Parenting is one of the most beautiful and challenging roles we take on in life. As parents, we often find ourselves navigating a wide range of behaviours from our children – some that make us proud and others that can be frustrating. Despite these differences in behaviour, one truth remains clear: all children, no matter how they act, deserve to be loved equally.
Here’s why. Children, like adults, are not perfect. They have good days and bad days, and their behavior is often influenced by factors we can’t always control—such as hunger, tiredness, or emotions they don’t yet know how to express.
Just as we hope to be loved unconditionally by those around us, our children need to feel that same love from us. When we love our children equally, regardless of their behavior, we show them that love is not something they have to earn. This unconditional love creates a safe space for them to be themselves—whether they’re acting out, being kind, or just having a rough day.
A child’s behavior is temporary and often changes as they grow. What might seem like stubbornness or defiance is often a part of their development. A toddler throwing a tantrum is learning how to navigate big emotions.
A teenager withdrawing from family may be figuring out their independence. These behaviors don’t define who they are as a person, nor should they affect the way we love them. When we love our children equally, regardless of their actions, we send a powerful message: “You are loved .