Why did I create
these placemats?
Unfortunately, most of us know someone who has been impacted by a family, friend, or loved one who chose to take their own life. I know I have, numerous times.....
I designed these placemats in order to teach vulnerability and create a safe space for my children. I invite them to share anything with me that is going on for them in their life every single day - typically this happens around the dinner table - a time where we reflect from the day with gratitude, celebrations, values, challenges, joy, sadness and continuous learning opportunities. I admit, I am scared for my girls growing up in this new world of technology.
Currently they are 6 and 8 years old. Some of the fears I have for my kids are abduction and kidnap, sexual abuse and rape; but most of all suicide.
Suicide rates are climbing exponentially - stats show that girls have far more attempts and boys actually commit and execute (https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/vsrr/vsrr024.pdf). I come from a family of mental health, suicide and suicidal ideation. I’m scared my kids may have genetic makeup for anxiety and depression.
These placemats allow us to build a rapport, connection, create and maintain deeper relationships with our children in preparation for hard conversations that are crucial for a healthy family.
We as parents have choices…
We can proactively CHOOSE to show up and be mindful and listen, hear, validate our children’s feelings and experiences with no judgement (which may be challenging at times).
We can rush through life, continue to be hypervigilant, stay on the hamster wheel, not have sit-down family meals, causing a child to not feel seen, heard or validated. This leaves room for suicidal ideation, attempting suicide or tragically taking his/her own precious life.
I choose #1
By no means am I guaranteeing these placemats are a cure for suicide. These placemats were founded as a tool and strategy to proactively prevent suicidal ideation by opening up conversations with our children. As a bad ass mom who was scared on a weekly basis, I need all of the help and support I can get - and I’m finally not afraid to be vulnerable and ask for it! I strongly feel parents need as many tools in the parent toolbox as possible in order to combat the bullying that is happening in our schools and on social media today.
Every generation says “this isn’t the world I grew up in”. Well, I think we can finally agree that this is officially not the world we grew up in. While there are positives to technology, it also presents new challenges to children and parents alike - and we haven’t even begun to see the repercussions of this.
With gratitude,
Courtney
Meal times are a perfect opportunity to sit together and open up conversations.
Growing up, Courtney experienced the magic of family dinners, where love, connection, and meaningful conversations flourished. Research shows that regular family meals have profound benefits for children's well-being.
Testimonials
You belong here.
“I help parents and teachers achieve joy, deeper connections, and extraordinary relationships with their children and students without the fear and worry of suicidal ideation entering their minds in a world where suicide rates are climbing exponentially.”
Courtney Cote