How to Talk to Kids About a Parent’s Depression: Lessons from Sometimes Daddy Cries

How do you explain depression to a child—especially when it’s their parent who is struggling?

In this moving episode, Todd Rennebohm, author of Sometimes Daddy Cries, shares the deeply personal story behind his children’s book. What began as a near-suicidal night became the seed for a tool that now helps countless families talk about depression in ways children can understand.

Todd, a father living with depression, anxiety, ADHD, and six years of sobriety, opens up about the challenges of parenting with mental illness, the stigma men face in acknowledging their struggles, and why normalizing depression for kids matters so much.

Hosts Terry and Dr. Anita Sanz guide the conversation, exploring how stories like Todd’s break silence, reduce fear, and remind children (and adults) that depression is treatable—and love remains constant.

Link to Todd Rennebohm's book "Sometimes Daddy Cries": https://www.amazon.com/Sometimes-Daddy-Cries-Todd-Rennebohm/dp/0228834678

Primary Topics Covered:

• Todd’s journey through depression, sobriety, and near-suicidal moments
• The origins of Sometimes Daddy Cries and why he wrote it for his kids
• Why “sad” is an entry point but doesn’t capture the depth of depression
• Using relatable experiences like tummy aches to explain mental health to children
• How hospitalization for depression can be explained in child-friendly terms
• The stigma men face when admitting to depression and seeking help
• Why open conversations prevent kids from blaming themselves
• The book’s impact not only on children but also on parents and partners
• Todd’s message: depression is real, treatable, and doesn’t diminish love

Timestamps:

00:11 Introduction and welcome
 01:33 Introducing guest Todd Rennebaum, author and father
 02:10 The dark night that led to writing Sometimes Daddy Cries
03:46 Choosing honesty and asking for help instead of ending his life
04:22 Why “sad” is both useful and inadequate for describing depression
05:09 Todd describes depression as heavy, endless, and debilitating
06:31 Using tummy aches as a relatable metaphor for children
08:07 How depression, like physical illness, sometimes requires professional help
09:22 Todd shares his experience with hospitalization
10:48 Writing the book as a way of “learning from mistakes” to help others
11:29 How the book resonates with children, partners, and men facing stigma
12:13 Todd’s core message: mental illness is normal, common, and treatable
13:32 The importance of showing kids that love remains constant through struggles
15:35 Co-host reflections on men, stigma, and the need for honesty in families
18:12 How the book helps children reframe anger and depression in their parents
18:48 Closing reflections and encouragement for listeners

Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.com
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