Beyond Straight A’s: What Our Kids Aren’t Saying

Beyond Straight A’s: What Our Kids Aren’t Saying

Presented by Children’s Health

In many high-achieving households, academic success is seen as a sign that kids are doing well, but emotional struggles often go unnoticed — especially where excellence is expected. Teens today face intense pressures, and families may not realize how emotional challenges show up or how to talk about them.

We’ll explore: What kids wish their parents knew — and often don’t say.

• Subtle bullying, cultural isolation, and unspoken peer pressure

• The hidden toll of perfectionism, AI, and social media• How anxiety, identity stress, and emotional pain show up in kids who “seem fine”

• Early signs of distress in high-performing children

• Why culture, race, and identity matter in mental health and well-being• Support services available from Children’s Health

Join expert panelists, educators, and parents from our community for an open, practical, and empowering conversation on emotional well-being across home, school, and spiritual life.

Why You Should Attend: Parents and youth will

• Recognize hidden struggles – Spot early emotional warning signs

• Gain practical tools – Strengthen communication and resilience

• Bridge cultural gaps – Understand cultural and generational differences

• Hear real voices – Youth perspectives, expert insights, and community stories

• Find support – Connect with local resources and Children’s Health programs

• Explore more – Visit resource tables for additional information and tools

Parents leave more confident in supporting emotional health; teens see their struggles are

validated and heard.

Moderated by:

Bindu Lanka, SHRM-SCP - Chaplain

Panelists Include:

Andy McGarrahan, Ph.D. - Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Lalitha Natarajan, Ph.D., LCSW-S - Consult Psychology Team

Muruga Loganathan M.D., - Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist

Mehak Gupta, LPC - Behavioral Health Care Manager, Texas Child Health Access Through Telemedicine (TCHATT)

Anika Sharma, B.S. Psychology – Milieu Therapist

Q&A and 1-on-1 conversations after the talk (Please submit your questions ahead of time)

Dinner follows

This event is open to the community

Children's Health Psychiatry and Psychology Services

Host or Publisher Children’s Health℠