EPISODE SUMMARY
I’ve been thinking about something that sounds simple but isn’t always easy—doing the right thing, especially when no one is watching. This is something that’s stayed with me for a long time, and I want you to understand why it matters so much to me.
I’m thankful for how I was raised. Your grandparents taught me to care about people, to speak up, and to not just look the other way. There have been moments in my life where it would have been easier to stay quiet, to ignore something, or to tell myself it wasn’t my problem—but that doesn’t make it right.
I think about times growing up, seeing people treated unfairly, and even now in my life. And I think about your Uncle Tim and the challenges he’s faced. Those experiences shape how you see the world and remind you that doing the right thing isn’t about what you get back—it’s about who you are.
I want you to remember that there will be moments where you feel that pull—where you know what’s right but it would be easier to stay quiet. That’s the moment that matters. Just choose to care, choose to step in, and choose to do what’s right—even when no one is watching.
SHOW NOTES
- A letter to all three kids
- Doing the right thing
- Speaking up for others
- Advocacy and character
- A message from Dad
Transcript
This is Mr. Funky Teacher. And this is Funky Letters to My Kids.
Today’s episode is called Doing the Right Thing (Even When No One Is Watching).
This one is for all three of you—Mya, Carter, and Gavin.
I want to talk to you about something that sounds simple…
But isn’t always easy.
Doing the right thing.
Especially when no one is watching.
I think about this a lot.
And I want to take a second to say something that I’m thankful for.
I’m thankful for how I was raised.
The way your grandparents taught me to care about people…
To speak up…
To not just look the other way.
That’s something I don’t take for granted.
Because there are a lot of moments in life where it would be easier to stay quiet…
To ignore something…
To tell yourself it’s not your problem.
And I’ve had those moments.
With students…
With people in my life…
Even growing up as a kid, seeing someone getting picked on or treated in a way that wasn’t right.
I’ll be honest…
Sometimes it would have been easier to just say nothing.
But that doesn’t make it right.
One thing that’s always stayed with me is this idea of advocating for people.
Especially people who can’t do anything for you in return.
People who might be facing challenges…
People who need someone to speak up for them.
Even your uncle—my brother, Uncle Tim.
Watching his journey…
The obstacles he’s faced as an individual with cerebral palsy…
That shapes you.
It makes you realize that doing the right thing isn’t about what you get back.
It’s about who you are.
There are going to be moments in your life when you’ll feel that pull.
You’ll know what’s right…
But you’ll also know it would be easier to not step in.
Easier to not say anything at all.
Easier to just go along.
And that’s the moment that matters.
That’s where your character shows.
Not when everything’s easy…
But when it’s not.
And I want to say this—
It’s not always comfortable.
Sometimes speaking up feels awkward.
Sometimes it feels risky.
Sometimes you wonder how people will react.
But I want you to remember this:
Doing the right thing doesn’t always feel easy…
But it always matters.
If someone’s being treated unfairly…
If someone’s being left out…
If something doesn’t sit right with you…
There’s a reason for that.
Pay attention to that.
Because your voice matters more than you think.
And you don’t have to be perfect with it.
You don’t have to say everything exactly right.
But choosing to step in…
Choosing to care…
Choosing to not look away…
That’s what defines you over time.
If there’s one thing I want you to take from this, it’s this:
Do the right thing.
Even when it’s not easy.
Even when it would be simpler to stay quiet.
Even when no one’s watching.
At the end of the day, this is what it comes down to:
Be who you are.
Treat people right.
Keep growing.
And remember—you can change the world by how you live every day.
Go make a difference.
I’m proud of you.
And I love you.
Dad.