"As your kids grow, they may forget what you said, but won’t forget how you made them feel." ~ Kevin Heath

Communication is essential when your child is struggling with mental illness. You may wonder what to say to your child that will have an impact. You may feel you are walking on eggshells.

5 Things You Can Say

Your words can build self-esteem. Here are 5 things you can say when your child is struggling.

1. “I love you.”

We can change up these three little words in a variety of ways. Anyway you say it, the basic “I love you” gets the message across at this critical time with no confusion.

I use every opportunity these days to add those three simple words at the end of every goodbye. No matter what our age or our situation, we can never hear it enough. When you’re going through a rough patch, you need to hear “I love you” more than ever.

2. “I want to be a positive support.”

While you may not have experienced their exact mental health issue, let your child know you want to help. Your child needs you now more than ever.

By taking the time to understand and learn about their condition, you become a source of help and guidance. Your child will know that they can count on you ...

Read the full post by Tom and Dena Yohe on the Hope for Hurting Parents blog

Hope for Hurting Parents provides "resources for parents hurting over destructive behaviors or choices of their teen to adult children."
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