Powerful text message from 10-year-old brings parent to tears: 'Can we talk?'
By Nikolina Koevska Kharoufeh |
A? parent has been brought to tears by a simple text they received from their 10-year-old.
The ?question their child asked them over the phone, while heartbreaking, is being celebrated for its openness and bravery.
"I didn't have this kind of relationship with my own parents," the carer captioned a screenshot of the conversation posted to Reddit, which has now reached thousands of people around the world.
"Hey mum, can we talk? I'm having a hard time," the upsetting text reads, as the parent explained their their child is experiencing some challenges in primary school.
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"[He] has been being bullied at school lately," they wrote in the caption.
After receiving the text around 11am, they immediately responded, wanting to help talk through their emotions.
"Yes. Call me," they wrote back.
It's a kind of support the parent claims they never had when they were growing up, writing, "Breaking generational trauma is hard but worth it."
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After posting the screenshot online, many people commended the child's carer for open and loving approach parenting.
"You're doing amazing. Your son/daughter is very lucky to have you," one person commented. Another wrote, "Thank you. From a child who never had this.?"
"Just staring at this is therapeutic for me. Thanks for being a cool mom."
Others contributing their own stories to the powerful conversation.
"This is healing part of me, who did not have a mother like you whatsoever. Give your kiddo an extra squeeze."
READ MORE: Boy, 10, rushed to hospital after drinking too much water
When it comes to supporting your child's mental health, Think Mental Health encourages parents to ?be there to listen, take what they say seriously and support them through their difficulties.
There are many warning signs that parents can look out for which can indicate something is upsetting their child or a mental health issue is developing.
These include:
- significant changes in behaviour;
- ongoing difficulty sleeping;
- withdrawing from social situations;
- not wanting to do things they usually like; and/or
- self-harm or neglecting themselves.
No problem is too big or too small. Kids Helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 1800 55 1800.
Crisis support is available from Lifeline on 13 11 14.?
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