In a world where generational cycles of parenting are being re-examined, a heartwarming and empowering trend is emerging on social media—and this time, kids are leading the way.
Mental health activist, speaker, and coach Anna Muller recently shared a now-viral reel on Instagram that captures this movement in action. The reel, which has racked up more than 7.6 million views, shows Muller initiating commonly heard but emotionally complex parenting phrases like “I love you, but…” Her young son, however, finishes each sentence not with reprimands or shame, but with unconditional kindness and wisdom beyond his years.
For example:
- Muller says: “I love you, but…”
- Her son: “How can there ever be a but at the end of that sentence?”
- She says: “Why don’t you just…”
- He replies: “Be you.”
- She says: “I brought you into this world…”
- He finishes: “To give you a great life.”
- She says: “You need to…”
- He says: “Be friends.”
- She says: “Girls should…”
- She says: “Boys should be…”
- He replies again: “Be nice.”
The video quickly struck a chord with parents across platforms, with many commenting on the emotional resonance of hearing a child reframe what might have once been considered “normal” parenting language into something rooted in love, self-worth, and respect.
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Some of the reactions:
- “Girls should be nice” and “Boys should be nice” — Hell YES” — @tryingtocompete_._
- “To have a great life” — you’re raising a loved kid 😍” — @scotlandlily8707
- “All the kids not even knowing how to complete ‘I love you but’ just completely warms my heart.” — @meenukshi
- “Someone once told me, ‘We’re the generation of cursebreakers,’ and I think about it constantly” — @thisisbensilver
And it’s not just Muller. TikToker @elysedschroeder posted a similar video asking her daughter to finish common disciplining sentences—earning more than 5.6 million views. The responses from both children echo the same powerful message: kids are internalizing kindness, self-trust, and emotional safety.
The bigger picture: Modern parents are consciously rewriting the script. Instead of repeating harmful or outdated narratives, they are empowering their children to speak in affirmations, not fear.
Related: Chrissy Teigen’s sweet affirmation ritual with baby Esti is a parenting lesson in love
Why this trend matters
For parents of young children—especially moms navigating the emotional landscape of early childhood—this trend serves as a hopeful reminder: parenting doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful. It’s not about getting it right all the time—it’s about being aware, open, and willing to grow alongside our children.
By replacing toxic phrases with loving language, parents are doing more than correcting behavior—they’re fostering deep connection, emotional resilience, and lasting self-worth.
This movement reflects what experts have been saying for years: children thrive not just when they’re disciplined, but when they feel seen, valued, and loved unconditionally.
As Anna Muller reminds us, even small moments can be revolutionary.
Because when we change the way we speak to our children, we change the way they see themselves—and the world around them.