I was taught to respect adults - regardless of who they were or what they did, it was confusing for me...but when one looked around, children and young adults weren't given the same respect. Then I was told that one has to earn respect, but as a child or growing adolescent how do you earn respect if you're not shown it? What you wrote here grounds children and parents in mutual love, trust & respect that lays a fantastic foundation and it's never too late to start! Great read!
Thank you for sharing this—what you described is so real for so many of us. That mismatch between what we were told and what we actually experienced can leave a lasting mark. I really believe kids don’t learn respect through power—they learn it through relationship. Grateful this spoke to you, Lisa.
Wouldn’t that be something? I think so many of us are learning it later—and the long way around. Grateful to be in the conversation and really appreciate the encouragement, Kathy. Thank you!
That’s the highest compliment a writer can get—thank you, Kayla. The thought of this being part of a real-life walk-and-talk means more than I can say.
Wow—thank you so much for this, truly. I can feel how much lived experience is behind your words. What you described—that tension between knowing what brings stability and trying to hold onto it when life gets messy—is so real. It means a lot to know the piece helped name something important for you. You’re doing brave, meaningful work—for yourself and your family. I’m incredibly grateful you shared this, Eliza.
"Parenting advice is relentless." Aint that the truth?
I was taught to respect adults - regardless of who they were or what they did, it was confusing for me...but when one looked around, children and young adults weren't given the same respect. Then I was told that one has to earn respect, but as a child or growing adolescent how do you earn respect if you're not shown it? What you wrote here grounds children and parents in mutual love, trust & respect that lays a fantastic foundation and it's never too late to start! Great read!
Thank you for sharing this—what you described is so real for so many of us. That mismatch between what we were told and what we actually experienced can leave a lasting mark. I really believe kids don’t learn respect through power—they learn it through relationship. Grateful this spoke to you, Lisa.
such a good point. thank you.
Thanks, Laurel!
Have you written a book?
I haven't, but I would love to.
If only ideas and knowledge like this could be taught as compulsory lessons in school and onward. Keep spreading the good word. Thank you.
Wouldn’t that be something? I think so many of us are learning it later—and the long way around. Grateful to be in the conversation and really appreciate the encouragement, Kathy. Thank you!
This was so great. I just shared it with a few friends and asked if we could discuss it on our walk this week. Love your writing, Erin.
That’s the highest compliment a writer can get—thank you, Kayla. The thought of this being part of a real-life walk-and-talk means more than I can say.
Elite guidance my friend. You keep getting better.
Thank you, friend. Grateful to be in this conversation with you.
Wow this is a powerful piece — so much resonated and so much to reflect on. Thank you for sharing!
I really appreciate that, Kiya—thank you.
Wow—thank you so much for this, truly. I can feel how much lived experience is behind your words. What you described—that tension between knowing what brings stability and trying to hold onto it when life gets messy—is so real. It means a lot to know the piece helped name something important for you. You’re doing brave, meaningful work—for yourself and your family. I’m incredibly grateful you shared this, Eliza.