How are things going now @seaglecc?? Would love to know how you moved through this situation... ... View more

Hey @AnxiousMum, this sounds very worrying and sounds like you are doing all the right things. Every school has anti-bullying policies, procedures and strategies that should specificy what action they should take, they might publish them on the school's website. Getting yourself a copy of these could help you hold them accountable. Did you contact the principle directly? They are responsible for your daughter's safety and taking the proper actions following an incident... Sounds like a very stressful situation, are you looking after yourself in all of this? Is someone supporting you as you support your daughter? Really glad you found us. ... View more

Hey @goingcrazy thanks so much for letting us know how things have been going lately... You obviously care about him and you are (rightly) very proud of the young man he's growing into! Did he ever mention why he likes "roaming" at night? If you know what he gets out of it you might be able to suggest other/safer ways to fulfil that need... ... View more

Hey @jdbza, really glad you found us and I'm really sorry to hear about your sister's health. You obviously care for your niece very much and it's not an easy conversation to have but a very important one that I'm sure you want to have as soon as possible but also in the right way.   I found this info from the Cancer Council, which suggests that you: - remember you are the expert in being her aunty and carer, have confidence in your relationship with her and your communication. You are doing the best thing by having this convo - Secrecy can make things worse and kids are very observant - She can can cope, especially if she gets a chance to talk about it and get support, are her who is wants to tell and if there other people she can talk to - ...this includes support organisations like CanTeen who support young people affected by cancer in any way - they have face-to-face programs, counselling, camps and online support too. - Find out what she already knows about cancer and deal with any myths or misinformation - Be honest/open, be upfront about what she can expect   Here's an excerpt from the pamphlet, but to read the whole this, use the link above.   Lastly, this is a lot for you to be coping with - who supports for you? Is there friends/family that you are talking to and what are the other things you can do to look after yourself?   Once again, I'm really glad you found us.... ... View more

Hey @Elena - thank you so much for sharing. Your insight will be so valuable here. I know you've been through such a tough time but stories like yours can show other parents that there is hope to get through even the toughest times.. Hope to see you around, would love to get your insight into this post from another Mum who's daughter is self-harming: https://forums.parents.au.reachout.com/t5/Teenagers-everyday-issues-mental/14-year-old-daughter-self-harming/m-p/1348 ... View more

Hey @Tootsjac - so glad you found us and thanks so much for introducing yourself! Good on you for doing so much to look after yourself. Sounds like you care about your sons very much, hoep that the other thread helps find you some options ... View more

That does sound like an extremely difficult position to be in, but try to remind yourself you're doing the very best for her by getting intensive support. You could also talk to the hospital about what you're struggling with incase they have some suggestions. How are you doing today? ... View more

Hey @JenniferS, thanks so much! This is an awesome suggestion ... View more

Hey @scooty-dog_ - we'd love to hear more from you about this. We're here to help...   It's a safe anonymous environment here with other parents who have been through it too.   Hope to hear from you! ... View more

Hey @DameZola, welcome to ReachOut Parents. You've found the right place, we're so glad you found us.   Can you tell us a little more about what's going on? Sounds like you are quite worried about what's going on for your daughter. It's great that you want to support her, but undefortunately it can be really hard for a person experiencing depressive thoughts to beleive that help is out there or will work for them.   You haven't told us much but a few thoughts come to mind.   Unfortunately you can't force her to talk, but do keep letting her know you are ready to listen whenever.    If she doesn't want to talk to you, she could talk anonymously with trained peer supporters here on ReachOut for young people, or she could chat online with a counsellor from Headspace.   You can read more about how you can support your daughter, but also tell us a bit more about what's going on.... ... View more

Hey @goingcrazy, just wondering how things have been? ... View more

Hey @Workinghardmum - how have things been? ... View more

Hey there @mums_taxi! thanks so much for sharing how this worked for your family!! Great to have you here! ... View more

Do let us know how you go @dont-lose-hope! ... View more

Totally agree! We don't "put ideas in someones head" by talking about suicide - quite the opposite. We show we are up for talking about it and that encourages young people to talk instead of keeping it inside..... ... View more

Hey there @dont-lose-hope, thanks for your thoughtful response and practical tips. Great to have you here!! ... View more

Hey @Sadie - so happy to have you here! Go have some great experiences and strengths to share! ... View more

Loved reading this thoughtful and open response @waldo_pepper - thanks so much! I'm sure many other Dads can relate..... ... View more

Love this idea @Mitzi! Thanks!   Would love to get input from @ChilliDawg on this one! ... View more

Hello to new members @SparkyMark and @Cogan - tell us more about why you are here on RO Parents? Would love to know\ 1. How old are your kids and what is one thing they've done recently that made you laugh? 2. Parenting can be really stressful - how do you try to keep those stress levels down? 3. What led you to ReachOut Parents today? 4. Whats your top tip for parents whose kids are about to enter teenage years? 5. Whats the best thing about weekends? Cheers ... View more

Thanks so much for sharing more of your journey with us @tenacious_dad I loved reading about all you have achieved.... ... View more

Wasn't it just @Mitzi!   The teenage years are just really tough and uncomfortable for some - especially the misfits, and once you have the chance to seek our your 'tribe' or where you belong with people who 'get' you... not just because you happen to live in the same area or go to teh same school... Then life really changes in an amazing way.   Just have to support them through this time...   Thanks all... I  love this conversation ... View more

Hey @ChilliDawg, I love this post... Thanks for putting so much thought into it - there is so much in there that I want to reply to that I don't know where to start!   School is definitely difficult for some - when someone doesn't click with the school system they might thrive in another environment, it';s awesome that you gave it all your time and energy to find other paths where your daughter might thrive. You obviously have a big heart and make decisions in her best interest.   I do love this, especially: "Mostly, remember, extraordinary people, the movers and shakers, cultural leaders, quiet, dedicated people who change the world for the better, they were our kids, our misfits, who didn't fit the mold. "   Hope to keep seeing you around - you could introduce yourself here or tell us how you encourage your daughter to open up, here.   See you round the forums! ... View more

Hello to @dicko - see above, can we help? Or just say hi over here: https://forums.parents.au.reachout.com/t5/Parents-chill-out/New-member-Introduce-yourself-here/td-p/42/page/6 What's on your mind? ... View more

Hey guys, would love to hear what you think about this webinar idea - click this link for more info. Reply to the thread to let me know. Cheers! ... View more

Thats great @Mitzi, love to hear your son's perspective on it..... I get his train of thought 100%!! :) ... View more