What Your Teen Is Desperately Trying to Tell You (But Can’t)
Many teens say “I’m fine” when they’re struggling inside. This post shares a father’s raw story of losing his daughter and what he wishes he had understood sooner. Learn what “I don’t know” really means, how to connect with your teen before a crisis, and why mentorship can be the missing bridge. Support your teen’s mental health—before it’s too late.
Grief Doesn’t Get Smaller; You Learn to Grow Around It
Grief doesn’t fade—it becomes part of you. Over 10 years, I’ve learned you don’t move past it, you grow around it. With love, purpose, and support, life can take shape again—different, but still meaningful. We don’t need to fix grief. We need to honour it. Keep going. Keep growing. Not past it—around it.
When Your Teen Pulls Away: What to Do Before the Silence Becomes a Wall
Discover when your teen needs a mentor—and how to guide them. This visual eBook helps parents identify emotional, academic, and social signs, introduces mentorship without conflict, and provides actionable next steps. Build confidence, connection, and clarity in your teen’s life.
To the Parent Who Feels Like They’re Failing: You’re Not Alone
When your teen struggles, it’s easy to feel like you’re failing as a parent. This article offers a raw, honest message for parents carrying guilt, fear, and heartbreak. You’re not alone. You’re not broken. And your love still matters—more than you may ever know.
The Most Dangerous Words a Parent Can Say: ‘It Won’t Happen to Us.’
Most parents believe, “It won’t happen to us.” I used to think that too—until I lost my daughter Maddie to suicide at 14. I’ve seen the cost of denial. Mental health doesn’t wait for warning signs. Don’t assume your child is immune. Wake up. Show up. Before it’s too late.
Why Being a ‘Strong Parent’ Means Showing Your Own Vulnerability
Being a strong parent isn’t about perfection—it’s about honesty. When I told my sons I couldn’t afford Christmas presents, they hugged me and said they loved me. Vulnerability builds connection. Stop competing with the other side. Show up real, not flawless. That’s the strength your kids need most.
We Don’t Wait to Talk About Cancer, Why Wait for Mental Health?
When Maddie was hospitalized for her mental health, we told friends she had stomach issues—at her request. Only immediate family knew the truth. What if her friends had been allowed to show up? We don’t wait to talk about cancer—so why do we still whisper about mental health? Silence isolates. Connection saves. It’s time to speak up.
If Your Teen Isn’t Talking to You, Who Are They Turning To?
If your teen isn’t talking to you, they’re talking to someone. The question is, do they trust you with the hard stuff? Trust is built in how we respond. When they open up, don’t fix. Just listen. Be the safe place they come back to. Because when they share, they’re not giving you information, they’re giving you their trust.
The Grieving Brain: Why Loss Hijacks Your Mind, And How to Take Back Control
Grief Hijacks Your Mind—Here’s How to Get It Back.
After Maddie passed, my brain felt broken. I’d forget why I walked into a room. Lose my train of thought mid-sentence. The smallest noise felt unbearable.
I thought I had ADHD. My doctor’s answer? “You’ve been through trauma. Your brain is overloaded.”
Grief isn’t just emotional—it rewires the brain. If you’ve felt mentally scattered, you’re not alone. Here’s why—and how to regain clarity.
Social Media: The Cause or a Symptom of Teen Anxiety?
Is Social Media Really to Blame?
We say TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat are ruining teens’ mental health. But is that the whole story?
Maddie’s moods rose and fell with every post. But the pressure wasn’t just online—it was everywhere. School, expectations, the need to keep up. Social media didn’t create the stress; it amplified what was already there.
Why ‘Tough Love’ Is the Wrong Answer for Struggling Teens?
Tough love doesn’t build resilience, it pushes teens into silence. When struggling, they don’t need more pressure; they need to feel heard. Adding stress triggers shutdown, not motivation. Real growth happens when teens feel supported, not judged. Instead of pushing harder, try listening first. Because the strongest foundation for success isn’t fear, it’s trust. Your teen needs you, not just your rules.
Schools Teach These Topics, But Won’t Talk About Sensitive Mental Health Topics
Schools teach about war, genocide, and oppression, but avoid suicide, addiction, and trauma. Why? Ignoring mental health doesn’t protect students; it isolates them. If we can discuss the darkest moments in history, we can talk about the struggles teens face daily. It’s time to stop treating mental health like a side note and start real conversations that save lives. #MentalHealthMatters
What If Emotional Intelligence Became the New Standard of Success?
What if IQ isn't enough for true success? Emotional intelligence (EQ) predicts success better than grades ever could, yet schools ignore it. IQ opens doors, but EQ keeps them open, building empathy and resilience. Learn why EQ matters most—and how teaching emotional skills to your teen can transform their future.
The One Thing That Separates a Great Mentor from a Bad One
The one thing that separates a great mentor from a bad one? Alignment between words and actions. A great mentor doesn’t just give advice—they live it. They build trust, challenge you, and guide by example. They push when needed, listen when it matters, and stay in your corner when things get tough. If you want real growth, find a mentor who walks the walk—not just talks the talk.
Schools Fear the Suicide Conversation: Why That’s Dangerous?
Nearly 1 in 4 Canadian teens have thought about suicide, yet most schools and parents avoid discussing it. Silence increases isolation, while open conversations reduce stigma and save lives. This guide helps parents start critical conversations with their teens about suicide, empowering families to connect, recognize warning signs, and support their teen’s mental health effectively.
What Schools Get Wrong About Mental Health (And How Students Would Fix It)
Schools claim to support mental health, yet 94% of students say the programs don’t help. They sit through uninspired assemblies, listening to content that doesn’t resonate—then nothing changes. If mental health support isn’t working, why aren’t we letting students have a say in designing it? It’s time to stop guessing what they need and start listening. Here’s how to fix it.
Nearly 1 in 4 Teens in Canada Considers Suicide, Yet Schools Remain Silent
Nearly 1 in 4 Canadian teens consider suicide, yet schools often avoid discussing it. Suicide is the second leading cause of youth death, yet conversations remain taboo. Silence increases isolation, while open dialogue can save lives. Learn why discussing youth suicide matters—and how talking openly can make a life-saving difference.
The Loneliest Part of Grief? When Everyone Else Moves On
The hardest part of grief isn’t the loss—it’s what comes after. When the texts stop, the check-ins fade, and life moves on for everyone else, you’re left in the silence, still carrying the weight of loss. Grief doesn’t follow a timeline, and healing isn’t about “moving on.” Learn why support beyond the funeral matters and how to truly be there for someone who is still grieving.
The Reason Your Teen Won’t Talk to You (It’s Not What You Think)
Struggling to get your teen to talk? The real reason they stay silent isn’t what you think. Most teens shut down because they don’t feel emotionally safe—not because they don’t want to share. Learn how to ask better questions, avoid common mistakes, and create moments where real conversations happen. Master the game of teen communication and start winning their trust today.
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.