Grief isn’t something you “get over.” It rewires the brain—memory fog, sleep disruption, survival mode, emotional flooding, and lasting change. After losing my daughter Maddie, I learned firsthand the lifelong impact of traumatic loss. This is why The MentorWell exists: to give kids trusted mentors before silence and struggle become crisis.

Someone asked me what my proudest accomplishment was. They expected a business win. I said: "Learning how to keep going after the day everything changed." After losing my daughter Maddie, the strength it takes to keep showing up, loving, and living — not just surviving — has become the thing I’m most proud of.

When teens slam doors or shut down, it’s not always defiance—it’s often fear or overwhelm. “Help me understand” is a powerful phrase that lowers defences and invites connection. This blog explores the science behind teen resistance and how a small shift in language can open space for empathy, trust, and deeper conversations. teen shuts down
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