To get a child's trust - you may know or not - is a very hard

"To get a child's trust - you may know or not - is a very hard thing to do. They're so used to not believing adults - because adults tell tales and lies all the time." These words, spoken by the beloved author Maurice Sendak, carry a deep and resonant truth about the fragile nature of trust, particularly in the relationship between children and adults. Trust, as Sendak so astutely points out, is not easily won, especially when it comes to the young. The child's heart, open and innocent, is a delicate vessel that easily fills with wonder but is also quick to become guarded and skeptical. It is not that children are inherently distrustful, but that they are keenly attuned to the inconsistencies of the world around them, particularly when adults—those who are supposed to be the pillars of wisdom and security—fail them with falsehoods and deceptions.

In the ancient world, trust was viewed as sacred, not just between rulers and their people, but between parents and their children. The Greeks, in particular, understood the weight of this bond. The philosopher Aristotle spoke of the importance of a child's moral education, emphasizing that trust in the parental figure was the foundation of all virtue. A child’s early experiences with their parents would shape their understanding of the world and their future relationships. If adults were seen as unreliable, or worse, deceitful, the trust that children offered would be a fleeting thing, quickly broken by the weight of betrayal. In this sense, Sendak's words speak to an ancient understanding that trust is not just a social contract—it is a moral and emotional foundation.

The trust between parent and child is so deeply rooted in the very fabric of human nature. Consider the story of Hercules, the great hero of Greek mythology, whose journey was shaped by his relationship with his mother, Alcmene. She trusted him to undertake the impossible labors that would make him a legend, but even in his strength, Hercules was often betrayed by the gods, and his trust was tested. In his many trials, Hercules learned that even those he loved and trusted could fail him. This theme of trust, of testing and breaking bonds, is universal in mythology and literature, reflecting the struggles that children face as they grow and learn who to trust in an often unpredictable world.

In more recent times, we can look at the example of Nelson Mandela, whose life was marked by the deep, unwavering trust he had in justice and freedom despite the many lies and betrayals he faced throughout his journey. For decades, Mandela endured the falsehoods of apartheid’s justifications, the lies told by those in power to maintain their grip on the oppressed. His ability to remain trustworthy and just, even after years of betrayal and hardship, shows us the power of authenticity. In this sense, Mandela, like the wise figures of old, restored the trust of a nation and a people who had been lied to for generations. His example teaches us that the ability to regain trust, once broken, is a process—one that requires great patience, humility, and honesty.

For a child, the loss of trust in adults can be a deeply painful thing. Sendak speaks of a world where adults often tell tales and lies, sometimes to protect, sometimes to control, but always in ways that children, with their sharp instincts, can sense and see through. The power of trust between adults and children must be earned, and it is only through honesty and consistency that this bond can be nurtured. Adults, as guides and mentors, are tasked with the great responsibility of upholding the values of truth, integrity, and transparency so that children may learn the worth of these values in the world around them.

In our own lives, the lesson is clear: trust must be earned through our actions. The words we speak, the promises we make, and the way we act in times of challenge all contribute to whether or not we are worthy of the trust others place in us, particularly children. Trust cannot be manipulated or coerced; it must be built on a foundation of honesty and respect. Just as Sendak reminds us, children are keen observers of the world around them, and they will not easily trust those who have repeatedly deceived them, even if their motives were meant to protect or shield them. Therefore, we must strive to be worthy of that trust, not by perfect actions, but by authenticity and a willingness to be open and honest.

As we nurture the younger generations, let us remember the sacredness of trust in our relationships, particularly with the young. Let us be careful with our words and actions, for a child’s heart is as tender as it is resilient. We must also teach them the value of trust, showing them through our own example how to build relationships that are grounded in truth, respect, and care. Like the great leaders of the past, let us honor the responsibility we have in fostering a world where trust is upheld, and where the bond between generations is one of mutual understanding and respect.

May we take Maurice Sendak's words to heart, recognizing that the foundation of a child's understanding of the world is laid by the trust they place in us. And may we, as adults, strive to be worthy of this trust, knowing that it is one of the greatest gifts we can give to the future. The task before us is monumental, but it begins with truth and the courage to be honest in all things, knowing that this is the only way we can earn and protect the trust of the young.