It has been awhile since I posted my last article, primarily as our family has been struggling with some major medical issues. I am delighted to say that these challenges are behind us. With Spring in the air and Mother’s Day around the corner, I’m inspired by renewed hope and gratitude to pick up where I left off.

Mother’s Day is special for a multitude of reasons, not the least of which is the devotion of a woman to her family. The foundation of that devotion lies in the strong values and beliefs a mother instills in her children so that they can navigate intelligently and safely in an increasingly complex world.

During my sabbatical, the “#Me Too” movement dominated the news cycle. At long last, mothers, sisters and daughters stood in unison against sexual assault and harassment. Joining their voices through social media platforms to inform and share what they endured in the workplace and college campuses, these brave women made sure that such behavior would never again be swept under the proverbial rug.

These women exposed themselves to ridicule and condemnation, but were embraced by a massive number of women (and men) who ensured that this movement would not be ignored. #MeToo educates and empowers our daughters to have the confidence to firmly reject an inappropriate sexual approach from any individual, no matter how unequal the power differential may be.

Even though we live in a supposedly equal society, it is never too soon to have this discussion with your daughters and sons. Educating both genders on the appropriateness of respect and equal treatment ensures that you raise daughters who can stand up for themselves and sons who champion equality.

Happy Mother’s Day