My heart breaks whenever I hear about young students taking such drastic steps. The reasons are many, low grades, bullying, feelings of worthlessness or shame. But underlying all this is a deeper fear: What will others think? What will my parents say? This fear keeps many children from opening up, even to those who love them most.

As parents, our love for our children is unconditional. They are our greatest treasure, no matter what they achieve or the mistakes they make. No matter what challenges or troubles they face, knowingly or unknowingly, we love them fiercely.

But do we truly communicate this to our children? Do we tell them clearly, “No matter what happens, you are my treasure. I love you deeply. Your presence fills my world with joy. I am here to support you always. You never need to feel ashamed or afraid to come to me. Even if I get upset, it’s only because I care. Please never hide anything from me.”

Life today is far more complex than when we were young. There are so many pressures, distractions, and challenges coming from all directions. While we cannot shield them from every hardship, we can make home their safest place, where they can lean on us and feel truly secure.

Pay attention to your child’s behavior. If you sense something is wrong, gently encourage them to share their feelings, both the good and the bad. Our children are sensitive, and they need our care, patience, and understanding more than ever.

Let’s build a strong bridge of trust and love with our children and fill the gap.

What are your favorite ways to create meaningful moments with your children? How do you create a safe and loving space for your child to express themselves?