This is way more than a fun book. This is a tool that can show children how to be a helper, have agency and start contributing, and feel like they matter and are making a difference.

Even if you are very successful, even if you love your kids, even if you’re doing everything on behalf of your kids, a lot of kids these days are estranged or depressed or isolated or struggling.

The startling facts:

  • According to research, suicide attempts in kids ages 10-12 quadrupled over 20 years.
  • Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people ages 10-24. 
  • At the Children’s Center youth mental health clinic for children 8 and younger in Salt Lake City CEO Rebecca Dutson says the “phones have not stopped ringing” with families seeking care.
  • According to the CDC, for every suicide among young people, there are at least 100 suicide attempts.
  • A Yale study found bully victims are between 2 to 9 times more like to consider suicide than non-victims.

THIS IS A CRISIS.

We are witnessing our kids implode. At the very least we owe it to them a tool to use that is always available. A smile. 

Let’s get them talking

I did some more research: Resources to facilitate discussion

Experts agree we can’t console, help, equip or empower if we don’t know what’s happening in our kids’ lives. 

I’ve gathered some resources to help facilitate discussions. Many suggest asking open-ended questions about their day and activities. Such as:

  • What’s the funniest thing that happened today?
  • What was the best and worst thing that happened to you today?
  • What would you change about today?
  • What is a bully?
  • Have you seen kids get bullied?

Here are some references for you to choose from: