10/17/2026
❤️ Are We Really Listening?
We’ve talked a lot this week about bullying and what young people can do to make a difference. But today, let’s talk about us as adults.
Sometimes our children are dealing with things we know nothing about.
They may be afraid to tell us because they don’t want to make things worse. They may worry that no one will believe them. Or they may simply not know how to explain what they’re feeling.
As parents, grandparents, teachers, mentors, and community members, we have a responsibility to pay attention.
Ask questions. Listen without immediately judging or dismissing their feelings.
If a young person tells you they’re being bullied, take it seriously. Thank them for trusting you, find out what’s happening, and work with the appropriate school staff or other trusted adults to address it.
And remember, our children are watching how we treat people, too.
They hear how we talk about others. They see how we handle disagreements. They learn from our example.
We can’t expect young people to treat others with respect if we aren’t willing to show them what that looks like.
Let’s make sure the young people in our lives know they have someone who will listen, believe their concerns, and help them find a way forward.
💬 What’s one thing adults can do to make it easier for young people to talk about difficult situations?
