06/01/2026
“Stop crying or I’ll give you something to cry about.”
Nobody ever sat me down and said my feelings didn’t matter.
But somehow, I got the message.
Growing up, many of us learned to stop expressing what hurt.
We learned to move on before we learned to process.
To keep the peace.
To be respectful.
To not make things worse.
And while there are things from my childhood I’m proud to carry forward, this isn’t one of them.
So here’s what I’m trying to do differently:
🛑 STOP teaching children that their feelings are a problem to solve.
▶️ START creating space for them to express what’s happening inside before we rush to correct what’s happening outside.
✅ CONTINUE teaching respect, accountability, and responsibility—without asking children to silence themselves in the process.
Because my goal isn’t to raise children who never get corrected.
My goal is to raise children who know their feelings are welcome here.
Children who understand that authority and accountability can live in the same room.
Children who know that even Mom can say:
“I was frustrated.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Thank you for telling me.”
Maybe that’s what cycle-breaking looks like.
Not rejecting everything we were taught.
Just deciding what deserves to come with us.
💬 Let’s talk:
What is one thing you’re choosing to STOP, START, or CONTINUE from your own childhood?