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

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Radha Krishna Temple, 1450 North Watters Road, Allen, United States