Kids’ mental health is becoming an increasingly important topic for families, as the CDC reports rising rates of anxiety, depression, and substance use. Host Elise Hu is joined by mental wellness advocate and founder of The SonRise Project, Kelli Joy Richardson, to explore how parents can support children navigating mental health challenges. Kelli opens up about her personal journey with her son’s mental health, and how that experience reshaped her parenting. Together, Elise and Kelli discuss balancing resilience with compassion, creating safe spaces, and practical advice for starting honest conversations with your kids that might lead to more openness later.

Key Takeaways:
Find your own balance between building resilience and showing compassion.
Shift your own perspectives or assumptions on mental health in order to better help your kids.
Change doesn’t happen until you change yourself.
Start open conversations with your child early in life to encourage honesty later.
Listen to your kids and get curious in your conversations.

⏱️ Timestamps:

Keep the conversation going at home with our FREE Conversation Kit companion guide: https://delivery.shopifyapps.com/-/db4d68f2249368b3/ad84c8c03edddf8b

Learn more about the SonRise Project: https://www.thesonriseproject.org

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ABOUT THE SHOW

Raising Us | Parenting Podcast for Kids, Tweens, & Conscious Caregivers

Award-winning journalist Elise Hu (TED Talks Daily, Forever35) hosts Raising Us, a parenting podcast for grownups raising Big-Question Kids. From puberty and identity to tech and body image, each episode gives you tools to spark real conversations with the kids in your life.

Created by A Kids Co. (a family media company) the show blends expert-backed insights with real, lived experiences featuring trusted doctors, educators and purpose-driven public figures sharing age-appropriate advice so you don't have to wing the hard stuff.

Follow on:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AKidsCo

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-us-a-parenting-podcast/id1552286967

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bIRVxM8hbriNxydkSv6VG

Or wherever you get your podcasts.

If you like parenting podcasts like Good Inside with Dr. Becky, The Longest Shortest Time, Raising Good Humans or Ask Lisa, this podcast is for you.

Topics Covered on Raising Us:

Parenting kids and tweens

Mental health for kids

Talking to kids about racism, identity, and inclusion

Screen time and social media

Puberty, anxiety, and big feelings