A heartfelt, plainspoken message to teens who are struggling with their mental health. Written from lived experience, this piece reassures teens they are not broken, not alone, and worthy of help. It encourages speaking up, staying connected, and choosing presence over silence, with hope, clarity, and care.

Teens don’t always pull away loudly. Often, the warning signs are subtle, small shifts in behaviour, tone, and connection. Drawing from lived experience, this piece shares three early signs a teen may be disconnecting, along with gentle ways parents can respond before things escalate. It’s about noticing sooner, staying present, and trusting what you see.

Most parents jump into problem-solving because they care. But fixing too fast often shuts kids down instead of helping them feel heard. This piece gently explains why kids pull away, especially in adolescence, and how slowing down, naming feelings, and asking permission can rebuild trust. Connection grows through presence, not answers.

Many people fear mentioning a child who has died, especially at Christmas. From a parent’s lived experience, this piece explains why saying a child’s name doesn’t cause pain—it honours love. With simple, compassionate examples of what to say (and what silence can cost), this article offers gentle guidance for supporting grieving parents during the holidays.