“The other day, I sat behind a group of moms at my daughter’s volleyball game. They didn’t know who I was.
As Victoria played, they whispered and criticized every little thing she did wrong. “With that height she should be doing better.” “Why would the coach leave her in?”
They talked like they knew her. Like they had any idea.
I sat there fuming—torn between crying, saying something, or just walking away. I chose to move seats. But since then, I can’t stop thinking about what I wish I’d said:
Do you know she’s only been on a team for SIX months?
Do you know she’s BLIND in one eye—and has ZERO depth perception to even hit the ball?
Do you know she cried for DAYS thinking she’d never be good enough?
Do you know she spent 8 hours a week this summer practicing—just to earn a shot at this team?
Do you know she’s doing so FREAKING amazing?
And do you know she’s MY daughter?
Here’s the thing: words matter. Your daughters are listening. When you tear down someone else’s kid, you’re teaching them that it’s okay to do the same.
So before you open your mouth—ask yourself:
Do you really know their story? Have you walked in their shoes?
Choose kindness.
Choose love.
And for the love of all things good in the world—teach your kids to build others UP, not tear them down.” 💜
*** Leanna Glazier Hunt ***