Before we dive in: This episode includes a discussion of childhood mental health struggles and discusses suicidal ideation and self harm. Please take care while listening.

You’re listening to Voices of Your Village and today we’re talking about one of the hardest realities of parenting—what it’s like when your child is struggling with their mental health and you can’t fix it.

I’m joined by Kristina Kuzmič, author, speaker, and mom, for a powerful conversation about parenting through childhood depression, suicidal ideation, and the quiet moments that often get missed when kids look “fine” on the outside.

We talk about the difference between sadness and depression, why so many kids struggle silently, and how our instinct to control—while deeply human—can sometimes push connection further away. Kristina shares what it looked like to shift from trying to fix her son’s pain to becoming a steady, safe presence instead.

This episode is about letting go of perfection, building trust through curiosity, and creating a home where kids know they can say, “Something is wrong,” just as easily as they’d say they have a stomachache.

If you’ve ever felt scared, helpless, or unsure how to show up when your child is hurting, this conversation is for you.

Connect with Kristina:

Instagram: @kristinakuzmic

Website: https://kristinakuzmic.com/

Order the book: I Can Fix This: And Other Lies I Told Myself While Parenting My Struggling Child

Connect with us:

Instagram and TikTok: @seed.and.sew

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Order Big Kids, Bigger Feelings now!

Website: seedandsew.org

Credits:

Host: Alyssa Blask Campbell