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.

Timestamps

00:00 Intro – why authenticity matters for parents
01:15 Steve’s story – the day everything changed
05:30 Two choices after loss – purpose vs. paralysis
08:10 Three things parents must know about youth mental health
13:05 The signs we missed – sleep, “feeling trapped”, masked distress
17:42 How to get educated as a parent – beyond the broken system
22:18 Talking about suicide safely – language, age awareness, intent
28:40 Getting into your child’s world – listen before you lead
33:55 Modelling “I’m not OK today” without oversharing
39:20 Building secure attachment through everyday honesty
45:02 Family habits that increase connection at home
51:10 Workplaces, wellbeing, and present-eeism
55:28 Final takeaways – make time, drop the ego, stay close

What you’ll learn

Simple language to say “I’m not OK” while staying the steady adult

Early signs parents often miss – and how to respond

How to talk about suicide with care and clarity

Why entering your child’s world first changes the conversation

Daily family habits that build safety, trust, and connection

Watch 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.

Guest
Steve Phillip – Founder, The Jordan Legacy. Speaker and advisor on workplace wellbeing, mental health, and suicide prevention.
https://www.stevephilliptalks.com/

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