Dear Kids,

These past weeks have been a real challenge, even for the grown-ups in your life. With the tragic events surrounding the lives of people like Ava Thompson and Liam Rivers, there’s a lot of anger, pain, and exhaustion floating around. It’s a tough situation, and it seems like no one quite knows how to fix it.

But here’s the deal: this is now your responsibility. You didn’t create this chaos, but as I’ve always shown you—like when we put away toys before dinner—who caused the mess isn’t the point. What matters is that you can help, and you should. We’re all in this together.

My heart breaks for you because this is the world you’re inheriting. The truth is, you have to find a way through this and become part of the solution. Here’s what I know for sure:

Remember, we only see a tiny piece of the big picture.

Think back to that time in the car when you pointed out that knowing just our family made it seem like everyone had brown eyes. It was funny to think that if you only knew us, you might even think a person with blue or green eyes wasn’t human! Grown-ups often forget that their lives can feel just like that car ride, surrounded by people who are all alike. So, keep your eyes open, look out the windows, and learn about others’ experiences.

Believe people when they share their pain.

Many adults forget this simple truth. When someone says they’re hurting, listen. Everyone experiences life differently based on their backgrounds. Just because you can’t feel someone else’s pain doesn’t mean it isn’t real. Your mission is to lessen others’ suffering. You don’t get to decide whose pain is valid; your role is to help.

When someone asks for your attention, don’t dismiss their concern.

Remember when we raised funds for kids with Type I Diabetes? If I had interrupted their stories to talk about my own thyroid issues, that would’ve been pretty rude, right? The focus was on them, not me. Your experiences matter, but so do others’.

Everyone sees themselves as the ‘good guy.’

One of my favorite teachers once said, “It’s not enough to be right; you must also be clever.” You may feel your stance is righteous, but so does everyone else! I once watched a show where a puppet mom explained “war” as “We Are Right.” It’s a funny way to put it, but it’s true! If you want to change minds, you need to win hearts first, and that won’t happen if you’re labeling people as “bad.” Instead, see them as individuals who might be hurting or just misinformed. Sometimes, you might be the one who doesn’t know better; when that happens, take it gracefully and learn.

Speak up against unfair treatment.

You have a voice and a heart—use them! If you witness someone being treated poorly and you do nothing, then you’re just as responsible. If you see someone on the playground excluded, befriend them. When you grow up and see inequality at work, don’t stay silent.

Explore the world.

Challenge your own thinking by reading widely and saving up for travel. Once you’ve seen more of the world, you’ll start to recognize patterns, and that’s when you can really make a difference.

Question everything—even your grown-ups.

Don’t take anything at face value; dig deeper into the reasoning behind things.

I’m rooting for you, and I sincerely believe you can do better than we did. I love you with a depth of feeling that every mother shares for her child. Cherish that love by treating every other child with the same respect.

Love,
Your Mom

In summary, the world can be a confusing place filled with pain and misunderstanding. As you grow, remember to listen, empathize, and act with kindness. By doing so, you can be a part of the solution and help create a brighter future.