One of the lessons I’ve tried to teach my kids is the importance of earning trust from others.
That keeping promises makes it more likely to be believed when making more promises. How a reputation of reliability opens up opportunities and privileges, and affords you second chances.
I’ve tried hard to be an example of what I preach, and I’d like to think I’ve been successful, as far as that goes.
But there’s also the kind of trust that allows one person to be vulnerable in front of someone else. To share problems and fears that would otherwise be private. A safe haven for expressing feelings out loud, without fear of being judged.
I’m not sure I’ve fully earned this version of trust with my kids, so I’m working on it. I want them to know that I’m on their side.
And I think they want to feel that way too.