By Lisa Shanklin, Communications Director, Educate and Empower Kids
The popular Netflix series “13 Reasons Why” is still trending on Netflix. It was released a month ago and has been trending ever since, and it has a lot of psychologists and parents concerned. It was given a mature rating for graphic sex and rape scenes, drug and alcohol use, and language. On a positive side, it is generating a lot of needed conversation on the topics of suicide, cyberbullying, and other teen related topics. The show is based on a sophomore girl (about 15/16 years old) who commits suicide and leaves 13 reasons why she did–holding her bullies accountable for what she felt led to her death. There are hundreds of articles reviewing the show, and there are many efforts being made to focus not on why one would commit suicide–but on WHY NOT to take your life. We have listed our 13 Reasons why our kids mean so much to us and encourage you to give your child their own 13 Reasons why they matter to you:
13 REASONS WHY NOT!
1 – You are unique.
2 – You have a contribution to make to the world that no one else can make.
3 – You are not alone.
4 – Things will get better.
5 – Feelings change. Situations change.
6 – There are others who can and will help you.
7 – You can help others.
8 – Death is permanent. You don’t get another life.
9 – You are strong.
10 – You can overcome.
11 – You are brave.
12 – You are needed.
13 – Your life is worth the effort to keep trying.
It can be so difficult to see hope and to see one’s own value during dark times. Reinforce in each of your children reasons why they matter to you and how life would not be the same without them in it. Have a discussion tonight. Tell them your 13 Reasons why they matter to you. If you have more than one child, make sure each of them understand why they are important and integral to your family. It is never too late, start today!
If anyone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide please contact The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK [8255]) or dial 911. The world is better with you in it.
For essential lessons and activities that help connect you to your kids and create meaningful discussions, check out , available on Amazon. The book includes great questions, lessons and challenges to help your kids learn to fill their emotional, intellectual, social, physical and spiritual “accounts.” Some of the topics include: friendship, respect, positive self-talk, empathy, addiction, gratitude, community, critical thinking, and many more–30 lessons in all.
Available in Kindle or Paperback.Lisa Shanklin has a degree in Recreation Management and Youth Leadership from Brigham Young University. She has been an active volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America and the local PTAs in both Baltimore, Maryland and Atlanta, Georgia. She served as the President and Executive Director of Women for Decency in 2016 and continues to work with families, schools, small businesses and nonprofits in her community to teach internet safety and digital citizenship. She is the mother of five children and now has a daughter-in-law as well. She resides in Johns Creek, Georgia with her two youngest children.
