7 Things I’d Tell a Parent in the First Years After Losing a Child
Chris Coulter lost his daughter Maddie to suicide in 2015, when she was 14. Eleven years later, after telling his own father the truth about early grief, he rewrote what he’d tell a parent in the first years after losing a child: no schedule, a brain that changes, friends who go quiet, saying their name, and why some of it might make you angry.
What If Schools Treated Suicide the Way They Treat Fire?
Every school has fire drills, fire exits, and evacuation plans. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among Canadian teenagers and most schools have no plan for it at all. This article explores why schools avoid the conversation, what that silence teaches teens, what actually works, and what parents can do when their child’s school won’t start the conversation. Includes the Teen Signal Check tool.
So Grief, Anger and Empathy Walk Into a Bar...
After losing his 14-year-old daughter Maddie, a father turned his grief into purpose. Through The Mentor Well, he helps teens and young adults find guidance, empathy, and strength before they reach a breaking point. This story reminds us that grief, anger, and empathy can build hope—and connection saves lives.
This Question, Asked at the Right Time, Could Save a Life
Asking someone if they’re thinking of harming themselves won’t make things worse—it could save their life. In this emotional piece for Suicide Prevention Month, the founder of MentorWell shares the story of losing her daughter to suicide and offers guidance on how to ask the hardest question with compassion, courage, and care.
What Losing My Child to Suicide Taught Me About Parenting (And Why You Should Listen)
Losing a child to suicide changes everything. In this honest reflection, I share what that loss taught me about parenting—the mistakes, the lessons, and the small shifts that make a difference. For parents who want more than theory, this is real guidance from lived experience, offered with compassion and hope.