How Adult Behavior Shapes Children’s Futures

August 9, 2026August 9, 2026 SuzanneLeave a comment

It seems we spend a lot of time discussing the inherent rights of … well … just about everyone. But what about the rights of future generations. What about children? What about their rights…

Leaving a Blueprint: Be that person

Should children not have good examples to emulate. Short answer… Yes. But then comes the point of contention, Who bears responsibility? Naturally, most everyone defaults to parents, what they do or don’t do, but is it only a parent’s responsibility?

Maybe We Should Ask Ourselves…

If children learn by example, which we know they do… are we confident that the majority of adults openly demonstrate honest, responsible, and respectful behaviors in the presence of children?

Most importantly, are they the reasonable-minded adults that all our societies need to help nurture and shape future generations?

But First… “Look in the mirror!”

So… think about it. And… let’s be… ah… reasonable in our assessments. “Are my contributions good or, well… not so good?” Admittedly, it’s not an easy thing to ponder frankly upon.

Thankfully…

Many of us manage to set positive examples for today’s children.

Discussion on the important characteristics…

What is a RESPONSIBLE adult? How do you spot one?

First the definition. To be responsible means independently managing your life by taking accountability for your actions. It also means managing your finances and fulfilling your obligations.

With that in mind… Do we fall short?

Promise to do something but do not follow through; regularly late for appointments/events
Ignore safety rules; pedestrian walk signals, bike helmets, seatbelts, etc.
Distracted by devices when a child needs supervision/guidance
Overspending, disregarding financial restraints; borrowing money but delaying on paying back, impulse shopping without regard to household needs
Leave mess for someone else to clean; lying to avoid consequences/make excuses
Poor nutritional choices; excessive screen time; blaming someone else for shortcomings

What are the obvious traits of a RESPECTFUL adult?

Respectful means— accepting others for who they are. This holds true even if they are different from you. It also applies if you don’t agree with them. Respectful behavior demonstrates being polite/not interrupting others or causing disturbances.

With that in mind, do we…

Belittle, mock, or speak sarcastically as a means to hurt others
Speak in a condescending tone, sigh loudly, eye-rolling
Argue/shout/name-call/insult/cut in line
Refuse to listen/walk off in mid-conversation
Interrupt/talk over/act dismissive/use device while someone is talking
Gossip/speak poorly of others/post negative comments

How does a REASONABLE adult behave?

Defining reasonable as—having sound judgment, being fair and sensible, able to think, understand, and make decisions logically. Willing to be reasoned with/not prone to being foolish/unreasonable/defensive.

Evaluate whether or not we are able to be reasoned with…

Refuse to consider any other viewpoint; always needing to be right, regardless of facts
Making a scene in public when challenged/acting stubbornly
Slam door/throw things/make threats when confronted
Quick to retaliate/blame someone else/become physically aggressive
Silent treatment/refusing to have rational discussion
Choose to display mood swings/indulge in outbursts/cause tension or fear to escalate

Remember

A child may be watching. Fact: kids learn by the examples they see on a regular basis.

As responsible, respectful, and reasonable adults, let’s do the best we can to help future generations. It is within us to do so.

Improvement is only a decision away.

Thanks for the visit

Suzanne writes children’s fictional stories relating to health and making healthy choices.

Her characters are always learning how to better themselves even in the presence of unreasonableness (hehe).
Striving to be responsible and accountable is subtly woven into these character-driven health books. Find Suzanne’s author page on Amazon. (Granola Brea Health-nut series; Nevin Smart books; The Granola Experience)

Purchase one of Suzanne Rightley’s health-focused books for a child or children you know and care about. Positive examples come in many forms. These books may be the small contribution that helps you build the big picture for future generations.

Children's Health · Parenting · Sugar

Sugar: The Slow-Acting Poison Upon Children’s Health

February 6, 2026 SuzanneLeave a comment

Not hyperbole. Not anymore. The facts are clear. Proof is readily available. Any quick engine search will support the claim. SUGAR is detrimental for children’s well-being.

The following post was written November 9, 2023. The logic continues to ring true today. The advice is not startling but rather simply stated. It’s parental guidance that is now supported by the new US Dietary Guidelines.

Parents are now justified. They have reasonable proof to insist their children make better nutritional choices during their years of growth and development.

Getting Kids Off Sugar

Suzanne Rightley promotes children’s health via her health-motivated fictional books for kids ages 10-14. Find her books on Amazon today to support your efforts in securing a healthy future for your children.

Health and Wellness · Kids Books · Parenting

Kids Fiction Supports New Dietary Guidelines

January 7, 2026 SuzanneLeave a comment

YAY! For The New Dietary Guidelines

Health and Wellness

Why Your Health Deserves More Attention than Your Car

December 13, 2025 SuzanneLeave a comment

Many people seem to take care of their cars better than they take care of themselves.

While this may not be true for all people it certainly is true for many. And the most disheartening part is that these same people are oblivious to the extent of their neglect and ignorance.

For all you car owners out there… answer this: Is it wise to use the wrong engine oil? Would you “feed” your car diesel if the manual said to use regular gasoline?

You get the gist of where this is going, right?

That being the case… why would the human body deserve less attention? Why provide inaccurate care/shoddy maintenance for our very existence?

Yet that is exactly what happens when people load up on ultra-processed fake foods. They consume excessive amounts of sugar.

This consumption leads them down the path towards insulin resistance. It also triggers the metabolic diseases that follow.

They drink beverages that have zero value, fueling up on fructose laden detrimental liquids.

They consume more alcohol and added sugar then their own livers can handle.

They eat ultra-processed fast foods that even scavenger birds reject.

Ironically, these same people bring their cars in for regular tuneups and maintenance. They may park at a safe distance from other motorists to avoid dings and scratches. They regularly wash and wax their precious vehicles, often by hand because car washes might produce fine scratches over time. Furthermore, they’ll rust proof the undercarriage before they drive over salted winter roads.

Do they think this is excessive behavior?
Do they see themselves as odd or obsessive?

No!

But let a “health-nut” point out the harmful effects of seed oils and they’ll come unglued.

So…

Here’s the question…

Do you take care of your car or truck better than you take care of your nutritional and fitness needs? Be honest!

And…

Are you guiding your children (if you have children) towards making good healthy choices?

Surely the human body deserves to be treated with the same respect and dignity as cars and trucks. It should receive this minimal level of care… at the very least.

We don’t come with an owners’ manual…. therefore, many of us abuse the life within ourselves (you know… all those millions of cells and microbes) because of ignorance.

We didn’t know that seed oils were producing oxidative stress on our bodies. We were told they were “healthier” than saturated fats. We believed the trusted establishments… the experts. Now many of those experts are retracting their former instructions.
We didn’t have all the facts about diabetes (type 2). Visit the American Diabetes Association website and review its recently updated guidelines. They fall short of saying chronic insulin exposure is the primary cause… but they are acknowledging insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia as early contributors to disease progression.
We didn’t know that upwards of 70% of the “food stuffs” in typical grocery stores are processed or ultra-processed. But now… thanks to the internet we have access to the facts. It’s easy to do the research. A bit harder to make dietary changes (think of habits to break).

This ‘progress’ is encouraging. Kind of reminds us of that famous 1969 quote…

“That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” Neil Armstrong

In other words… health knowledge is power. Knowledge will win out. It brings change.

So, let’s think positively as we press forward towards health and wellness.

While we didn’t have all the facts we should realize that we are responsible for our own health. And the great news… it’s never too late. Eating REAL food, getting moderate amount of exercise, and adequate sleep is within our reach.

Oh… no worries, no one says we need to neglect our modes of transportation. Go ahead… wash and wax to your heart’s content. In fact… it’s exercise. YAY You!

Suzanne writes children’s fiction stories that encourage kids to make healthy choices. Visit her author page for a complete list of her books.

Thanks for the visit.