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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What Would You Do If Your Teen Texted You, ‘I Don’t Want to Live’?
What would you do if your teen sent you a text saying they didn’t want to live anymore? Would you know how to respond?
Most parents think, ‘That could never happen to my child.’ But trust me, no one is immune. I’ve heard too many heartbreaking stories from parents who thought they’d see the signs but didn’t.
Are you prepared for that moment? Because waiting until it happens could be the biggest mistake of your life.
Parenting on Empty: When Your Child’s Pain Becomes Your Own
Parenting a child with mental health struggles is an invisible weight many parents carry in silence. Sleepless nights, endless worry, and guilt take a toll, leaving you feeling like you’re parenting on empty. Life doesn’t pause, but neither should your self-care. This is a reminder: you’re not alone, and even small steps forward can create light in the darkness, for you and your child.
The Anatomy of Your Teen’s Suicide Attempt
A parent's worst fear comes to life when they find their teenager unresponsive after a silent struggle with mental health. Pills and alcohol on the floor reveal the painful reality of a crisis that could have been prevented. This story urges parents to act before it's too late—because the next knock on the door might change everything.
Normal and Me? We Stopped Living Together Years Ago
"Normal and Me? We Stopped Living Together Years Ago" chronicles the twists and turns of life after a business loss, monumental changes and career shifts—culminating in the devastating loss of my daughter, Maddie. Through the chaos and heartbreak, I’ve found resilience, purpose, and a renewed sense of direction. My boys are thriving, and I’m in a relationship that lifts me up. I’m now leaning fully into a purpose-driven life, dedicated to building a kinder, more compassionate world in honour of my kids.
When You’re Searching for Answers at 3 AM, I Understand
When parents find my blog, I see their journey through the posts they read—an urgent search for hope and understanding in the face of their child's struggles. It's not just about answers; it's about feeling seen, less alone in their pain. I write for them—to share my story, to fight for change, and to remind them they're not alone in this battle. Let’s make mental health a priority. #MaddiesStory #YouAreNotAlone #EndTeenSuicide
Silent Treatment From Your Teen? Here’s How To Get Them To Open Up
When your teen shuts down, it’s agonizing as a parent. I’ve been there with my daughter Maddie. What helped us reconnect wasn’t forcing conversations but being patient and compassionate. We shared laughs, but we also shared moments of sadness. Sometimes, just showing up without judgment makes all the difference.
Do You Have These 6 Essential Parenting Skills For The Teenage Years?
Supporting a teen with depression can feel like navigating a storm without a compass. Through my journey with Maddie, I’ve learned six essential skills every parent needs: listening, celebrating progress, practicing patience, being self-aware, showing resilience, and advocating for your child. These tools aren’t just for crisis moments—they’ll help you become a better, more compassionate parent every day.
The Best Therapist Book, Few Therapists Have Read
Have you ever felt like your goals are always just out of reach, leaving you frustrated and discouraged? 'The Gap and the Gain' by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Ben Hardy completely changed my perspective on progress. Instead of chasing an elusive ideal, I've learned to appreciate how far I've come. This simple shift has not only transformed my life but also the lives of those I coach. Ready for a game-changer?"