6 Things to Do with Your Teen After Watching 13 Reasons Why

Tear streaked face, heart broken, and raw. As soon as Tape 7A was over I was left feeling every single feel. Have you watched 13 Reasons Why on Netflix yet? My husband, my 15 year old daughter, and myself have all watched and talked about it. 13 Reasons Why is a hot topic of conversation across social media, in classrooms, and in homes. Tough conversations are happening and eyes are being opened, and I commend Netflix for being a common ground for parents.

(This post is in partnership with Netflix and any opinions are 100% my own.)

13 Reasons Why is opening up discussions on social media, in classrooms, and in homes about depression, suicide, relationships, and sexual assault. In my home, the discussion of depression and suicide is one that isn’t a stranger but sexual assault wasn’t one we had discussed a lot before the show. While we are having those tough conversations now, I don’t want it to end there. I want to DO things that back up the words I am speaking. I’ve already crossed 5 of these 6 things to do with your teen after watching 13 Reason Why Off my list, now it’s time to find a self defense class.

6 Things to Do with Your Teen After Watching 13 Reasons Why

1. Take a self defense class with your teenager. Being able to protect and defend yourself in a threatening situation is a valuable skill for teens and adults.
2. Get more involved in your child’s school. Attend school events and pay attention to your child’s peers. Get a feel for the other students your child is surrounding by and listen to your gut. As a member of the Booster Club at my daughter’s high school, I attend a lot of school functions and games. I see and hear a lot that is really eye opening, and gives me an idea of some people my child should stay away from.
3. Watch 13 Reasons Why: Beyond the Reasons together. It only takes 29 minutes of your time, and it dives into those difficult scenes with the help of the cast, producers, and mental health professionals.
4. Put the The X-Plan in place with your child, so they have a quick way “out” of a situation if they need it.
5. Talk to your child. Remind them that no matter what is going on in your life, you ALWAYS have time to talk to them. One thing that broke my heart while watching 13 Reasons Why, was seeing Hannah attempt to approach her parents only to turn away because they were in the middle of a heated discussion about struggles they were facing. Our kids need to know that no matter what is happening in our lives, we want them to come talk to us.
6. Watch more shows that help you connect with your teen like 13 Reason Why has. Join your child for a mini weekly binge session, find a new show together, or follow this Netflix Guide to Connecting with your Teen for some ideas.