Episode Details

Kids’ mental health is becoming an increasingly important topic for families, as the CDC reports rising rates of anxiety, depression, and substance use. Host Elise Hu is joined by mental wellness advocate and founder of The SonRise Project, Kelli Joy Richardson, to explore how parents can support children navigating mental health challenges. Kelli opens up about her personal journey with her son’s mental health, and how that experience reshaped her parenting. Together, Elise and Kelli discuss balancing resilience with compassion, creating safe spaces, and practical advice for starting honest conversations with your kids that might lead to more openness later.

Key Takeaways:
Find your own balance between building resilience and showing compassion.
Shift your own perspectives or assumptions on mental health in order to better help your kids.
Change doesn’t happen until you change yourself.
Start open conversations with your child early in life to encourage honesty later. 
Listen to your kids and get curious in your conversations.

⏱️ Timestamps:

Keep the conversation going at home with our FREE Conversation Kit companion guide: https://delivery.shopifyapps.com/-/db4d68f2249368b3/ad84c8c03edddf8b

Learn more about the SonRise Project: https://www.thesonriseproject.org

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