Younger children can experience emotional pain that they don’t yet have the words to describe. Sometimes this shows up as statements about not wanting to be here or behaviours that look like self‑injury. This gentle, supportive session may help parents and caregivers understand why these moments happen, what they may mean, and how to respond with calm connection. Together we’ll explore how small moments of being seen, heard, and supported can make a big difference in a child’s safety and well‑being.

This webinar offers a compassionate look at how children under 12 experience and express deep distress—including suicidal thoughts or self‑injury behaviours, and keeping connection at the centre. The emphasis throughout is on hope, relationship, and simple moments of caring presence.

We want to hear your questions about this topic. To help guide the speaker’s content, please share your questions when you register. There will not be a live question-and-answer session during the event. This event will be hosted online.

Meet our Speaker:

Katie DeReus is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with over 20 years of experience as both a teacher and an Elementary School Counsellor. In her role as Vice President of Professional Development for the BC School Counsellors Association, Katie champions greater awareness and understanding of the struggles faced by children under 12 – not only as a professional immersed in their day-to-day challenges, but as a parent living them as well.