This is a far ranging, passionate discussion that you are sure to enjoy. We explore topics like free range kids, stranger danger, overprotecting. How to empathize and empower not only our kids but also adults. How to become stronger in the face of the storm. This is a discussion we all need right now.
Show notes:
I believe in humans.
I’m rooting for all of us to make it.
I’ve come to appreciate that despite our innumerable differences, we all want to be treated with dignity and kindness. We all yearn to know that we matter. We all want to be seen, accepted, and loved simply as we are.
I’m interested in what gets in the way.
Sometimes the obstacle begins within: our ego, fear, and shame can eat at us and make it difficult for us to be kind even to ourselves let alone to others. Each of us is also implicitly biased in favor of and against groups of humans based upon our upbringing, lived experiences, and the ideas to which we have been exposed. And over the decades and centuries of our modern existence, we’ve built societal mores, rules, policies, structures, and systems that preference some while demeaning or excluding others.
There is so much work to do, at all levels, to build a human community in which we all matter. I want to do my small part.
As someone who has the privilege of writing and publishing books, I’ve decided that the twin practices endemic in American publishing of describing characteristics of race, class, sexual orientation, and other identities only when deemed “the other,” and of assuming that all readers belong to a particular demographic group are no longer tolerable. I’m using my newest book Your Turn: How to Be an Adult to demonstrate that we can, and must, write inclusive books. You can read about how I’ve attempted to do that, here.
It’s up to you and me to treat all humans with dignity and kindness and to inspire others to do the same. We can do this. It’s well past time.
Website:
https://www.julielythcotthaims.com/
Books:
"How to Raise and Adult: Break Free from the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Kid for Success"
