Day 14

There are some conversations every parent wishes they would never have to have with their child.

Suicide is one of them.

We want childhood to be innocent. We want our kids to worry about school, friends, chores, sports, what we’re having for dinner and whether they’re getting enough screen time.

We don’t want to sit across from them and ask, “Have you ever thought about killing yourself?”

It feels terrifying.

But as a mom, I’ve come to understand something uncomfortable:

Avoiding a conversation doesn’t make the possibility disappear.

Our children are exposed to things we can’t always control. They hear things at school. They see things online. They experience rejection, bullying, heartbreak, anxiety, failure and loneliness.

And sometimes they don’t tell us.

Not because they don’t love us.

Sometimes they’re afraid of disappointing us.

Sometimes they don’t want to get in trouble.

Sometimes they don’t want to become another worry on their parent’s already-full plate.

And sometimes they simply don’t have the words.

That’s why I want my kids to know that there isn’t a subject so uncomfortable that they can’t bring it to me.

Even if it’s ugly.

Even if I’m scared.

Even if I don’t immediately understand.

Even if they think I’ll be disappointed.

I may not always know what to do.

I may not always have the perfect response.

But I want them to know that telling me will never make me love them less.

And if you’re a parent who is afraid to have this conversation, I understand.

You don’t have to make it dramatic.

You can start with something as simple as:

“I’ve been thinking about you. How are you really doing?”

And if you’re concerned, ask directly about suicide.

Then listen.

Don’t panic. Don’t shame them. Don’t lecture them.

If they tell you they’re thinking about suicide, take it seriously and get help. You don’t have to figure it out alone.

Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If there is immediate danger, call 911.

I’d much rather have an uncomfortable conversation with my child than spend the rest of my life wishing I had.

Sometimes love looks like asking the question we’re terrified to ask.

#SuicidePreventionMonth #SuicideAwareness #ParentingTeens #TalkToYourKids #ListenWithoutJudgment