What kids will we leave for the world?

Twenty years ago, when I was still single, I heard this question for the first time, watching an advertising campaign for Natura Mamãe&Bebê brand. At that time, to marry and become a mom was out of my plans but this question is echoing in my mind and heart, even more intense every day as my girls grow up.

Although most of us don´t remember, as Arnaldo Antunes, a famous Brazilian composer says "all of us had a childhood". Kids don´t come with a manual, However, to raise a new human being has been an ever-challenging mission as time goes by.

The world was easier and a safer place when we were kids. And even simpler and local, in our parents´ childhood. Families were big, the models were solid, education was objective, pragmatic, guiltless and without frills. Having kids was not a choice. It was part of life´s natural cycle: to be born, be raised, grow up, work, marry, have kids, raise them, have grandkids and leave. Raising kids was a mother´s priority. Women would follow a patriarchal model, focusing on housework and serving the family.

Nowadays, in this 21st century, to have a child, with intention and consciousness, is a life choice that requires a huge and consistent amount of emotional investment, presence and example. And the understanding that our kids are not an extension of ourselves. They have their own lives and haven´t come to this world to make our dreams come true. However, to invest in our kids´ childhood is to believe and invest in humankind.

Are we focusing enough on the beginning of our kids´ story? Is our speech aligned to our attitudes? Do we do what we state? Do we promote equality at home, at work and at our community? Do we share our housework and family responsibilities? Do we face the cultural sexism, racism, homophobia, prejudices and unconscious bias we were all raised under?

Are we raising honest, inclusive and fair human beings?

Let´s all be the example our kids admire and want to follow. Only this way we will leave better kids for the world.

#walkthetalk #beexample

Neivia Justa is a Brazilian woman and mother of two teenager girls, Communications and Diversity & Inclusion senior executive, Jornalist, Speaker, Teacher, Mentor and Founder of  #JustaCausa, #ondeestãoasmulheres and #aquiestãoasmulheres social media movements. Linkedin Top Voice 2018, Troféu Mulher Imprensa and Prêmio Aberje 2017 winner, she works to make the world a better place for the next generations.