We often say we want to center children, to design from their curiosity, to follow their lead. But when we really try, something resists. What makes it so hard?
In this piece, we look inward. We explore how our pace, our expertise, and our belief in structure quietly get in the way of designing from deep observation. Not because we don’t care, but because the cost of letting go is real. What might it take to slow down, to loosen our grip, and to see children as already whole; not futures to shape, but people to meet?
Have you ever caught yourself seeing more of your fear than the child in front of you?
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