A LITTLE RECOGNITION CAN CHANGE A CHILD’S LIFE

Every now and then, something comes across my screen that makes me stop what I’m doing and really think about the direction we’re heading as a society. Sometimes it’s not a major political event, a shocking news story, or some dramatic confrontation that gets my attention. Sometimes it’s something so simple that many people would overlook it without giving it a second thought. But underneath that seemingly ordinary moment can be a powerful lesson about human development, parenting, community responsibility, and the kind of future we’re preparing for the next generation.

I recently watched a video featuring a young boy who traveled from Florida to show his report card to a neighborhood store owner who had established a beautiful incentive for students who performed exceptionally well in school. This young man had maintained a 4.0 GPA, and his academic achievement earned him the opportunity to select merchandise from the store, receive a special shirt recognizing his academic performance, and receive a cash reward. But what caught my attention wasn’t the merchandise or the money. It was the look of genuine pride on that young man’s face and the excitement surrounding his accomplishment.

What really touched me was hearing the child explain that watching these videos had motivated him to put in additional effort with his schoolwork. Think about that for a moment. Something that began as a simple act of community encouragement had reached a young mind and helped inspire him to become more disciplined. He wasn’t simply hoping to receive free merchandise. He wanted to become one of those students who had earned the recognition. That’s the difference between simply giving a child something and giving a child something to strive for.

And that’s where I believe we need to start looking at the bigger picture. How many children are walking around today desperately needing somebody to acknowledge their efforts? How many youngsters are working hard but receiving very little encouragement at home, in their schools, or within their neighborhoods? How many are searching for validation in places that will eventually exploit their need to feel important? Sometimes we spend so much time discussing what’s wrong with our young people that we completely overlook the responsibility we have to help create something better within them.

I want to take this conversation beyond one child, one store, or one particular community. I want to talk about the psychological foundation we build inside our children, the importance of rewarding discipline, and the long-term consequences of raising human beings without giving them the emotional nourishment they need. Because if we’re serious about changing the future, we have to stop treating children as though they’re simply supposed to grow up and somehow figure everything out. They need guidance, structure, encouragement, protection, and examples worth following. WE HAVE TO INVEST IN OUR CHILDREN BEFORE THE WORLD INVESTS IN THEM FOR ITS OWN PURPOSES.

THE POWER OF BEING RECOGNIZED

One of the most important things a child can experience is the feeling that somebody notices their effort. Children need to understand that their actions matter, that their decisions have consequences, and that the time they spend developing themselves can produce something meaningful. When a youngster studies hard, completes assignments, improves their reading, learns how to communicate, and demonstrates discipline, those accomplishments deserve recognition. Not because every child needs a prize for everything they do, but because encouragement can help reinforce the connection between effort and achievement.

There’s something powerful about watching a child realize that their hard work has produced a result. That feeling can become a reference point they carry into adulthood. When they eventually face a difficult challenge, they can look back at earlier victories and remember that they’ve overcome something before. They begin to understand that success doesn’t always happen immediately, that patience matters, and that consistent effort can produce results even when the process becomes uncomfortable.

This is why I believe community reward programs deserve much more attention. Imagine if neighborhood businesses, parents, teachers, professionals, and other responsible adults created a system where students could be recognized for their academic progress. It wouldn’t have to be limited to one business owner or one individual with enough money to support the idea. A community could pool its resources and establish a shared fund dedicated to encouraging academic excellence.

Think about what could happen if several neighborhood businesses contributed a small amount toward a common educational incentive program. Those contributions could accumulate throughout the school year, creating a pool of resources that could support students who demonstrate outstanding performance. There could be recognition for academic improvement, excellent attendance, reading achievements, good conduct, and other meaningful accomplishments. The point wouldn’t be to create another competition where children feel worthless if they don’t win. The point would be to establish a culture where effort, discipline, and personal growth are respected.

We also have to remember that every child doesn’t begin at the same starting line. Some have quiet homes, supportive parents, access to computers, private tutoring, and plenty of food on the table. Others are dealing with financial problems, unstable households, limited resources, and emotional challenges that make concentrating on schoolwork much harder. A successful community program should recognize these differences without lowering expectations for children. Instead, it should create more opportunities for those who need additional encouragement.

And let’s be honest about something else. Children don’t always need expensive rewards. Sometimes a certificate, a public announcement, a book, a special meal, a small gift, or a sincere expression of pride can make a tremendous difference. The reward itself isn’t always the most valuable part of the experience. It’s the message behind it. Somebody took the time to notice. Somebody cared enough to acknowledge the effort. Somebody wanted that child to understand that doing something worthwhile deserves respect.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RAISING A CHILD AND SIMPLY PROVIDING FOR ONE

Now, this brings me to a much larger issue that I believe needs to be discussed more openly. There’s a difference between providing material necessities for a child and actually raising that child. Feeding them, buying clothing, providing shelter, and making sure they have transportation are important responsibilities. Nobody should minimize those things. But if that’s where your parenting responsibilities begin and end, you’re leaving some very important parts of that child’s development unattended.

A child needs more than food and a roof. They need conversation, affection, guidance, correction, encouragement, and consistent involvement. They need to know that somebody is interested in what they’re thinking, what they’re learning, what they’re experiencing, and what they hope to become. They need adults who are willing to put their phones down and give them undivided attention. They need people who can recognize when something is bothering them even when they don’t have the vocabulary to explain it.

Unfortunately, too many households have fallen into a pattern where material provision is treated as the complete definition of parenting. A child receives a bedroom, clothing, electronic devices, and meals, but the emotional connection is practically nonexistent. Then when that child begins acting out, withdrawing, becoming disrespectful, or searching for acceptance in unhealthy places, everybody acts surprised. But what kind of relationship have you actually established with that youngster?

You cannot expect a child to develop emotional security when the people responsible for creating that security are emotionally unavailable. You cannot constantly dismiss their concerns, ridicule their interests, ignore their achievements, and then expect them to develop a healthy sense of self-worth. Children are watching how we respond to them. They’re learning whether their voices matter, whether their feelings deserve consideration, and whether their accomplishments mean anything to the people they love.

And while we’re discussing priorities, we also need to examine how some adults allocate their money. There are people who will spend considerable amounts on personal appearances, designer clothing, expensive hairstyles, cosmetic enhancements, entertainment, and vehicles they can barely afford, yet somehow claim there’s never enough money to support their children’s educational development. I’m not suggesting that adults shouldn’t enjoy themselves or take pride in their appearance. I’m saying that we have to examine our priorities when the appearance of success becomes more important than actually preparing the next generation for success.

You can purchase a beautiful outfit for a child, but you cannot purchase discipline. You can buy the latest telephone, but you cannot buy wisdom. You can put expensive sneakers on their feet, but you cannot purchase the ability to think critically, solve problems, communicate effectively, and make responsible decisions. Those qualities require time, instruction, repetition, and example. And if we aren’t willing to invest those things, we’re leaving our children vulnerable to a world that has no obligation to protect their interests.

YOUR CHILDREN ARE BEING RAISED BY MORE THAN YOU

One of the most dangerous mistakes a parent can make today is believing that their responsibility ends once their children are physically inside the house. We live in an environment where information, entertainment, advertising, and outside influences can enter a child’s mind through a device that fits comfortably in their hand. The world doesn’t have to knock on your front door anymore. It can reach your child while they’re sitting on their bed, eating dinner, or supposedly doing homework.

And that’s something parents need to take very seriously. Children are exposed to ideas, images, language, lifestyles, and adult subjects at increasingly young ages. Some of these influences are educational and positive, but others can introduce them to experiences they simply aren’t emotionally prepared to understand. The internet doesn’t know whether your child is mature enough to process what they’re seeing. It doesn’t know whether they have the guidance necessary to separate fantasy from reality. It simply makes information available, and your child has to navigate that environment.

This is why parental involvement has become more important than ever. We have to know what our children are watching, who they’re communicating with, what kind of material they’re consuming, and what ideas are shaping their understanding of themselves and the world. We cannot assume that because they’re quiet in their bedroom, everything is fine. Sometimes the greatest activity taking place in a household is happening silently behind a screen.

Physical protection is important, but psychological protection matters just as much. We teach children to look both ways before crossing the street because we understand that a physical danger exists. But we also have to teach them how to recognize manipulation, exploitation, unhealthy relationships, peer pressure, and the kind of content that can distort their understanding of life. These conversations should happen before a crisis develops, not after something has already gone wrong.

And here’s something else. We cannot expect our children to make wise decisions if we’re constantly demonstrating the opposite behavior in front of them. You cannot preach financial responsibility while spending recklessly. You cannot demand honesty while constantly lying. You cannot insist on respectful communication while screaming at everybody in the household. Children are not simply listening to our instructions. They’re studying our behavior and comparing what we say with what we actually do.

That’s why I believe the family structure is so important. The family should function as an exoskeleton around a developing human being. Just as certain creatures have protective outer shells that shield something valuable within, a healthy family environment should provide a layer of protection around the developing mind of a child. That protection doesn’t mean isolating them from reality or preventing them from experiencing life. It means preparing them to encounter the world without allowing every outside influence to determine who they become.

THE CHILDHOOD ENVIRONMENT FOLLOWS YOU INTO ADULTHOOD

Now, here’s where this conversation becomes even more interesting to me. We spend so much time discussing the behavior of adults without examining the childhood experiences that may have helped shape that behavior. We see insecurity, envy, constant competition, materialism, anger, emotional detachment, and an endless need for approval. But how often do we stop and ask what happened during that person’s development?

I’m not suggesting that every adult struggle can be traced directly to childhood or that every person who experienced a difficult upbringing will develop unhealthy behaviors. Human development is complicated, and people have different experiences, choices, and opportunities to heal. But the emotional environment in which a child develops can have a lasting influence on how that individual understands relationships, self-worth, trust, and personal achievement.

Consider the adult who cannot enjoy their own accomplishments without comparing them to somebody else’s. They purchase things they cannot afford because they believe their appearance determines their value. They become uncomfortable when somebody else succeeds. They constantly need to prove that they’re important, powerful, attractive, or financially successful. Sometimes what you’re witnessing isn’t confidence at all. It may be a person desperately trying to cover an internal emptiness with external possessions.

And that’s something we need to understand about materialism. Material possessions can provide comfort, convenience, and enjoyment, but they cannot repair every emotional wound. A person can have a beautiful home, an expensive vehicle, designer clothing, and a bank account that looks impressive while still feeling deeply insecure. You can surround yourself with things and still be uncomfortable with the person you see in the mirror.

This is why I believe the greatest wealth a child can receive is a strong internal foundation. When parents consistently communicate love, demonstrate respect, provide guidance, and encourage independent thinking, they’re helping a child develop a sense of worth that doesn’t depend entirely on outside approval. That child can eventually enter adulthood without feeling compelled to compete with everybody they encounter.

I’ve personally experienced the importance of that foundation throughout my life. My parents encouraged me to pursue the things I wanted to accomplish, and their support helped me understand that achievement requires more than simply wishing for something. You have to study it, learn the process, seek guidance from people who have experience, and put in the necessary work. You have to be willing to make mistakes and continue moving forward.

Even now, as an older man, I can look back and recognize how much of that early encouragement remains within me. My parents aren’t physically here anymore, but the principles they instilled continue to influence how I approach challenges. When something seems difficult, I don’t automatically assume that it’s beyond my ability. I begin examining what needs to be learned, what needs to be improved, and what steps must be taken to move closer to the goal.

That’s the real value of teaching children discipline and perseverance. You’re not simply preparing them to earn good grades. You’re preparing them to navigate life.

TEACHING CHILDREN HOW TO WIN WITHOUT MAKING THEM AFRAID TO LOSE

There’s something else that needs to be understood about rewarding children. We should never make a youngster believe that their value as a human being depends on achieving perfect grades or constantly outperforming everyone around them. Encouragement should build confidence, not create unbearable pressure.

A child who struggles academically still deserves support, attention, and recognition for improvement. Some children learn differently. Some need more time, additional assistance, or a different teaching approach. Others may be dealing with challenges at home that make it difficult to concentrate. We cannot allow an incentive program to become another source of humiliation for children who are already struggling.

The goal should be to develop a healthy relationship between effort and achievement. We want children to understand that they can improve, that mistakes are part of learning, and that setbacks don’t have to become permanent identities. When a child receives a disappointing grade, the conversation shouldn’t automatically become an attack on their intelligence or character. It should become an opportunity to discover what happened and develop a better approach.

Think about learning how to ride a bicycle. Nobody becomes comfortable balancing on two wheels simply by reading instructions. Eventually, you have to get on the bicycle, practice, lose your balance, and sometimes fall. You may scrape your knee or feel embarrassed, but if you genuinely want to learn, you get back on and try again. Eventually, something that once seemed impossible becomes natural.

Life works in a similar way. Whether you’re learning a trade, developing a business, improving your communication, building a career, or mastering a creative skill, the process requires patience. You have to study, practice, make adjustments, and remain committed when the excitement of starting something new begins to disappear.

This is why children need adults who can demonstrate the process instead of simply demanding the result. Don’t just tell them to work hard. Let them see you working hard. Don’t just tell them to read. Let them see you reading. Don’t just tell them to manage money responsibly. Let them observe how you make financial decisions. Don’t just tell them to treat people with respect. Demonstrate what respectful behavior looks like when you’re angry, disappointed, or under pressure.

And please understand that encouragement doesn’t mean removing every obstacle from a child’s path. Sometimes the most valuable thing you can do is allow them to experience a manageable challenge while remaining available to guide them. The objective isn’t to raise children who expect everything to be handed to them. It’s to raise children who understand that they have the ability to work toward something meaningful and the confidence to continue when things become difficult.

WE ONCE UNDERSTOOD THE POWER OF A COMMUNITY

When I think about childhood, I remember a time when the community played a much more visible role in helping raise youngsters. Children knew their friends’ parents, and those parents knew the children who regularly visited their homes. There was a sense of familiarity and shared responsibility that extended beyond the immediate household.

You could visit a friend’s home after school, sit down, eat something, work on homework together, and enjoy yourself. The adults in the house were familiar with you, and your parents understood where you were. If you needed a ride home, somebody could help. If you had to wait for your parents to return from work, there was often a trusted adult nearby who could provide a safe place to stay.

There was a certain kind of neighborhood relationship that allowed children to experience community beyond the four walls of their own homes. They developed friendships, learned how to interact with different personalities, and saw how other families operated. Sometimes they even learned valuable lessons simply by observing how another household handled its responsibilities.

We need to find ways to restore that kind of involvement without pretending that every neighborhood or every household has the same circumstances. Trust and safety must always come first. But the idea of responsible adults taking an interest in the development of children should never become outdated.

And here’s something that I believe every adult can practice immediately. When you see a child behaving respectfully in public, acknowledge it. If you notice a youngster being polite, patient, considerate, or well-mannered, find a respectful way to recognize that behavior. If their parent is present, let that parent know that you appreciate the way the child is conducting themselves.

You would be surprised how meaningful that small interaction can become. Imagine a child hearing a stranger tell their mother or father that they’ve done a wonderful job raising a respectful youngster. That child hears the recognition, and they begin to understand that their behavior reflects something bigger than themselves. They represent their household, their upbringing, and the values being taught at home.

That kind of acknowledgment can reinforce positive behavior without requiring money, elaborate programs, or expensive gifts. Sometimes the community can contribute simply by paying attention to what children are doing right instead of constantly waiting to criticize what they’re doing wrong.

THE CONSEQUENCES OF RAISING CHILDREN WITHOUT EMOTIONAL NOURISHMENT

One of the saddest things about watching adults struggle with relationships is realizing that some people never received the emotional instruction necessary to understand how healthy relationships function. They may know how to argue, demand, compete, manipulate, or defend themselves, but they may have difficulty expressing affection, showing appreciation, accepting correction, or communicating their feelings.

A person who never experienced consistent emotional support may struggle to recognize it when somebody offers it. They may interpret kindness as weakness, patience as an opportunity to take advantage, and healthy boundaries as rejection. These patterns aren’t universal, and they don’t have to become permanent, but they can create serious challenges in adult relationships.

This is why we need to take the emotional development of children seriously. Teach them how to communicate. Teach them how to apologize. Teach them how to recognize when they’re wrong. Teach them how to respect other people’s boundaries and how to establish their own. Teach them that affection isn’t something to be ashamed of and that vulnerability doesn’t automatically make somebody weak.

We also need to teach children about responsibility when it comes to relationships and sexuality. These conversations should be age-appropriate, honest, and grounded in respect. Young people need to understand that intimacy can have serious emotional and physical consequences, including the possibility of pregnancy and lifelong responsibilities. Pleasure should never be presented as though it exists without consequences.

Before making decisions that could permanently change their lives, young people need the ability to think beyond the immediate moment. They need to consider whether they’re prepared for the responsibilities that may follow. They need to understand that creating another human being isn’t a casual event that can simply be reversed when the excitement disappears.

And adults have to lead by example. If we’re going to tell young people to take relationships seriously, we should examine the relationship decisions we’re demonstrating in front of them. We cannot constantly create unstable environments and then wonder why the children growing up inside those environments struggle to understand commitment, trust, and responsibility.

This isn’t about judging every family that has experienced separation, hardship, or an unexpected change in circumstances. Many people are doing their absolute best under difficult conditions. It’s about recognizing that children deserve stability, honesty, and responsible adults who understand that their choices affect more than themselves.

STOP CONFUSING THE APPEARANCE OF WEALTH WITH REAL WEALTH

Now, let’s get into something that I believe has become a serious distraction in modern society. We’ve developed a culture where people are constantly encouraged to display what they have, what they’re wearing, where they’re traveling, what they’re driving, and how much money they supposedly possess. Everybody seems to be performing some version of success, but very few people stop to ask whether the foundation underneath that performance is actually strong.

There’s a difference between looking successful and developing the qualities that make success sustainable. You can have the appearance of wealth without having financial stability. You can have expensive possessions without having meaningful relationships. You can have thousands of people watching your social media activity while having nobody you can call when life becomes difficult.

Real wealth involves much more than the things you can display. It’s the ability to think independently, make informed decisions, maintain your health, develop useful skills, manage your resources, and build relationships based on mutual respect. It’s having enough confidence in yourself that you don’t need to spend every waking moment proving something to people who may not even care about you.

And this is precisely what we need to teach our children. Don’t make them believe that their value is determined by the brand on their clothing or the price of their sneakers. Don’t allow them to grow up thinking that being respected means having more possessions than the next person. Teach them to become capable human beings who can create value rather than simply consume what other people produce.

We should also examine the businesses and economic activities that thrive in our communities. There’s nothing inherently wrong with beauty businesses, clothing stores, entertainment establishments, or any legitimate enterprise that provides a service people want. But if we can support businesses that satisfy our immediate desires, we should also find ways to support educational programs, tutoring services, libraries, youth development centers, and initiatives that prepare children for the future.

Our spending habits reveal our priorities. If we constantly say that our communities lack resources, we should also ask how we can organize the resources we already have. A few dollars contributed by many people can become something substantial when the effort is organized around a worthwhile objective.

And we don’t have to wait for some wealthy individual, government agency, or outside organization to come rescue us before we begin. We can start with what we have, identify responsible people, establish transparent rules, and build something that grows over time. The most important resource isn’t always money. Sometimes it’s the willingness to cooperate.

YOUR ROOTS DETERMINE MUCH ABOUT THE FRUIT YOU PRODUCE

I’ve always believed that when you look at a tree, the fruit tells you something about what’s happening within it, but the roots tell you even more. You may admire the appearance of the branches, the size of the leaves, and the fruit hanging from them, but the foundation underneath the ground determines much of what the tree can sustain.

Human beings aren’t trees, and our development is far more complex, but the comparison is worth considering. What values were planted inside you when you were young? What examples did you observe? What kind of affection did you receive? Were you encouraged to think independently, or were you simply expected to obey without understanding? Were your accomplishments recognized, or did you grow up feeling that nothing you did was ever good enough?

Those early experiences can influence how we respond to the world as adults. Some people develop healthy confidence and a willingness to learn. Others struggle with envy, constant comparison, or the feeling that somebody else’s success somehow diminishes their own. Some become so focused on winning imaginary competitions that they forget to build a life they actually enjoy.

Have you ever found yourself in a competition that you never agreed to enter? Somebody is constantly measuring their possessions, appearance, income, or accomplishments against yours, while you’re simply concentrating on your own responsibilities. They may be racing to defeat you in a contest that exists entirely in their imagination.

That’s what happens when people allow insecurity to become the foundation of their identity. They can spend so much time watching what others are doing that they never develop the ability to appreciate their own progress. Instead of building themselves, they become consumed with comparing themselves.

And this is why we have to teach children to develop internal confidence. They should understand that somebody else’s success isn’t an attack on their own potential. They should be able to celebrate another person’s achievements without feeling threatened. They should learn that life isn’t one continuous competition where everybody must be defeated before they can feel good about themselves.

We also have to encourage adults to examine their own emotional foundations. Sometimes the most important work we can do is look inward and recognize where our habits, fears, and insecurities originated. Healing isn’t always easy, but refusing to examine ourselves can cause us to repeat the same destructive patterns with the next generation.

WE CANNOT AFFORD TO ABANDON THE NEXT GENERATION

The world is moving quickly, and the forces competing for the attention of our children are becoming increasingly sophisticated. There are entire industries built around keeping people distracted, entertained, emotionally stimulated, and constantly consuming. Children are growing up in an environment where their attention is treated like a commodity, and we have to recognize what that means for their development.

We cannot simply complain about the direction of society while refusing to become more involved in the lives of our children. We cannot blame schools for everything, blame technology for everything, blame the government for everything, or blame some outside influence for everything while ignoring what happens inside our own homes.

Yes, there are systemic problems. Yes, some communities have fewer resources and face serious obstacles. Yes, families can experience financial hardship, instability, and circumstances beyond their control. Recognizing personal responsibility doesn’t mean pretending those challenges don’t exist. It means refusing to allow those challenges to become an excuse for abandoning the work that still needs to be done.

We have to become more intentional about what we teach, what we demonstrate, and what we encourage. We need to make education important again, not simply because a good report card looks impressive, but because learning gives a person more tools to navigate the world. Reading, writing, communication, critical thinking, mathematics, financial literacy, and practical problem-solving are not just school subjects. They’re skills that can influence the quality of someone’s entire life.

And let’s not forget the importance of emotional intelligence. A child who understands how to communicate, manage disappointment, recognize manipulation, and respect other people has developed something valuable that cannot be measured by a GPA alone. Academic achievement matters, but so does character. We need both.

I also believe that we need to become more supportive of the parents who are genuinely trying to do the right thing. Parenting can be difficult, especially when people are balancing employment, financial responsibilities, and personal challenges. A little encouragement from another adult can go a long way. Instead of constantly waiting to criticize somebody’s parenting, why not acknowledge the positive things they’re doing and offer constructive support when appropriate?

We should be building a culture where responsible parenting is respected, where education is celebrated, and where children are surrounded by adults who want to see them succeed. That’s how a community begins to change its direction. Not through slogans, performances, or temporary excitement, but through consistent action.

MY CLOSING THOUGHTS…

When I look back at that simple video of a young student being rewarded for his academic achievement, I see something much bigger than a child receiving merchandise and a cash gift. I see what can happen when somebody takes the time to recognize potential and encourage a young mind to reach higher. That moment may have lasted only a few minutes, but the memory of being acknowledged for doing something worthwhile could remain with that child for many years. We have no idea how many doors that kind of encouragement can help open because sometimes the smallest experiences become the building blocks of a much larger future.

I also think about my own upbringing and the people who helped me understand the value of effort, discipline, and personal responsibility. Their encouragement didn’t mean that life would always be easy or that I would never encounter disappointment. It meant that I had a foundation to return to when things became difficult. That’s what we should want for every child. We should want them to enter adulthood with something stronger than a collection of possessions. We should want them to carry principles, confidence, self-respect, and the ability to keep learning long after their formal education has ended.

And to the parents, grandparents, guardians, teachers, business owners, and responsible adults reading this, I want you to understand that you don’t have to be wealthy to make a difference in a child’s life. You don’t need a huge organization or a building with your name on it. You can begin by paying attention, providing encouragement, helping with homework, sharing knowledge, recognizing improvement, and demonstrating the kind of behavior you want children to adopt. You can become part of a community effort that makes education and personal development something worth celebrating. Every positive influence matters, especially when a child is surrounded by influences that may be working against their development.

But we also have to be honest with ourselves about the example we’re setting. If we want children to become disciplined, we must demonstrate discipline. If we want them to become financially responsible, we must examine our own financial habits. If we want them to develop healthy relationships, we must show them what respect and responsibility look like. We cannot expect the next generation to repair everything we refused to address within ourselves. The work begins with us, and sometimes that work requires admitting that we have things to improve before we can effectively teach somebody else.

So my message is simple, but it’s something I believe we need to take seriously: INVEST IN OUR CHILDREN! Invest in their minds, their education, their emotional development, their confidence, and their ability to think independently. Stop measuring their worth by what they wear, what they own, or how impressive they appear to other people. Give them something that will remain valuable long after the latest fashion, electronic device, or social media trend has disappeared. Give them a foundation. Give them encouragement. Give them examples worth remembering. Because one day those children will become the adults responsible for shaping the world around us. And when that day arrives, we should be able to look back and know that we didn’t simply watch them grow up. WE HELPED THEM BECOME SOMETHING WORTHWHILE.

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ARE YOU RAISING A CHILD OR JUST FEEDING ONE?