From really young people – teenagers – who are suicidal. There seems to be a theme in that most of them have parents who they feel don’t understand, support or love them. It’s so sad. And even worse that they feel like they can’t talk to their parents about how they feel.
In this world of materialism, I had somehow forgotten how important all that was. It had seemed like all they wanted was the latest iphone, and to be in the popular group at school. It kind of gives me new hope that I can actually be a positive influence in my kids lives, although they don’t live with me. It’s kind of amazing to think that they could go through something like that when they’re older and I wouldn’t even know. I would like to think that now, I would know the signs….
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Hi Zelda,
Yeah, I noticed this epidemic too. And it is sad. But parents can’t understand this unless they’ve been here too. Heck, I’m 50 and my parents are still alive and I still can’t tell them how I feel. Go figure.
But you’re right. We’ve dealt with this for a long time; we can (or at least should try) to help them. And in helping them, who knows, we might even help ourselves.
Jack
Me too. When I was 13, I was bullied in school. I tried telling my Mum but she just got frustrated that she couldn’t do anything about it. She meant well, but it didn’t help me at all. That is now her default response to anything I’m going through. That, or to just ignore it. That is at least better than what some go through, but I still can’t really talk to her about the things that matter.
My kids are 7 & 9. My 9 yo daughter is sensitive, quiet and shy, like me. So far she seems to be doing well in life, and fitting in, so fingers crossed. My 7 yo son is also sensitive, but he doesn’t quite fit the mould of what is expected. He does his own thing. At the moment it’s great – he’s happy, he’s a free spirit…. although he has had more than his share of teacher concerns at school. I hope he continues to be happy and doesn’t end up depressed due to being “different”.
they don’t need to understand, they just need to listen and be non judgemental. Just listen, no advice no direction, just listen. So much would be solved in this world if people just listened and accepted.
AGREED!!!
Yes. Listening and accepting is so important.
Listening is vital, yes, but I also think parents need some understanding of what their child is going through. By understanding how it’s affecting them, they’ll know what to say to rebuild their child’s hope, we know here that it’s the understanding we give one another that helps. A parent may not have experienced the same problem but may still be able to find a way to relate to it. They may also need to take the appropriate course of action, because listening and understanding in itself isn’t going to help if the problem is bullying. It is such a shame that so many of the young become suicidal, that in an age where communication is so abundant they still can’t talk to their parents.
Yeah it’s pretty funny that society is going strong on so many aspects and yet it can’t get basic things right
So true.
haha as one of the suicidal teens, I’d like to say it’s not like my parents hurt me or something. they just aren’t willing to talk about important emotional stuff.
I guess my advice for parents, besides the obvious of being loving and supportive and not abusive is just, be there for your kids. if they say something to you about feeling depressed/anxious/generally bad, talk to them about it, make it clear you’re open and willing to talk. if they behave in a way that seems like something’s wrong, don’t pretend it’s nothing or assume they’re hormonal, it’s better to talk about it even if it’s not important than to assume it’s not important and leave them alone to cope.
also, it’s nice to see parents who are genuinely concerned for their kids. bless you all
Thank you. It’s good to hear from your perspective. My two are still very young – 7 & 9. They are still in childhood bliss… but I hope I will be able to be there if/when they go through troubled times. I’m actually a bit conflicted about this though, as I feel as much as I have good intentions, I’m not going to be a good role model for them.