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
The Carrot, the Stick, and the Secrets to Parenting Success
Parenting isn’t about control. It’s about connection. Shifting from punishment to partnership empowers teens to grow. By celebrating wins, listening deeply, and modeling resilience, we create trust instead of conflict. The Gap and the Gain teaches us to measure progress, not shortcomings, and reminds us: practice what you preach. Parenting success starts with fostering accountability, empathy, and love.
Why the Words ‘I Don’t Know What to Say’ Mean More Than You Think
Sometimes, showing up is more powerful than saying the perfect words. In grief, presence matters most. A simple, “I don’t know what to say,” can remind someone they’re not alone. This blog explores five heartfelt ways to support a grieving friend, including saying their loved one’s name—a small act that honours their memory and brings comfort in the darkest moments.
Maddie Didn’t Plan a Legacy, But She Left One Anyway
Maddie didn’t plan her legacy, but her story continues to save lives and inspire change. As a bright 14-year-old navigating a complex world, she couldn't have known the profound ripple effect she’d leave behind. Her unintentional legacy sparks open conversations, drives mental health advocacy, and reminds us that even small actions can create lasting impact. Maddie’s love and light endure, inspiring us all to make a difference.
5 Lessons Losing a Child to Suicide Taught Me About Parenting
2025 marks 10 years since losing Maddie—a decade of heartbreak, reflection, and purpose. Her loss taught me lessons I wish I’d learned sooner: to listen deeply, show up fully, and love unconditionally. Parenting isn’t about perfection; it’s about presence. Maddie’s story is a reminder to cherish the time we have and never stop letting our kids know how much they mean to us.
Are You Waiting for a Sign? The Signs Are Already There
The signs your teen is struggling are often subtle—changes in mood, habits, or behaviour. Don’t wait for a crisis to act. By listening, being present, and creating a safe space, you can connect with your teen before things escalate. The signs are already there; your presence and compassion can make all the difference.
From Fear to Success: The Greatest Gift You Can Give Your Kids
Teaching kids to face fear is one of the greatest lessons for their success. Fear signals growth and tackling it builds resilience, confidence, and perseverance. Instead of shielding kids from challenges, guide them through discomfort, celebrate their effort, and model courage. By embracing adversity, they learn the invaluable truth: the biggest rewards come after the hardest challenges.
My 6 Secrets to Raising Beautifully Imperfect Children
Parenting isn’t about raising perfect kids—it’s about guiding them through the messy, beautiful journey of growing up. It’s about showing up, embracing mistakes, and helping them see their worth beyond achievements. You don’t have to be perfect to be a great parent. Be present, be real, and love them through it all. That’s the heart of raising beautifully imperfect children.
Transform Your Kids’ Confidence with This Simple Shift
Encouraging kids to make New Year’s resolutions often leads to unrealistic expectations and burnout. Instead, teach them to reflect on their achievements using Dan Sullivan’s “measuring backwards” mindset. Celebrate their wins, big or small, and focus on progress over perfection. This shift fosters confidence, gratitude, and resilience, creating a foundation for meaningful growth all year long.
A Gentle Guide to Surviving the Holidays When You’re Grieving
Grieving through the holidays is hard. This year marks ten Christmases without Maddie, and while I cherish time with family, the overwhelm often feels like too much.
Grief doesn’t take a holiday. It’s okay to set boundaries, honour your feelings, and simplify traditions. Surviving is enough.
Let’s navigate this season together—one moment at a time. 💙
Before New Years, Ask Your Teen These 5 Questions to Deepen Your Connection
Make the most of the holidays by deepening your connection with your teen through meaningful conversations. Ask questions like, "What are you proud of this year?" and "What’s something you’re looking forward to next year?" These moments create space for reflection, trust, and understanding. This season isn’t just about gifts—it’s about showing up, listening, and strengthening your bond.
Maddie's Beautiful Message of Love this Christmas
Christmas is full of moments that remind us of love, connection, and giving—but sometimes, one act of kindness can redefine what the season truly means.
For my daughter Maddie, that moment came when she was just 10 years old. What she did that day still inspires me, especially during the holidays.
It’s a story of compassion, joy, and the true spirit of giving. Click to discover Maddie’s Christmas lesson—one I’ll never forget. 🌟
The Life Lessons Schools Aren’t Teaching Kids—But Should Be
Outside the Guardrails: The Life Lessons Schools Aren’t Teaching Kids—But Should Be" explores the critical lessons students need to thrive in life, which extend far beyond traditional classroom boundaries. It challenges the status quo, urging educators to prioritize real-world skills and emotional resilience.
The Empty Seat at the Table: How to Support Someone Grieving During the Holidays
I’ve received so many messages lately asking, ‘How do I support a friend or family member who’s grieving during the holidays?’ Honestly, I get it. The holidays are emotional, overwhelming, and often unbearable when you’ve lost someone you love. For years, I’ve dreaded Christmas—I’ve even wanted to skip it entirely. Grief does that. Everything feels amplified.
If you’re wondering how to show up for someone grieving this season, I hope what I share here helps. It’s not about fixing their pain—it’s about easing the burden, making space, and offering compassion when they need it most. Because for someone grieving, the holidays aren’t joyful—they’re just hard.
🎄 Here are a few simple but powerful ways you can truly support someone who’s grieving this year. (Spoiler: It’s the little things that mean the most.)
What No One Understands About Losing a Child
Losing a child is an unimaginable grief, filled with misconceptions that can deepen the loneliness. Grief doesn’t expire; you don’t “move on,” you carry it forward. Talking about a lost child doesn’t worsen the pain, it keeps their memory alive. Other children don’t fill the void, and strength includes falling apart. Life changes forever, but it can still hold meaning as you honour their memory.
The Stories You Connected With in 2024
As 2024 ends, I’m deeply grateful for this LinkedIn community. Sharing Maddie’s story and seeing her legacy touch so many hearts has been humbling. In 2025, we’re moving from connection to action, amplifying mental health initiatives to create real change. This year, we touched hearts—next year, we aim to save lives. Let’s make 2025 unforgettable. #MentalHealthMatters #Gratitude
We Can’t Promise Zero Suicide, but These 4 Actions Will Save Lives
We can’t promise zero suicide, but we can take meaningful steps to save lives. By teaching emotional intelligence, addressing mental health care gaps, tackling environmental stressors, and supporting those in crisis, we can create a safer, more compassionate world. These four actions won’t solve everything, but they could make the difference between life and loss.
Forever Fourteen: Maddie’s Photo on My Fridge and the Journey of Life
A simple photo on my fridge tells a profound story. While pictures of my sons change with each milestone—graduations, travels, and new adventures—Maddie’s Grade 8 photo remains frozen in time. Nearly 10 years after her passing, her legacy continues to grow through her brothers’ advocacy for mental health. Life moves on, but Maddie’s radiant smile reminds us of love, loss, and the power of memory.