Mom teaches daughter why you should never mock kids with worn-out clothes — and it’s a parenting masterclass

Before Tara Cochran's (@thecochranfam on Instagram) daughter could start her kindergarten, she sat her down to explain the importance of treating everyone with love and respect, regardless of their monetary status, race, or physical appearance. The profound conversation between the mom and her daughter is a masterclass in parenting that we all need to hear. The video has over 450K views since it was posted on July 24, 2025. 

"We are going to have a very important talk today, okay?" the mom said, asking her daughter to listen carefully. "You are going to be starting kindergarten soon, and I want to make sure we're on the same page about some things," Cochran added. The mom asked what differences she usually notices in other people. To this, her daughter mentioned people who are tanned or black, without realizing the social context.

Cochran explained to her that being different isn't necessarily abnormal; in fact, she gently conveyed to her daughter that mocking someone because of their skin tone is just not acceptable. Moving on, Cochran's daughter mentioned people who have holes in their pockets — her innocent understanding of poverty. The mother immediately understood what she was referring to and responded, "Some people's mommies and daddies really struggle with money, and that is not something to ever make fun of somebody for."

Moreover, Cochran asked her child to ot mock children in her class if she sees them wearing the same clothes repeatedly. "I'd love it if you told me that there was somebody in your class who was wearing the same shoes that had holes in them, or pants that had holes in them, because then I can ask your teacher if there's a way we can help them," she added.

Cochran's girl, a truly empathetic child, then wondered if she could talk about bullies to her parents and teachers, and her mama instantly said yes, boosting her confidence. "Please take 5 minutes to remind your children that different isn’t bad; talk to them about how not all kids are going home to happy, loving homes & experience financial security," Cochran wrote. Open conversations with kids can help parents raise more emotionally strong and empathetic children.

When taught about diversity from a young age, kids grow up with respect for everyone and strongly face the bullies who might want to destroy their self-esteem. However, sadly, most parents talk to their children only after they have had a bad experience with bullies. In fact, as per a study in the National Library of Medicine, while 62% of those kids who were bullied confessed their parents talked to them about their experiences, only 24% of children who admitted to bullying others reported similar discussions.

Now, this shows parents are more likely to address victimization than to confront their own child's aggressive behavior. Meanwhile, reacting to Cochran's video, @kristinafarvour commented, "This needs to be [taught] in every household. You’re such a good momma and breaking cycles! Keep being you!"

Echoing the sentiments, someone, @eclaire443, commented, "So sweet and 100% necessary for children of all ages. We are all human. Regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status, everyone deserves to be treated with kindness and respect." Another user who goes by @wondertreepractice on Instagram wrote, "This was a pleasure to watch, Mama. You are raising an empathic kid who is ready to stand up for others and be the friend everyone needs. I am a pediatric psychologist."

@meprags pointed out, "The social conditioning starts at a very early age without us realizing it; such a beautiful and thoughtful conversation where the mother is building the right foundation… Just a talk is what every kid needs to make this world a celebration of humanity."

You can follow Tara Cochran (@thecochranfam) on Instagram for parenting content.