was Hiding
In high school, I had everything: sports, popularity, good grades. But inside? I was insecure, constantly questioning myself. The truth is, even the most confident-looking teens struggle. They just learn to hide it. Without a safe space, they bottle it up, seek validation in the wrong places, and fear asking for help. That’s why mentorship matters. Who made a difference in your life? Now, imagine being that person for someone else.
Are Schools Getting Mental Health Wrong? 5 Head-Scratching Stats
Schools measure grades, attendance, and test scores, but not mental health. 75% of mental health conditions start before age 18, yet most schools lack real intervention. Half of students say their mental health impacts learning, but only 14% feel supported. Ignoring this isn’t just failing students, it’s failing the future. It’s time to track, improve, and prioritize mental well-being in education.
The Parenting Cliff: Why You’re Closer to the Edge Than You Think
My mom and I barely survived my teenage years. We fought about everything—school, curfews, the car. I thought she was controlling; she thought I was impossible. Looking back, I was cocky, emotionally volatile, and lacked Emotional Intelligence. Today’s parents face even bigger challenges. Teens need mentors. Parents need support. If you're struggling, you don’t have to do it alone
The Hidden Opportunity Almost Every Parent Misses With Their Teen
Most parents see their teen’s push for independence as a challenge; arguments, questioning authority, emotional distance. But what if this phase was actually an opportunity? The Thriving Zone is a chance to build trust, connection, and resilience. A mentor can bridge the gap, easing tension while guiding teens toward confidence and growth. Don’t wait for problems—lean in before they start.
The Silent Struggles of Teens: How to Know When They’re Feeling Lost
Feeling lost doesn’t mean a teen is depressed or anxious. It’s often about lacking confidence, direction, or the ability to process emotions. Teens need guidance to navigate these challenges and build resilience. By recognizing the signs, offering support, and normalizing their emotions, parents can help them find their path. When needed, mentors, coaches, or therapists can provide additional guidance.
Mentorship Matters: This Wisdom Will Help Fast Track Your Career
A few weeks ago, I shared a post about my son Zac starting his career. Many of you offered guidance, including Hilton Barbour, who shared incredible advice and followed up with a brilliant email. His wisdom reminded me how powerful it is to share our experiences. Your guidance can shape future leaders, so don’t underestimate its impact. Thank you, Hilton, for inspiring Zac and many others.
The School Report Card You’ve Never Seen: Grading Mental Health
Discover "The School Report Card You’ve Never Seen," a groundbreaking approach to grading mental health in schools. This system evaluates mental health programs based on student feedback, setting benchmarks for excellence and transparency. By highlighting what works and where support is needed, it empowers schools to prioritize student well-being and fosters accountability for meaningful change.
What William Nylander Can Teach Us About Mental Wellness
William Nylander embodies calm under pressure, thriving in Toronto’s intense hockey spotlight. His carefree attitude, authenticity, and ability to focus on the big picture offer valuable lessons for mental health. By embracing joy, letting go of perfectionism, and staying true to himself, Nylander shows us how to navigate stress with resilience and grace, both on and off the ice.
The Thriving Zone: The Gap Between Parenting and Therapy Teens Need
When parenting feels like an endless cycle of arguments, and therapy seems unnecessary, you may be in uncharted territory with your teen. They’re not thriving, but they’re not in crisis either. Enter The Thriving Zone—a space where mentorship bridges the gap between parenting and therapy. Here, teens develop confidence, emotional intelligence, and life skills to flourish, turning frustration into exponential growth.
Antidepressants: The Conversations We’re Afraid to Have
I’ve faced the stigma, side effects, and doubts around antidepressants, but I’ve also seen how they can help. After losing my daughter Maddie and struggling with depression, medication became a tool to regain focus and function. It’s not about weakness, it’s about finding what works for your mental health. Whether temporary or permanent, maintaining mental health is as vital as achieving it.
‘What Didn’t I See?’ The Question Every Parent Needs to Ask
One day, your playful, affectionate child stops laughing at your jokes and starts rolling their eyes. The shift feels sudden, but the signs. like mood changes or withdrawing, are often subtle. As parents, asking What didn’t I see? helps us stay connected, spot the struggles they’re hiding, and show up when they need us most. Even when they pull away, they still need us.
What If Sharing Your Story Could Save Someone Else?
Sharing Your Story: The Healing Power of Vulnerability
Stories do more than entertain—they connect, heal, and inspire. Sharing my struggles with depression and grief over losing Maddie transformed my healing journey and empowered others to open up. Storytelling bridges pain and hope, reduces anxiety, and fosters empathy. By sharing your story, you create ripples of connection, proving no one is truly alone. #MentalHealth #Storytelling