What if one 10-minute conversation — sparked by a story — could change the trajectory of a child’s life? We built Values & Virtues to find out.
In 2019, Isaac Durst noticed something troubling — not just in his own home, but in homes across America. Children and parents were physically present but emotionally absent. Screens had quietly stolen the dinner table, the car ride, the bedtime ritual.
Today, the average child gets under 4 minutes of meaningful conversation with a parent each day. That’s not enough to build character, confidence, or a strong relationship.
“I didn’t set out to build a platform. I set out to help one parent have one better conversation with their child.”
— Isaac Durst, Founder & Executive Director
Meet the founder
“Most parents know what matters. They just don’t know how to start the conversation.”
Isaac is an educator, writer, and parent based in Berkeley, CA. After more than a decade of working with children and families, he saw how disconnected even the best-intentioned parents had become.
He created Values & Virtues to make it simple, meaningful, and joyful for families to reconnect — through guided storytelling and virtue-based discussion. Today the platform serves 1,500+ families and provides 400+ free book guides organized around 12 core virtues.
Organized by 12 virtues that build character — and connection.
Browse all virtues →Our home feels different. We still have hard days, but now we have tools — and moments that matter.
Start tonight with a free story guide. Or support the mission so more families can do the same.