Over the weekend, I had the privilege of volunteering at the BMO Walk So Kids Can Talk x Kids Help Phone event - a powerful gathering to raise awareness and support for youth mental health. Funds were raised and steps were taken - literally and symbolically - to show kids they’re not alone.
But now what?
Now, the real work begins - not in public, but at home. Because if we want kids to talk, we must create the kind of environment that makes it safe, natural, and welcome for them to do so.
As parents, we need to walk the walk everyday. That means being intentional about making our homes safe spaces where our children can feel out loud, ask hard questions, share their struggles, and feel supported in doing so.
When our kids feel safe talking to us first, we’re better able to guide, support, and advocate for them...long before a crisis ever arises. Communication should never be just a tool for damage control. It should be a foundation we lay early, and reinforce daily
So how do we begin?
At Hearts of Gems, we believe that deep conversations don’t need to wait for a serious moment. They can start at the dinner table, in the car, or during a quiet moment before bed. That’s why we created Hearty Conversations - a set of thoughtfully designed conversation cards to help families connect, reflect, and build emotional trust one question at a time.
Whether your child is 5 or 15, it’s never too early - or too late - to create a culture of open communication at home.
We’re grateful for organizations like Kids Help Phone, who provide young people with critical support when they need it most. But as parents, let’s commit to doing our part so our kids know they can always come to us, first!
Let’s keep walking, parents.