My universal truths as a parent

Image comment: me and my babes in 2017. For their privacy, I don’t post current photos.

⚪️ My children’s feelings are always, always allowed. There’s no right or wrong to how they feel, no matter how differently we perceive things.

⚪️ I can talk all day about how to express those feelings in a way that’s healthy and safe - but if I don’t also model it, my words are meaningless.

⚪️ When my children tell me who they are, I believe them. I ride the waves of their evolving personalities, unique needs and developmental stages.

⚪️ I know that gender identity develops over time and changes over time, and isn’t based in biology. I respect their gender development, use the pronouns and gender-related terms they prefer, and embody “all things are for all people.”

⚪️ But - I am keenly aware that my kids’ biology, ability, gender identity, skin color and ethnicity accord them unearned privilege in any space they occupy. My children know that for these reasons, their voices will be heard the most, even when they are wrong. They know the value of listening. Of learning. Of taking accountability for their choices and their mistakes. And of using their voices for good over evil, even when it’s hard.