Mara Schiavocampo pens a heartfelt letter to her mother about raising her biracial daughter

Embracing Our Shared Humanity

In her moving letter, Mara touches on the profound questions many parents grapple with when raising children in a complex world. How do we nurture their self-worth? How do we have difficult but necessary conversations about identity and belonging?

While there are no easy answers, Mara’s words remind us that above all, our shared humanity matters more than categories. Labels cannot capture the beauty of each unique soul.

Cultivating Compassion and Wisdom

With thoughtful guidance, we can encourage the next generation to lead with empathy and see each person as a fellow human worthy of dignity. Mara hopes her daughter will face life’s challenges with courage, compassion and moral conviction.

By instilling values of understanding, respect and justice, we allow all children to unfold their vast potential for good.

FAQ

What inspired Mara to write this letter?

As a mother raising a biracial daughter, Mara grappled with wanting to protect her while also preparing her for the complexities of the real world. Writing this heartfelt letter to her own mother was a way to process her thoughts and hopes.

What does Mara most want for her daughter?

Above all, Mara wants her daughter to grow up with a strong sense of self-worth and purpose. She wants her to face adversity with courage, respond to injustice with moral conviction, and lead a life filled with meaning, passion and joy.

What role do identity labels play?

While categories can provide a sense of belonging, Mara notes that no label can fully capture the essence of a human being. She wants her daughter to define herself based on her character, values and contributions to the world.

How can parents guide children through complex societal issues?

With open and thoughtful communication, parents can help children unpack thorny topics related to identity, discrimination and injustice. Mara aims to create a safe space where her daughter feels empowered to voice her feelings and ask difficult questions.

What gives Mara hope?

Despite the complexities of our world, Mara finds hope in humanity’s capacity for change when inspired by moral conviction, courageous leadership, and grassroots action. She draws inspiration from those who came before us and made the world more just.