ADVICE FOR PARENTS
And now, for the parents out there—thank you
for caring. Seriously. I know it’s not always
easy to know how to help, so here’s what’s
made a difference for me:
Be present. Just knowing you’re around
and that you care gives us a huge sense of
comfort, even if we don’t say it out loud.
Ask how we’re doing. It seems simple, but it
matters. Sometimes teens pull away not
because we don’t want to talk—but
because we’re afraid. We might think you’ll
be upset, won’t understand, or just won’t
get it. A simple, “How are you feeling
today?” can open the door for a really
important conversation.
We may not always show it, but your support
means everything.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Stress and anxiety aren’t signs of weakness—
they’re signs that you care deeply. That you're
working hard. That you're trying. And while
those feelings can be overwhelming, there’s
always hope—and there are always people
willing to help.
Thanks for listening, and remember: you are
not alone.
Abigail Ducharme
She Talks Youth Ambassador