Every parent delays certain conversations with their children. The problem is, the world doesn’t wait until they’re ready to talk to the children! In this series we help be the “First In” in all of those conversations. And if not, find out what to do next!

Following topics and video messages can be found below:

Doubts | Identity | Sexuality | Mental Health

RESOURCES

HomeWord – www.homeword.com

The Culture Translator – www.axis.org

Axis Parent guide – axis.org/resource-category/parent-guide/

Fuller Youth Institute – fulleryouthinstitute.org/parent/library

Focus On The Family - www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/

Right Now Media - app.rightnowmedia.org/en/browse/search?query=parenting

The Parent Cue - theparentcue.org

Doubts

Identity

Sexuality

Mental Health

5 Action Steps for Helping Someone in Emotional Pain

ASK

“Are you thinking about killing yourself?”

It’s not an easy question, but studies show that asking at-risk individuals if they are suicidal does not increase suicides or suicidal thoughts.

KEEP THEM SAFE

Reducing access to  lethal items or places

Reducing a suicidal person’s access to highly lethal items or places is an important part of suicide prevention. While this is not always easy, asking if the at-risk person has a plan and removing or disabling the lethal means can make a difference.

BE THERE

Listen carefully and acknowledge their feelings.

Listen carefully and learn what the individual is thinking and feeling. Research suggests acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce rather than increase suicidal thoughts.

HELP THEM CONNECT

Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Number (988).

Save the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number (call or text 988) and the Crisis Text Line number (741741) in your phone so they’re there if you need them. You can also help make a connection with a trusted individual like a family member, friend, spiritual advisor, or mental health professional.

nigh.nih.gov/suicidepreveniton

STAY CONNECTED

Follow up and stay in touch after a crisis.

Staying in touch after a crisis or after being discharged from care can make a difference. Studies have shown the number of suicide deaths goes down when someone follows up with the at-risk person.