When Did We Forget What We Were Taught as Children?

Growing up, I was taught that the sky was the limit.

I was told to dream big.

To follow my heart.

To believe I could become anything.

But just as importantly, I was taught how to treat people.

With kindness.

With respect.

Without judgment.

I was taught that the color of someone’s skin didn’t define them.

That differences weren’t something to fear, but something to learn from.

And I believed that.

I still do.

But lately… I find myself reflecting on those lessons and wondering:

What happened to them?

The Lessons That Shaped Us

So many of us grew up watching Mister Rogers' Neighborhood and listening to Fred Rogers remind us of something simple but profound:

That every person matters.

That feelings are valid.

That even in hard times, we lead with love.

He didn’t shy away from difficult topics.

He talked to children about fear, tragedy, and confusion… in a way that made them feel safe and seen. Heard and protected.

And I can’t help but wonder..

What would he say if he saw what is happening to children today?

A Hard Reality to Face

We live in a country that has long called itself a “melting pot.”

A place where people come seeking safety, opportunity, and a better life.

And yes - there are laws.

And yes - there are systems that should be followed.

But somewhere along the way, something shifted.

Because what we are seeing now… isn’t just policy.

It’s people, being treated without humanity.

Children, separated from their families.

Detained.

Confused.

Scared.

And I keep coming back to one question:

How is this okay?

Criminals committing harm should be held accountable.

But children?

Families?

People trying to survive?

That is not the same thing.

And we know it.

When Reality Conflicts With What We Were Taught

This is where the reflection becomes painful.

Because the values we were raised on-

Kindness.

Compassion.

Equality.

They don’t seem to match what we are witnessing.

It creates a disconnect.

A quiet, unsettling question:

Was everything we were taught wrong…or are we simply not living up to it?

Choosing Humanity Anyway

I don’t believe those lessons were wrong.

I believe we’ve drifted from them.

And that means we have a choice.

To look away…or to speak up.

To harden…o r to stay compassionate.

To follow the noise…or to return to what we know is right.

I’m grateful for voices like Ms. Rachel - and so many others - who are using their platforms to remind us of something simple:

Humanity should never be optional.

The Question We Have to Answer

If we teach children to be kind…

to include others…

to stand up for what is right…

Then we have to ask ourselves:

Are we modeling that for them?

Because they are watching.

They are learning.

And one day, they will reflect on us.

Final Reflection

The sky is still the limit.

Kindness still matters.

And the lessons we were taught still hold truth-

but only if we choose to live them.

So maybe the question isn’t:

What is happening to the world?

Maybe it’s:

What are we going to do about it?

💜 What You Can Do

If this reflection stirred something in you… don’t let it end here.

💜 Speak up – Use your voice to advocate for children and families who cannot speak for themselves.

💜 Stay informed – Seek out credible sources and continue learning about what is happening.

💜 Lead with compassion – In conversations, in actions, and in how you show up in the world.

💜 Support organizations – Donate, volunteer, or share resources from groups working to protect vulnerable populations.

💜 Be a safe person – For a child, for a family, for someone who needs to feel seen and protected.

Change doesn’t happen in silence.

It happens when ordinary people choose humanity, again and again.

💜 Stay Connected & Take Action

💜 Learn more about The Jane Project

💜 Read more reflections and advocacy posts at shannonbrownauthor.com

💜 Get your copy of Because of Jane and help start conversations that matter

💜 Share this post to help raise awareness

👉 What are the values you were taught - and do you still see them reflected in the world today? Drop your thoughts in the comments.