You Are Your Child’s Favorite Person Until 12...BUT

The First 12 Years Set the Tone

If you’re a parent, there’s something critical to understand you are your child’s favorite person until 12. This isn’t just some "come to Jesus" observation. It’s a fact. Until around this age, your child looks at you with a lens of admiration, trust, and reliance. They see you as the hero, the figure they want to emulate, and the person who holds the answers. They believe you can do no wrong.

But here’s the truth: the truth comes out after 12. The lens shifts. They begin to see who you truly are—the real you, not the idealized version. And this is where the hard work starts. You’ve got a critical window—those first 12 years—to instill moral clarity, integrity, and the values that will guide them throughout their lives.

During this period, the tone you set in your home will directly influence their approach to life. Do you act with integrity when no one is watching? Are you consistent in your actions and words? Do you model the behavior you expect from them? The first 12 years are foundational. These years are your opportunity to set the standard for truth, honesty, and accountability in your child’s life. Your influence during these years cannot be underestimated. They will carry those lessons, for better or worse, well into adulthood.

So as a high performer, you must be intentional in these years. Show up with purpose, clarity, and consistency. The future of your child’s beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors are shaped by the example you set. These early years set the tone for the kind of adult they will become—and the world they’ll eventually create.

From the Founder, Brian Mazza 5/12