As human beings, we all have a fundamental desire to be seen, recognized, and validated. This is especially true for children, who are in the process of developing their sense of self and their understanding of the world around them. One of the most important things that we can do as adults is to create an environment where children feel safe, supported, and valued. One way to do this is to embrace the idea that there are no bad kids, only kids who may be struggling with difficult emotions or behaviors.

It's important to remember that children are not born with a sense of right and wrong. They learn these concepts through experience, observation, and the guidance of the adults in their lives. When a child exhibits challenging behavior, it's often a sign that they are struggling with some aspect of their environment or their emotional well-being. It's up to us as adults to help them identify and address the root cause of their behavior, rather than simply labeling them as "bad" and punishing them.

When we approach children with the assumption that they are inherently good, we create a positive and supportive environment where they feel valued and respected. This, in turn, can help to build their self-esteem and confidence. It also creates an atmosphere of trust, where children feel safe to explore their emotions and express their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment.

Of course, this doesn't mean that we should ignore problematic behavior or refuse to set boundaries. Children need structure and guidance to learn how to navigate the world around them. However, we can approach discipline in a way that is focused on teaching and guiding, rather than punishment and shaming. By setting clear expectations and boundaries, and then working with children to help them understand and meet those expectations, we can create a positive and supportive environment that fosters growth and development.

At the end of the day, children want to be seen, recognized, and validated as being intrinsically good. By embracing this idea and approaching children with empathy, understanding, and a focus on positive growth and development, we can help them become the best version of themselves. As adults, it's our responsibility to create a world where all children can thrive and reach their full potential.