5 days ago
Mom Has Important Message for Daughter Starting Kindergarten, It Goes Viral
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A conversation between a Michigan mom and her daughter before starting kindergarten is going viral.
In a reel on Instagram, Tara Cochran (@thecochranfam) sits opposite her 5-year-old, who answers questions about differences she notices in people—from skin tones to clothing—and whether those are things to tease others about.
"It's really cool that there are so many different skin tones out there," Tara explained to her daughter. "It is never OK to make fun of somebody for their skin color; their height. Some people's mommies and daddies really, really struggle with money, and that is not something to ever make fun of somebody for."
From left: Tara Cochran talks as she sits across from her 5-year-old daughter on the floor.
From left: Tara Cochran talks as she sits across from her 5-year-old daughter on the floor.
@thecochranfam
Cochran told her daughter that, if she ever notices a classmate with shoes or pants that have holes, she should tell her parents or teacher—so they can find a way to help.
The 29-year-old told Newsweek that the talk was prompted by her daughter's milestone transition from preschool to elementary school.
"You're suddenly around kids of varying ages, abilities and backgrounds," Cochran said. "My goal was to help educate and guide her as she enters this new, more-independent chapter of her life. Kids can be mean, and it often is taught behavior. My goal as her mom is to teach her to always choose kindness."
Cochran approached the talk with honesty rather than oversimplification. "Way too often people talk to kids like they're incapable of understanding," she said. "Something I always try to do with both of my children is speak to them like they're real people—no baby talk, real conversations, real explanations to their questions; honest communication, but at an age-appropriate level."
The proudest moment came when her daughter said she wouldn't mock classmates in worn clothing but, instead, would tell her parents so they could help. "As a mother that tells me I'm doing something right in multiple ways," Cochran said.
Her reel has gone viral on Instagram, amassing over 2.1 million views. Hundreds of users commented on the clip, including fellow parents and teachers, praising Cochran for her delivery.
"If only every parent took these few minutes every so often," one user wrote.
"I love how she brought up the fact you could help another kiddo who maybe cant afford something new. She's gonna be such a sweet girl as she grows up," another added.
A third user even called Cochran "mother of the year."
Cochran's message to other parents is clear: "Do it! And keep those conversations going throughout the year. This type of education has to start at home. Bullying is a learned behavior. The way your speak to and act toward others your children will see and copy. In a world where you can be anything, be kind."
