The Day My Youngest Asked Me, “Mom, Am I Trash?”

When my daughter whispered those words, my heart shattered.
I thought we’d been pouring enough love and truth into her…but in that moment, it wasn’t enough.
She believed the lie some other kid had spoken.

That was the day we realized something hard:
We can’t protect our kids from every cruel word.
We can’t control the whispers on the playground.
But what we can do is make sure the truth sinks deeper than the lies.
One cruel word can echo louder than a hundred “I love you’s.
We pour love into our kids every day.
But one cruel comment—at school, online, or from a friend—can drown it out in an instant.
The hardest part wasn’t hearing the words. It was when she looked at me and asked, “Are you sure, Mom? Because that’s what he said.”
That’s when we knew: it’s not enough to just tell our kids they’re loved. They need to see it. Feel it. Believe it. Every single day.
Because the world will always have something to say— but so will we. And our words can be louder.
Words stick.
The ones blurted out in the hallway. The ones shouted across the playground. The ones whispered by a so-called friend.
And sometimes, those words cut so deep our kids start to wonder if they might be true.
That’s why we have to make sure the words they hear at home sink deeper. Words that heal.
If cruel words can stick, then so can truth.
That’s why we created the What Do You See in Me? Toolkit
It’s a simple, powerful resource to fill our kids with confidence and
character, until the truth drowns out every lie.

What Do You See in Me? Template Keepsake
Includes 40 descriptive character trait cards with kid-friendly definitions—perfect for sparking conversations about who they are and what makes them truly special.

125 Note Cards with Prompts to Customize
Tuck them into lunchboxes, backpacks, or under pillows—or tape them to a mirror—as gentle reminders that your child is valued, noticed, and loved.

40 Character Themed Coloring Pages
Each page includes a simple question to spark conversation while they color—making it easy to talk about who they are as they do something they love.
Choose the perfect fit for your family.
Girl’s Version
Designed to speak directly to her heart, so that she feels seen, valued, and strong.
Boy’s Version
Tailored for him, to help him feel noticed, brave, and deeply known.
Bundle Girl’s & Boy’s
Perfect if you have both! Get the full set to encourage every child in your family and save.
What does a
professional say?
“What Do You See in Me’ is a simple yet powerful tool that helps families recognize and celebrate the unique qualities in each other. By shifting the focus from accomplishments to core attributes, it empowers children and adults alike to feel truly seen, valued, and inspired to grow.”
Blake C. Feagans MA, LPC-MHSP
Hey y’all!
We’re Gary and Kasey—parents of four. Two are in college, and two are still in elementary school, which means we’re living in both worlds at once.
Over the years, we’ve realized how much it matters for kids to feel seen, encouraged, and reminded of who they’re becoming—not just what they do.
That’s why we put together the What Do You See in Me? Toolkit. It’s a simple way to help families speak life into their kids, spark real conversations, and build character that lasts.
At the end of the day, we’re just parents like you—wanting to be more intentional with our words and give our kids something solid to carry with them as they grow.
Frequently Asked Questions
You have questions…and WE have answers!!


