"Yada, yada, yada," was made famous by Elaine from Seinfeld.
Did you know the Hebrew root of the word “yada” is to know?
“Yada, yada, yada” essentially means, “I know, I know, I know.“
That phrase can come across as dismissive, but yada translates to a deep, relational, connected knowing. When we talk about helping children feel known, we’re tapping into something foundational: the deep human desire to be understood for who we truly are.
Over the past few months, we’ve explored what it means for children to feel seen, heard, and valued. Simple words but powerful pillars in the Circle of Connection. Being known is what ties it all together. It’s the difference between surface and deep. A child who feels known knows they don’t have to perform to be accepted. They can bring their full selves—messy emotions, quirks, pain, needs—and still belong.
Knowing a child means noticing what comforts them when they’re anxious, remembering what makes them laugh, and holding space when they don’t have words. Intentional knowing is a journey that builds psychological or “felt” safety over time.
If a child feels seen but not known, they may question whether that attention is real. If they feel heard but not known, they may distrust their own voice or stop sharing. If they feel valued but not known, they might still feel alone.
Being known says: You matter. I get you. I’m with you.
And that, more than anything, helps strengthen connection – the ties that bind – us together.
