talking to my child about a classmate's suicide

Parent Cafe
21

<p>So very sad to read about suicides. As far as I know, neither of my kids has been at a school where there were any reported suicides. Suicide is a very difficult thing to deal with, especially with teens that are already under social and academic stress. It’s just one more thing to make their life tougher, as well as everyone whose life was touched. It’s so final and so horrible, such a terrible loss for the family, community and all those who will wonder what could have been done to reach out.</p>

<p>Wishing for the best to everyone dealing with these so very challenging and sad issues.</p>

22

<p>When a classmate of D’s committed suicide, I started the conversation by telling her how I felt when a classmate of mine took his life. At first she just nodded, but I think it was a relief to hear her feelings verbalized and validated. And it seemed to loosen her up so she could start talking. </p>