~Growing up, I struggled a lot with being an emotional kid, having all the feelings in the world but not knowing how to express them, combined with being told that boys talking about their feelings is a sign of weakness. Young boys want to be looked at as strong and independent and sometimes they want to grow up a little too fast. But these young boys can still be capable and act their age without sacrificing their well-being. The sooner we have this conversation with our kids, that it is okay to not be okay. I think the happier and healthier our kids will be.

What my friends don't know is my sister recently got very sick. She's not home very much anymore. Which makes it hard for me to sleep.

Even when I feel like crying, I remember what my dad tells me.

You have to be strong for her Toby, don't cry now.

In class today. Our teacher asked us to draw how we feel. I drew a stormy sky, and a lonely boy sitting on top of a hill.

Before we start, I want 

you all to draw how you feel, even if it's bad.

I try and hide in the back. I don't want to be called on. I'm scared to share it with the class.

Mrs. Pendry asks me to come up to the front and share mine with the class.

Toby, I want you to go first.

I'm terrified. What are my friends going to think? Will they still be friends with me?

I tell the class about how sad I've felt. How lonely it's been without my sister at home. I feel embarrassed.

I've felt like a part of me is missing. It's hard for me to enjoy the things I normally do. I feel like I can't show how I really feel.