How David supported his daughter through the bushfires

By ReachOut Content Team
Published 24 November 2023

During the 2019/20 Australian bushfire season, David made sure he was supporting his daughter Ruby as much as possible. He felt it was important to keep her informed about what was going on, even when he was caught up in the stress of the bushfires himself. For other parents going through this, David would suggest making room for conversations to suggest support pathways for their teen and keeping them involved in what’s going on.

Read the transcript.

How to communicate effectively with your teen

  • Be genuinely interested and curious about what they have to say.

  • Give them your full attention.

  • Show empathy by putting yourself in your teen’s shoes.

  • Avoid giving advice they haven’t asked for.

  • Choose a quiet space without distractions for important conversations.

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              Aboriginal flagTorres Strait islander flagRainbow flagAustralian flag

              We acknowledge the traditional owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and to Elders past and present. We recognise connection to Country as integral to health and wellbeing.

              We acknowledge people with lived experience of mental ill-health and recovery and the experience of people who have been carers, families, or supporters.

              ReachOut values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

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