Building trust at home

Three moms reveal the everyday rituals that make children feel secure

- JANE KINGSU-CHENG

It's not always easy to create an environment where children feel safe to be themselves, but small, intentional acts can make all the difference.

In this forum, three moms-Kit Malvar Llamas, Libni Fortuna-Amatong, and Krys S. Policarpio-open up about the simple ways they're raising their children with trust and emotional safety.

From turning mealtimes into moments of reconnection to practicing playful check-ins, long hugs, and even heartfelt apologies, their stories show that what truly matters is creating safe spaces where kids feel heard, loved, and supported.

Connect before correct

I'll be honest-many of my old parenting lines came from fear. I'd say, "It's okay, they're just jealous of you," or "Don't eat too much, you'll gain weight." Other times, I'd blurt out, "Can't you just be grateful?" or "You'll get over it, stop being dramatic."

I thought I was protecting or toughening up my kids, but what they really heard was: your feelings and body aren't safe here.