As my husband drove our grandson Jackson to pre-school, Jackson said, “PaPa, I know why they call fall, fall!” “Why Jackson?” my husband asked. Jackson replied, “Because the leaves are falling.” During dinner that evening, Jackson’s simple answer created great conversation. You may recall that when we were in school, we learned that the two reasons seasons occur are the tilt of a planet’s axis and its orbit around the sun. Do you remember that phrase? I did not remember, so I chose to take my 4-year-old grandson’s explanation – they call it fall because the leaves are falling.

Have you considered how many explanations we accept because we hear a statement and our senses agree with the statement? In many of our Nurturing Parents classes I hear statements that I question. Sometimes I wonder if I am questioning the statement or is my inquiry concerning the person making the statement? You see, when we are not in relationships with people we tend to question not just what they say but who they are. Becoming cognizant of our hidden biases gives us a different reality and increases our ability to see another’s point of view.

Did I buy into my grandson’s explanation of leaves falling, or did my love for him and the brilliance he showed in thinking through the process at 4 years old lead me to gravitate to his reason of why fall is referred to as fall? Whatever the reason, I am remembering that conversation today. As we strive to Strengthen Families, Change Lives and Transform Memphis, I must be aware of my hidden biases and how they may impact my ability to create, build and sustain meaningful relationships with others.

On September 27, 2021, we completed our 30^th Nurturing Parents graduating class in which 95% of the participants were men.  I give thanks to the educators because I know they heard and validated class participants while creating a space where trust was built and lives were changed.

The video below is an example of our efforts to support individuals who desire to transform their lives through education and advocacy:

Read our full October e-newsletter here.

–Carol A. Jackson