Creating Safe Conversations: Talking to Kids About Suicide and Mental Health

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Parenting + Business, Josh sits down with professional speaker, advocate, and author Tara to discuss one of the most important—and often avoided—topics: children’s mental health. Tara shares her deeply personal journey as a parent, foster carer, and mental health advocate, and how those experiences inspired her upcoming book, What to Do Right Now When Your Child is Suicidal. Through real stories, compassionate advice, and her signature mix of honesty and humor, Tara breaks down the stigma surrounding mental health and opens the door to brave, necessary conversations. In this episode: • How to support a child struggling with suicidal thoughts • Why talking about suicide does not increase risk—it reduces stress • Creating supportive environments at home and in the workplace • Shifting the language and mindset around mental health • Tara’s book launch and why it’s a must-read for parents and caregivers If you’re a parent, manager, or someone who wants to better support those struggling with mental health, this episode is essential listening.