How do you balance being a strong and capable person with being kind and compassionate?

I've spent my life struggling with confidence and finding my voice, often avoiding confrontation. While I still hesitate at times, motherhood has shown me the importance of change. I want to be a strong, confident example for my children—standing up when it matters while remaining kind and compassionate. For example: If a family member keeps calling your child "too quiet, too shy" or complaining, "they don't say hi to me, or give me hugs." Would you agree and make your child be more "polite" or would you stand up for your child and say, "they just need time to trust you is all. He/she will hug you or say hi when they're ready".

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This happens to me all the time! I do both I agree and support. " Yes, it takes her about 3 days to warm up to someone new even grandma"

@Anna I'm glad I'm not the only one lol!! Yes, that's a great response 😊

As someone who is not just a mother but also use to be a preschool teacher for children that were 3-4 years old. I would most definitely not pressure my child to ignore his feelings to be more “polite” to make an adult comfortable over his own comfortability. I would tell the adult that they need to ask him permission for a hug. It’s his body and no one should tell him that he has to share it if it makes him uncomfortable. I would tell the adult that my child is able to do what he’s comfortable doing. And that’s that.

@Fel Aww, former teacher here too!! ☺️ Yes, it's so important. A lot of people don't realize, but the majority of sexual assaults happen by a family member or friend. That's why I don't care who you are. You're not touching my child if they don't want to be touched.

I feel this. I would encourage the adult to ask try asking for a hug or high five and remind them that when they are ready and comfortable they will open up. I would tell my Child that if they don’t want to give a hug, thats ok and ask if they would like to wave or say hi /bye instead.