Because Most Parents Can’t Relate to Your World
If you're reading this, I hope it's out of curiosity. However, if you're here because your child is in crisis, I hope my stories provide some comfort. Looking back, there are things I wish we had done differently and resources I wish we had access to. Let me clarify: I'm not a therapist but a parent who understands your world because I've been where you are sitting. When we struggled with Maddie, I wished I had someone who could relate to my experiences. Every child's journey with mental health challenges is different, and every parent's experience is unique.
Some of this content was written in 2015, and some of it has been recent. Some of these posts have been published before, but many haven’t been seen before. A lot of people have told me to write a book, but this is as close as I’ll get to that. One day, I may change my mind.
The creation of the Hopeful Horizons Fund stems from the resources I wished I had during our own personal ordeal.
It's crucial to remember that you can't help your child if you neglect yourself. As parents, our default setting is to do anything for our children. However, I urge you to take care of yourself and seek the help you need—because you will likely need assistance too. Sometimes we have to be strong, but finding an outlet for your pain is essential. It could be a therapist, a supportive friend, or a support group. Putting up your hand and asking for help is okay.
I want you to understand that this section is raw and authentic, just like the world you're currently in. I don't sugarcoat anything and won't tell you everything will magically be alright. I don't know that. It can be terrifying as hell. By the way, if profanity offends you, I apologize, but sometimes everyone wants to scream "Fuck" into a paper bag.
Buckle up! You're in for a bit of a rollercoaster ride. Remember, even the scariest rollercoasters eventually come to an end.
Emotional Intelligence: A Key to Personal Growth and Success
Emotional intelligence is a crucial skill that can be learned at any stage in life. In this blog post, we explore the importance of emotional intelligence for children and provide practical tips for its development. By teaching kids to be aware of their emotions, identify emotional attachments, and cultivate self-awareness, we equip them with essential tools for navigating challenges and building positive relationships. Managing emotions and improving relationships are also key aspects discussed. Let's empower our children with emotional intelligence for a successful and fulfilling future.
Unlocking Emotions: A Guide to Healthy Expression and Connection
This insightful article explores the consequences of suppressing emotions and offers three strategies to help children avoid the same path. It emphasizes open communication, healthy coping mechanisms, and seeking professional help when necessary. By modeling emotional awareness, parents can empower their children to navigate life's challenges with resilience. The article urges readers to prioritize emotional well-being for themselves and their children.
The Path to Emotional Freedom: Breaking the Chains of Suppressed Feelings
In this reflective piece, the author shares their journey of suppressing emotions and their impact on their well-being. They emphasize the importance of addressing emotions in a healthy way and offer three strategies to ensure children don't follow the same path: open communication, developing healthy coping mechanisms, and seeking professional help when needed. The author highlights the significance of modelling emotional awareness and vulnerability as parents. By exploring and expressing emotions, parents and children can create a supportive environment fostering emotional well-being and growth.
From Likes to Loneliness: Understanding and Confronting the 5 Pressures of Teenage Life
Today's teenagers face unique challenges—lack of connection, anxiety and pressure, bullying, body image issues, and overexposure to information. Addressing these concerns, providing support, and promoting healthy coping mechanisms for a better future is crucial.
Fostering Emotional Intelligence in Kids: 4 Key Strategies for Success
Boosting your kids' emotional intelligence is vital for their success. Teach them to read expressions and body language, understand their own emotions, express feelings positively, and handle difficult emotions. These skills foster empathy and resilience.
Communication Secrets for Parenting Teens: Trust, Listen, Empower
Raising teenagers can be a challenging journey, but it's also an opportunity for growth and connection. This article explores the importance of listening to our teens, embracing their individuality, and fostering trust through age-appropriate independence. From relinquishing control to giving them space, it's about empowering them to make good decisions and supporting their personal development. By approaching parenting with integrity, respect, and open communication, we can build stronger relationships with our teens and help them navigate this transformative phase of their lives.
Unlocking the Parent-Teen Connection: Building Trust for Lifelong Communication
“Unlocking the Parent-Teen Connection: Building Trust for Lifelong Communication” is a heartfelt account of a parent's struggle after the devastating loss of their teenage daughter to suicide. The author shares their experiences, self-reflection, and lessons learned, inviting readers to explore parenting challenges and teen mental health. With honesty and vulnerability, they discuss the signs they noticed, the mistakes they made, and the importance of building trust and maintaining open communication with teenagers. This poignant narrative serves as a reminder to approach interactions with love, understanding, and a commitment to ongoing dialogue, offering hope and guidance to other parents facing similar struggles.
When Regret Meets Hope: Embracing Second Chances during the Holiday Season
Experience the bittersweetness of loss during the holidays, accompanied by the reminder that it's never too late to mend broken bonds. Discover the power of saying sorry and embracing forgiveness. Let these heartfelt images inspire you to cherish loved ones and seek reconciliation during this special season.
Rallying for Change: Turning Tragedy into Action
Discover a heartfelt tribute and a journey of resilience in our latest article. Explore the impact of loss, the inspiring initiatives of The Maddie Project, and the ongoing quest to raise awareness for teenage mental health. Join us as we honour a shining spirit and embrace hope amidst adversity.
Writing for Maddie: A Journey of Healing, Reflection, and Love
Writing for Maddie: A journey of love and healing. Why do I write about my daughter, Madeline? It's my way of keeping her close, preserving memories, and sharing lessons she taught me. Writing helps me express my feelings, cherish our time, and honour her impact on mental health awareness. Through my words, I hope to inspire, educate, and keep Maddie's spirit alive for her friends, my boys, and all those touched by mental illness. Writing is my connection to her, a tribute that helps me navigate the evolving emotions of loss.
My Year of Enlightenment: A Journey of Personal Growth and Reflection
In a year of self-discovery, the author reflects on transformative encounters, embracing change, and the power of gratitude. Through introspection and connections, they have gained wisdom, embraced authenticity, and found fulfillment. This enlightening journey reaffirms their commitment to personal growth and gratitude for the transformative experiences that have shaped their identity.
Embracing Memories: A Journey Through Loss and Remembrance
In this heartfelt reflection, the author opens up about their grief and the importance of keeping memories of their beloved daughter, Maddie, alive. They share cherished moments, missed experiences, and Maddie's impact on their lives. Amidst the pain, they emphasize the need to honour Maddie's life and the lasting legacy she left behind.
Unmasking the Struggle: Shedding Light on Mental Health and Youth Empathy
Reflecting on the 4th anniversary of losing my daughter Maddie to suicide. Mental illness awareness grows organically, driven by youth advocating for support. The Maddie Project and Jack.org inspire change. My son Zac shares his story, offering hope and combating stigma. Together, we strive to make a difference