Would you build a house on unsteady ground? Probably not. So why overlook a child’s strengths when guiding them?

Every child possesses an inherent set of strengths. And when we lean into them rather than focusing on weaknesses, we empower—laying a solid foundation for kids to thrive!

Below are thirteen quotes illustrating the power of building on children’s strengths.

Quotes Illustrating Building on Strengths

Quote 1: If you want your child to improve, focus on their strengths more than their weaknesses. – @ybgr_cares

Focusing on strengths isn’t about ignoring challenges—it’s about helping kids use what’s already working as a springboard. When a child experiences success in one area, they gain what psychologists call a “mastery experience.” These successes build self-efficacy, the belief that “I can handle this,” which research shows is key to motivation, resilience, and future effort.

Kids who feel capable are more likely to try new things, persevere through setbacks, and tackle areas they struggle with because they have proof their effort matters.

Quote 2: There needs to be a lot more emphasis on what a child CAN do instead of what they cannot. – Temple Grandin

When we point out what kids can do, we help them build a sense of competence that drives learning. Studies on motivation show that children are more willing to take on difficult tasks when they feel capable in at least one area—it fuels persistence, curiosity, and a willingness to take risks.

It’s not about empty praise or inflating self-esteem. It’s about reflecting back real strengths and effort, so kids learn to trust their abilities and stretch beyond their comfort zone.

Research rooted in Self-Determination Theory shows that when kids feel competent, they’re more intrinsically motivated and more likely to persevere through challenges.

Quote 3: The best way to teach our kids is by building them up. Not tearing them down. – @renewedhopeparenting

Research on positive reinforcement shows that kids learn better when they feel safe and valued. Encouragement reinforces desired behaviors and creates conditions where kids stay open to learning.

Harsh criticism or punishment may stop behavior temporarily, but it often triggers shame or fear—shutting down growth and effort.

Quote 4: What you say about your child is what they think about themselves. You are the first person to give them a hint about their identity. Your words are powerful—be selective. – @ybgr_cares

Children form their sense of self partly through the repeated feedback they hear from trusted adults. When we highlight strengths, we help them build an inner voice that says, “I am capable,” “I am kind,” or “I can try.” Over time, this shapes identity and self-esteem, influencing how they approach challenges.

Quote 5: Speak to people as if all you see is their potential. Not everyone gets someone like that in their life. Be that someone. – Unknown

The Pygmalion effect demonstrates that children often rise or fall to meet the expectations adults have of them. When we communicate belief in a child’s potential, we help them envision a future they might not dare consider otherwise—and that belief can motivate them to strive toward it.

Quote 6: When we believe in our kids, they start to believe in themselves. – @atparentingsurvival

Children build confidence through the belief and encouragement of trusted adults. Our belief acts as a kind of scaffolding—support that helps kids take steps they might not risk alone. Over time, that borrowed confidence helps them build their own self-efficacy.

Quote 7: To inspire people, don’t show them your superpowers. Show them theirs. – Alexander Den Heijer

Want to inspire a child? Help them see what they’re capable of. Confidence grows when kids experience their own strengths in motion.

It’s not about praise—it’s about giving them meaningful chances to contribute, succeed, and feel the impact of their effort. That’s what drives lasting motivation and a belief in their ability to handle what comes next.

Quote 8: Every kid has strengths. Sometimes they’re obvious, like the kid who is a good athlete. But some strengths can be harder to notice—like the kid who is a kind person who accepts others. Both deserve equal praise. – Inspired by Living Full

Character development studies show that praising traits like kindness, fairness, or perseverance is just as important as praising achievement. Both help kids build self-worth and guide how they contribute to the world.

Quote 9: The teachers who we remember from childhood are the ones who saw us for who we really were and inspired us toward who we could become. – Sarah Boyd

Kids internalize the reflections they hear from trusted adults. When we name strengths—kindness, creativity, courage—it helps shape how they see themselves.

Over time, these early reflections form the foundation of identity, confidence, and motivation to develop into their full potential.

Quote 10: Never miss an opportunity to make a kid feel better about themselves. When they feel good, their whole demeanor changes. They learn better, behave better, and act better toward others. – Christine Derengowski

Self-esteem research shows that when children feel valued, they’re more likely to engage positively with learning, peers, and adults.

Genuine encouragement reduces anxiety and promotes healthy risk-taking—socially and academically. Feeling seen helps kids approach the world with confidence, curiosity, and resilience instead of fear or avoidance.

Quote 11: Look for the good things in your child today, and you’ll find that they’re even better tomorrow. Good things grow when they’re brought out into the light. – L.R. Knost

Reinforcement theory shows that the behaviors we notice and praise are more likely to grow. Kids tend to repeat what earns positive attention from the adults they care about — attention shapes behavior.

Quote 12: Inclusion is when the strengths of every child and young person are recognized, encouraged, and fostered. – Inspired by Beyond Blue

Research on belonging shows that when kids feel their unique strengths are valued, they’re more motivated to participate, learn, and connect. Inclusion isn’t about treating kids the same—it’s about helping each contribute in ways that build confidence and connection.

Quote 13: Knowing that we can be loved exactly as we are gives us all the best opportunity to grow into the healthiest of people. – Inspired by Mr. Rogers

Attachment theory suggests that unconditional acceptance fosters the emotional security children need to explore, try, and grow. When kids feel loved as they are, they’re more willing to take healthy risks and bounce back from setbacks.

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The statistics surrounding men’s mental health in the United States are sobering. Did you know that around 75% of all suicide victims in the U.S. are men? Or that over 6 million men experience depression each year—many going undiagnosed?

Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among males, a heartbreaking reality that too often goes unspoken.

The Silent Epidemic: Why Men’s Mental Health Struggles Are Overlooked

Mental health challenges among men are sometimes called a silent epidemic because they’re rarely discussed openly. Society tends to sweep men’s emotional struggles under the rug, driven by stereotypes about masculinity and strength. From an early age, boys are taught, directly or indirectly, that showing emotion is a sign of weakness, that they should “tough it out” no matter what they’re feeling inside.

But men aren’t machines. They’re human—with real emotions, struggles, and limits. Yet stigma and unspoken expectations often prevent them from expressing vulnerability or seeking help.

Even public figures are speaking out to help change that narrative.

“We need to feel like we can speak about it. The only way we can beat the stigma is by talking about it.” — Prince Harry

“Anyone can suffer from mental health issues. No matter how rich you are or how famous or powerful.” — Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson

Shattering Stigma, One Conversation at a Time

Men’s mental health struggles are common. Men, like women, grapple with trauma, loss, anxiety, depression, and grief. But societal expectations often block them from reaching out—and that silence can be deadly.

Imagine what might change if we let go of frameworks that equate manhood with emotional suppression.

“Depression is something that just happens. You don’t have to be ashamed of it.” — Michael Phelps

“There’s no shame in talking about your feelings and asking for help.” — Ryan Reynolds

Breaking down stigma could save lives—encouraging men to seek help, healing, and hope.

Whether you’re a man working through life’s challenges, a parent raising a boy, a partner, a sibling, or a friend, we all have a role to play in creating space for these critical conversations. The time is now. Together, we can change the narrative and help future generations grow up knowing it’s okay to ask for help.

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What is trauma? Look it up in the dictionary, and you’ll find it defined as “a deeply distressing or disturbing experience.” And you know what? It’s painfully common.

According to the Sidran Institute of Traumatic Stress Education and Advocacy, about 70% of people will experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime.

June is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month—a time to shine a light on trauma, its lasting effects, and the importance of healing. Here are thirteen powerful quotes to inspire strength, resilience, and hope.

Quotes on Trauma and Healing

Quote 1: To live in the body of a survivor is to never be able to leave the scene of the crime. I cannot ignore the fact that I live here. – Blythe Baird

Quote 2: Someone once asked me, “Why do you always insist on taking the hard road?” I replied, “Why do you assume I see two roads?” – Unknown

Quote 3: Childhood trauma can lead to an adulthood spent in survival mode, afraid to plant roots, to plan for the future, to trust, and to let joy in. It’s a blessing to shift from surviving to thriving. It’s not simple, but there is more than survival. – Unknown

Quote 4: There are wounds that never show on the body that are deeper and more hurtful than anything that bleeds. – Laurell K. Hamilton

Quote 5: Trauma in a person, decontextualized over time, looks like personality. Trauma in a family, decontextualized over time, looks like family traits. Trauma in a people, decontextualized over time, looks like culture. – Resmaa Menakem

Quote 6: An unhealed person can find offense in pretty much anything someone does. A healed person understands that the actions of others have nothing to do with them. Each day you get to decide which one you will be. – Unknown

Quote 7: Heal, so you don’t have to give a sarcastic tone to uplifting messages. Heal, so you never have to make anyone else the object of your own frustration. Heal, so when someone tells you they love you, you may allow yourself to believe them. – Banff Wellness Retreat

Quote 8: If you continue to carry bricks from your past, you will end up building the same house. – Unknown

Quote 9: Your trauma is not your fault, but healing is your responsibility. – Unknown

Quote 10: As every therapist will tell you, healing involves discomfort. But so is refusing to heal. And over time, refusing to heal is always more painful. – Resmaa Menakem

Quote 11: Trauma creates change you don’t choose. Healing is about creating change you do choose. – Michelle Rosenthal

Quote 12: Now, every time I witness a strong person, I want to know: What darkness did you conquer in your story? Mountains don’t rise without earthquakes. – Katherine Mackenett

Quote 13: Perhaps the butterfly is proof that you can go through a great deal of darkness yet become something beautiful. – Unknown

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Did you know June is PTSD Awareness Month? It’s a time to shed light on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) — a serious mental health condition that can affect people of all ages and backgrounds.

What Is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder develops after exposure to highly stressful or traumatic events. This may include violence, abuse, accidents, natural disasters, or combat. It affects roughly 8 million Americans annually, including children, caregivers, and adults in our communities.

Check out the video below from Vietnam veteran Ron Whitcomb, where he shares his powerful story of navigating life with PTSD after returning from the war in the late 1960s.

PTSD Symptoms

PTSD symptoms can vary but often fall into these key categories:

Intrusive Memories

Intrusive memories can look like:

• Recurring, unwanted, distressing memories
• Flashbacks (reliving the traumatic event)
• Nightmares about the trauma
• Emotional or physical distress when reminded of the event

Avoidance

Avoidance can manifest as:

• Avoiding thoughts, feelings, or conversations about trauma
• Steering clear of places, people, or activities that bring back memories of trauma

Negative Changes in Mood and Thinking

Negative changes in mood and thinking can look like:

• Negative beliefs about self, others, or the world
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Memory gaps about trauma
• Feeling detached or estranged from loved ones
• Loss of interest in once-enjoyed activities
• Emotional numbness

Changes in Physical and Emotional Reactions

Changes in physical and emotional reactions can manifest as:

• Being easily startled or feeling on edge
• Self-destructive behaviors (e.g., substance misuse, reckless driving)
• Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
• Irritability, angry outbursts, or aggressive behavior
• Feelings of guilt or shame

PTSD in Children

For children under age 6, symptoms may also include:

• Re-enacting the trauma during play
• Frightening dreams

What Causes PTSD?

PTSD can result from any event that feels life-threatening or overwhelming. Common causes include:

• Combat exposure
• Physical or sexual assault
• Serious accidents
• Sudden loss of a loved one
• Childhood abuse or neglect

Treatment and Support

There is hope. PTSD treatment often includes therapy, medication, and support groups. Early intervention can make a big difference in healing and recovery.

Want to Learn More?

Click here for more information about PTSD causes, treatments, and how it affects children.

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Emotional healing starts with feeling.

We can’t heal what we don’t allow ourselves to feel. The emotions we bury don’t disappear; they build up, quietly impacting our health, relationships, and sense of peace. Left unaddressed, they can become a heavy weight that we pass down through our parenting—rippling through future generations.

Below are fifteen quotes on generational patterns, trauma, and the journey to emotional healing.

Quotes Exploring the Path to Emotional Healing

Quote 1: That which is left unresolved from our childhood will land on the lap of our romantic partnerships + our parenting. – Inspired by Dr. Erika Velez

What remains unsettled within us finds its way into our parenting and relationships. Through self-awareness and compassion, we can break free from the patterns that no longer serve us. By nurturing our emotional well-being, we pave the way for a brighter, more connected future.

Quote 2: When children have big feelings, and we use toys, treats, or activities to distract them from what’s upsetting, we show them how to escape uncomfortable feelings rather than how to cope and move through them. – @aparentingpath

When children experience big emotions, it can be tempting to resort to toys, treats, or activities as a quick fix to help them feel better. But when we choose this path, we unintentionally teach them to evade rather than confront their discomfort.

Instead, embrace the opportunity to teach kids how to sit with and process their emotions. By holding space, validating feelings, and gently guiding children through challenging moments, we equip them with the tools to cope, grow, and thrive.

Quote 3: Addiction begins with the hope that something “out there” can instantly fill the emptiness inside. – Jean Kilbourne

Addiction is often born from a pattern of seeking external comforts to escape internal discomfort. When we distract kids from their feelings, we unintentionally teach them to avoid or suppress their emotions rather than develop healthy coping mechanisms to navigate through them. 

Early patterns of seeking instant relief set the stage for addiction as we learn to seek external sources to fill our inner void. We must teach kids how to recognize, express, and process their emotions, providing them with the tools to cope, heal, and build resilience in facing life’s challenges.

Quote 4: If we never let children go through the full wave of emotions when the emotion hits, there won’t be the assurance that it will pass. That is scary. – Krysten Taprell

Emotions are like waves, rising and falling in intensity. We must allow kids to experience the entire spectrum of the waters.

If we shield them from the waves, they may not grasp the temporary nature of emotions—which, for a child, can be scary. But when we courageously guide them through the storm, we assure them that feelings pass, bringing strength and comfort.

Quote 5: Numbing is a very human defense mechanism. It is a disconnect to protect ourselves from what has been emotionally and relationally too vulnerable, overwhelming, hurtful, or unsafe. – Inspired by Lelia Schott

Numbing acts as a disconnect, offering temporary respite from the intensity of our emotions—but while momentarily comforting, it prevents healing.

We must allow ourselves to experience emotions, embracing our discomfort with courage and compassion. By facing our vulnerabilities head-on, we create space for healing and lay the path to resilience.

Quote 6: Research on emotional suppression shows that when emotions are pushed aside or ignored, they get stronger. Psychologists call this amplification. – Inspired by Susan David

We have to feel it to heal it. By embracing our emotions, we open the door to self-regulation—cultivating greater self-awareness, healthier responses to others, and a more balanced journey.

Quote 7: Yes, your emotions are valid, but that is not permission to react to those emotions in any way you feel like it. We are all connected, and words and actions are impactful, so use them responsibly. – Inspired by Dr. Caroline Leaf

Yes, our emotions are valid, and it’s important to honor and acknowledge them. But it’s equally essential to recognize that our emotions don’t permit us to react without considering the impact on others. 

Our words and actions hold power. Even in the face of intense emotions, we have the capacity to respond thoughtfully. We can choose words that heal rather than harm—actions that uplift rather than tear down.

Quote 8: A lot of our explosive emotional reactions aren’t actually a response to the present moment. They’re a build-up of all the times we were in a similar dynamic and did not stand up for ourselves, use our voices, or express our emotions. – @haileypaigemagee

Our emotional reactions often trace back to unresolved echoes of our past, reverberating through our present experiences. By acknowledging our feelings, we grant ourselves the space to understand their origins—unraveling the threads of past experiences that continue to weave into our present reactions.

As we cultivate a deeper understanding, we unlock the power of healthier responses to others, fostering empathy and compassion in our connections.

Quote 9: Never let your emotions overpower your intelligence. – Drake Taylor

Have you heard of the term “emotional hijacking?” It refers to a sudden and intense emotional response that bypasses our ability to process situations logically.

Our amygdala, the part of the brain responsible for processing emotions and triggering the fight-or-flight response, takes over the rational thinking processes of the prefrontal cortex, resulting in impulsive behaviors, exaggerated emotional reactions, and difficulty in making sound decisions.

It can occur in response to perceived threats, stressful events, or triggers of traumatic experiences, leading to outbursts of anger, fear, or sadness that may be disproportionate to a situation. 

Recognizing when emotional hijacking is taking place is essential to responding effectively. Techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, and taking a step back to assess can help us regain control over our emotions and allow for more thoughtful responses.

Quote 10: It’s not about managing your emotions. It’s about managing your reaction to your emotions. – Inspired by Yung Pueblo

Emotional intelligence is not just about controlling our emotions but leveraging them as a source of strength. More than managing our feelings, it’s empowering ourselves to manage our reactions to them effectively.

Quote 11: Identifying the pattern is awareness; choosing not to repeat the cycle is growth. – Billy Chapata

Growth starts when we consciously decide not to perpetuate old cycles—a journey that begins with self-awareness. By identifying patterns woven into our interactions and tuning into our emotions, we can understand ourselves and others more profoundly.

Once we start this trek, we’re better able to respond intentionally to those in our lives rather than simply reacting—a transformative step towards greater well-being and more harmonious relationships.

Quote 12: We cannot be more connected to others than we are to ourselves. – Brene Brown

True connection to others begins with cultivating a deep connection to ourselves. Through self-discovery, self-acceptance, and self-compassion, we create the foundation for meaningful and authentic relationships.

When we prioritize nurturing our own well-being, we unlock the capacity to understand and empathize with others on a more profound level. By tending to our own emotional landscape, we gain the tools to navigate the intricate terrain of human connection.

Quote 13: Our ability to tolerate anger, frustration, and behavior we don’t like is a skill we can strengthen by investigating the source of our discomfort. – Lori Petro

We can’t meet others more deeply than we’ve met ourselves.

By delving into the root causes of our discomfort, we open the door to strengthening our emotional resilience. As we gain insight into our triggers and patterns, we empower ourselves to respond with empathy and understanding to others.

Remember, our capacity to navigate anger, frustration, and behaviors that challenge us is a skill we can hone. Through self-reflection and curiosity, we expand our ability to tolerate + hold space for others, fostering healthier relationships.

Quote 14: Practicing how to turn toward ourselves with curious compassion when we are having a hard time is a big step towards softening our reactions. – Lelia Schott

In challenging moments when emotions are high and patience is low, we can respond instead of react.

By cultivating the ability to pause and tune into our emotions, we create space for understanding and acceptance. When we extend compassion to ourselves, we open the door to softer, more empathetic responses to others.

Quote 15: Look at yourself through the lens of compassion and understanding. Only then growth is possible. – Anna Aslanian, LMFT

Self-awareness is a powerful tool that allows us to evolve and thrive—both personally and professionally. By looking at ourselves through a lens of compassion, we open the door to endless opportunities for growth.

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