If you’ve ever been told to “just be nice” while advocating for your child, I see you. If you’ve had to smile through the sting of being dismissed, I’ve been there too.
But here’s what I’ve learned:
Kindness and silence are not the same thing.
You can be kind and clear. Loving doesn’t have to mean passive.
In fact, real kindness often demands that we speak up, especially when no one else will.
So what does that look like in practice?
✅ Kindness is saying:
- “I know you mean well, but what you just said isn’t helpful.”
- “We’re not asking for a favor. These are legal accommodations.”
- “This isn’t about parenting preferences, it’s about access and safety.”
💡 Kindness is also:
- Sending an email instead of a confrontational phone call, but still saying exactly what needs to be said.
- Walking away from a conversation when your child’s dignity is at stake.
- Advocating for inclusion in the classroom, even if it makes other people uncomfortable.
We are so often conditioned to think kindness must be gentle and agreeable, especially as women and especially as moms. But for families like ours, kindness sometimes comes with a spine.
You can speak calmly and still make waves.
You can advocate with compassion and still be loud.
And if it makes someone else uncomfortable? That’s not your burden to carry.
You don’t have to burn bridges. But you do get to build boundaries.
So this week, I hope you remember:
Being mighty doesn’t always look sweet.
Sometimes, it looks like choosing your child’s safety over someone else’s comfort, and doing it without apology.
