We learn through consistency. In the long-run lifestyle has more influence than periodic scolding, which is why he keeps a clean room, does chores, and brushes his teeth every night. No single conversation can influence development or fix behavior because learning is not about point-source exposure.

Awareness shows us that parenting isn’t directly under our control, but with patience and insight we see that he receives guidance by the lives we choose. The conversations are for us, really; he’ll learn more from our values.