Kristina Kuzmic – Parenting Our Kids with Depression

Kristina Kuzmic is a motivational speaker, comedian, and author celebrated for her relatable and humorous take on parenting and life. Through her viral videos and social media presence, she shares candid and uplifting messages, encouraging people to embrace their imperfections and find joy in everyday chaos.

Today, Kristina delves into the struggles she faced when her son began experiencing mental health issues, including depression and suicidal ideation. She candidly discusses the initial reactions of fear and control that she grappled with as a parent, highlighting the shift towards connection and curiosity as a more effective approach to supporting her child.

Through her book, “I Can Fix This: And Other Lies I’ve Told Myself While Parenting My Struggling Child,” Kristina emphasizes the importance of vulnerability, open communication, and standing in awe of her son’s story. She shares valuable insights on overcoming shame and guilt as a parent, ultimately fostering a deeper connection with her child and promoting mental health awareness.

Kristina’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of approaching parenting with empathy, understanding, and a willingness to learn from our children’s experiences. Her journey highlights the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health struggles and fostering a supportive environment for families facing similar challenges.

Larry’s Takeaways

1. Connect with your child, not control.
2. Stand in awe of your child’s story.
3. Shame is harmful; prioritize connection over control.

What You’ll Learn

00:00:00 – Introduction and Background

00:05:30 – Childhood in Croatia and Immigration to the U.S.

00:10:27 – Lessons Learned from First Marriage

00:23:00 – Introduction to the Book “I Can Fix This”

00:24:16 – Launching Pad for Writing the Book

00:28:44 – Impact of Fear and Control on Parenting

00:34:29 – Overcoming Fear and Connecting with the Child

00:38:02 – Struggles with Control and Learning to Connect

00:39:42 – Accepting Imperfection and Learning from Mistakes

00:41:25 – Addressing Shame and Stigma in Mental Health Discussions

Links

www.thedadedge.com/bark

www.instagram.com/kristinakuzmic

www.kristinakuzmic.com