once upon a time ...

once upon a time each one of us was a child
with big sparkling eyes
an innocent and trusting heart
hopeful to please
and a desire to be loved.
learning our world through the world of those around us.

how we got from there to here was largely formed by the way we perceived ourselves to be valued in the eyes
and hearts
and lives
of others.

one day, each child before us will be an adult
and how they get from here to there ... will be the same.

a breakdown in this journey can change everything
and it can happen in an instant.

maybe it has happened to you, maybe you have witnessed it happening, or maybe you have been the speaker, without even knowing it.

failing to consider the heart of a child when we speak to them can be the fastest way to cause huge damage with even the tiniest of words.

but we can remember their innocence.
respect their vulnerability.
and honor their beautiful souls.
all it takes is an awareness
and the effort to be conscious instead of careless.

let us all choose to consciously build our children up, not carelessly tear them down.


"The way we talk to our children becomes their inner voice."  -Peggy O'Mara