This is an important message that every parent should read.
Even if parents are not experiencing these feelings themselves, being open with their children and discussing vulnerability can make a significant difference.
We often feel pressured to be the hero, the role model, or the strong figure our children look up to. While this image can be positive and serve as a great example for our kids, it may also prevent them from learning how to handle their own emotions.
If children only see strong parents who never share their struggles, they may not understand that it's normal to face challenges. This lack of communication can lead them to a dark place, often without our awareness.
Additionally, children might feel compelled to wear a mask, pretending that everything is fine, which I can personally relate to. This facade can persist until it becomes too late to address the underlying issues.
So, parents, please engage in heart-to-heart conversations with your children. It's okay for them to have feelings, but it's even more important for us to discuss those feelings so that we can ensure they don't end up controlling us.
Thank you for adding these valuable insights, Rich! I completely agree with your thoughts here and truly appreciate the time you took to write them. I can relate to the masking experience as well.
Important post. I feel that talking about suicide will always feel uncomfortable. However it’s ok to be ok with uncomfortable and talk this stuff through anyway
I guess I'm so used to talking with suicidal people or about suicide in my work (probably every day) that it doesn't feel uncomfortable to me anymore. But I have lost friends that way, which is still painful, so I can see how it will always feel uncomfortable to a lot of people. Thank you for bringing that up. And I definitely agree it's okay to be uncomfortable sometimes, even helpful in understanding others and their experiences.
I've been in the position of being a listener many times, and I know how helpful it is to be brave and present and bear witness to another person's pain. I also know that secrets in the family have impact even if they never come out of the closet.
Thank you for listening to all those you've sat with. It might not seem like a lot, but it makes a big difference. I'm sure they are so grateful to you.
Thank you for this article. And did you know that children in foster care are 4x likely to complete suicide? I didn’t until Mitch died. I’m glad Zoe has you advocating for her, and so many others. 💓
This is an important message that every parent should read.
Even if parents are not experiencing these feelings themselves, being open with their children and discussing vulnerability can make a significant difference.
We often feel pressured to be the hero, the role model, or the strong figure our children look up to. While this image can be positive and serve as a great example for our kids, it may also prevent them from learning how to handle their own emotions.
If children only see strong parents who never share their struggles, they may not understand that it's normal to face challenges. This lack of communication can lead them to a dark place, often without our awareness.
Additionally, children might feel compelled to wear a mask, pretending that everything is fine, which I can personally relate to. This facade can persist until it becomes too late to address the underlying issues.
So, parents, please engage in heart-to-heart conversations with your children. It's okay for them to have feelings, but it's even more important for us to discuss those feelings so that we can ensure they don't end up controlling us.
Thank you for adding these valuable insights, Rich! I completely agree with your thoughts here and truly appreciate the time you took to write them. I can relate to the masking experience as well.
Important post. I feel that talking about suicide will always feel uncomfortable. However it’s ok to be ok with uncomfortable and talk this stuff through anyway
I guess I'm so used to talking with suicidal people or about suicide in my work (probably every day) that it doesn't feel uncomfortable to me anymore. But I have lost friends that way, which is still painful, so I can see how it will always feel uncomfortable to a lot of people. Thank you for bringing that up. And I definitely agree it's okay to be uncomfortable sometimes, even helpful in understanding others and their experiences.
Thank you for fostering children, Marisa. It takes a special person to do that. You were meant to do this for Zoe, and probably saved her life.
Thanks, Karen. <3 That means a lot.
I've been in the position of being a listener many times, and I know how helpful it is to be brave and present and bear witness to another person's pain. I also know that secrets in the family have impact even if they never come out of the closet.
Thank you for listening to all those you've sat with. It might not seem like a lot, but it makes a big difference. I'm sure they are so grateful to you.
I'm grateful to them, too, my teachers
Thank you for this article. And did you know that children in foster care are 4x likely to complete suicide? I didn’t until Mitch died. I’m glad Zoe has you advocating for her, and so many others. 💓
I knew the stats were higher in foster care, but thank you for reminding me of the numbers. And thank you for all your advocacy as well. <3
Thank you, too! <3
What an incredible and important post! Thank you for writing this!
I think I forget to hit the reply button when I responded to you before. Just wanted to say thank you, Isabel. I appreciate you reading my thoughts!
I’ve shared your Slate article on my SM. Such an important read xx
Thank you, Piata. I really appreciate you spreading the word.
Thank you for writing about this! It’s so important to talk about these things openly and without fear.
Yes! And thank you for reading, Steph.