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.
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.
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
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.
‘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.
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.
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.
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.
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.