Don ‘t read too much

Yesterday, I found myself in a familiar situation—sharing thoughts on current political events with family members, only to be met with disinterest and mild annoyance. "It wasn’t necessarily the topic itself that seemed to cause discomfort, but I couldn’t help but pin it to my being a woman that tweaked the response, as it often does." Someone remarked that perhaps I shouldn’t read so much about politics because it was making me sad. The words stung—not just because they were dismissive but because they carried an underlying assumption: that a woman’s knowledge should be limited for the sake of her happiness. It made me think about how often women, especially mothers, are expected to raise well-rounded, open-minded children while being discouraged from engaging with the world themselves.

We are told to instill values of critical thinking, respect, and awareness in our kids, yet at the same time, we are expected to stay away from conversations that challenge the status quo. But how can I raise a son who respects and listens to women if he only sees his father discussing politics and finance while I stick to “lighthearted” topics? How can I teach him to value women’s voices if mine is dismissed even within my own family? Knowledge is not a burden; it is a tool that broadens perspectives and reduces fear and judgment. If we want the next generation to be more informed, more empathetic, and more equal, then mothers must have the right to learn, speak, and be heard. Because raising children well isn’t just about teaching them kindness—it’s about showing them, through our own actions, that every voice deserves a place at the table.