Parenting When You’re Not OK How to Be Honest and Build Connection with Steven Phillip

When you’re not OK, your kids don’t need perfection – they need your presence. In this conversation with Steve Phillip of The Jordan Legacy, we talk about how to be honest with your kids on hard days, how to listen first, and how vulnerability at home strengthens attachment, safety, and trust.Steve shares Jordan’s story, the warning signs he wishes he had recognized sooner, and practical ways families can talk about mental health; including how to name suicide responsibly and age-appropriately. If you’re a parent, caregiver, or educator, this episode will help you lead with presence, not performance.Timestamps00:00 Intro – why authenticity matters for parents01:15 Steve’s story – the day everything changed05:30 Two choices after loss – purpose vs. paralysis08:10 Three things parents must know about youth mental health13:05 The signs we missed – sleep, “feeling trapped”, masked distress17:42 How to get educated as a parent – beyond the broken system22:18 Talking about suicide safely – language, age awareness, intent28:40 Getting into your child’s world – listen before you lead33:55 Modelling “I’m not OK today” without oversharing39:20 Building secure attachment through everyday honesty45:02 Family habits that increase connection at home51:10 Workplaces, wellbeing, and present-eeism55:28 Final takeaways – make time, drop the ego, stay closeWhat you’ll learnSimple language to say “I’m not OK” while staying the steady adultEarly signs parents often miss – and how to respondHow to talk about suicide with care and clarityWhy entering your child’s world first changes the conversationDaily family habits that build safety, trust, and connectionWatch next“You Don’t Need Perfect Words – You Need to Show Up”“How to Listen So Your Teen Feels Safe”“Connection over Control: Getting on Their Turf”👉 If this helped, subscribe for more parent education, youth mental health, and family connection conversations. Comment with one way you’ll model healthy vulnerability this week.GuestSteve Phillip – Founder, The Jordan Legacy. Speaker and advisor on workplace wellbeing, mental health, and suicide prevention.https://www.stevephilliptalks.com/👉SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@UC5ApSQZKadNZOO0etZM1EtQ🎧Listen to Get on Their Turf Podcast on other platforms → https://tr.ee/APJWsI3kJl=====================👉 Follow Dr Suzanne:Instagram: /drsuzannesimpson   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drsuzannesimpson/🎧 Listen to Get on Their Turf audio: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/get-on-their-turf-with-dr-suzanne-simpson/id1724652932https://open.spotify.com/show/2SMqMnxwcwrJUk7cATsdQB?si=f2b962c84b8c4b4dhttps://music.amazon.com/podcasts/53b9b6a1-18d3-4610-a638-5cf4f816ec6f/get-on-their-turf-with-dr-suzanne-simpsonIf you are in crisis or worried about someoneCanada: Talk Suicide Canada 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645USA: Call or text 988UK & ROI: Samaritans 116 123If your region is not listed, contact local emergency services or a trusted crisis line.#drsuzannesimpson #getontheirturf #authenticparenting #parentingteens #familyconnection #mentalhealtheducation #suicideprevention #itsokaynottobeokayFind my interview playlist on YouTube Dr Suzanne Simpson, at Get On Their Turf:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HC8JprFdrPA&list=PLi7xFsX7h7tdxBsVx38UIRVrvnCc_9IBWNew releases every second Monday 8:00 am PST.👉 Get the free guide "8 Ways to Get on Your Kids' Turf" at www.drsuzannesimpson.comConnect with me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsuzannesimpson/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drsuzannesimpson/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drsuzannesimpson Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566148964209Please note that the contents of this website are not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. My scope of practice is as an educator, and this work is intended to provide information for educational purposes only. Testimonials of lived experiences are opinion only and have not been scientifically evaluated.