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by Melissa Howard ⎸melissa@stopsuicide.info Parenting a child with behavioral or mental health challenges can make everyday life feel like a nonstop cycle of responsibilities. Between appointments, school concerns, emotional ups and downs, and household demands, many parents find themselves longing for vacation—not just for the break, but for the feeling that comes with it. Vacations often […]

This is an interview that I did recently with the pixel project (an online volunteer based nonprofit organization seeking to address violence against women): https://www.thepixelproject.net/2026/06/01/fathers-for-pixels-interview-series-2026-jamie-rishikof/

by Melissa Howard ⎸melissa@stopsuicide.info Parents of teens with depression, anxiety, or behavioral challenges often feel stuck between protecting their child and pushing them forward. When school feels overwhelming, it’s tempting to reduce expectations. But one of the most powerful — and often overlooked — supports for struggling teens is meaningful ownership in school-wide projects. When students take […]

by Melissa Howard ⎸melissa@stopsuicide.info Busy parents managing child behavior shifts and teenagers carrying school and social pressure often feel stuck when plans change overnight and emotions run high. Navigating uncertainty can turn small disagreements into ongoing family conflicts, especially when communication breaks down and everyone is trying to feel safe in their own way. Mental resilience […]

by Melissa Howard ⎸melissa@stopsuicide.info Parents of children and teenagers often notice that managing major life changes, a move, separation, a new school, a loss, a new caregiver, doesn’t just alter schedules; it can change how everyone feels and behaves at home. The emotional challenges of transitions can show up as irritability, shutdowns, clinginess, defiance, or sudden […]