Raising Little Activists: A Guide for Parents

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When you hear the word “activist,” it might not spark joy, right? It can sound serious, even a bit dull. But let’s look past the term. For me, raising my children to be activists means teaching them to express themselves and champion causes that matter. Activists know their voices matter, they pursue their passions, and they seek to make the world a better place—beyond just their own interests.

It’s alarming how many kids can have their voices stifled before they even realize they have something to say. From bullying to societal norms, I want my kids to understand they have a voice and the power to use it. Every child has an innate will; we just need to guide them to channel it for good.

Think about the most entertaining part of having toddlers: those epic tantrums! If there were medals for dramatic displays, our little ones would take the gold. These outbursts are a glimpse into their budding ability to assert themselves. With guidance, we can help our children learn to use that willfulness positively—to advocate for themselves, set boundaries, and stand up for others.

Here are some practical tips to inspire your kids to think like activists:

1. Empower Choices: Give your kids opportunities to make real decisions and support them in doing so.
2. Encourage Expression: Discuss their feelings and thoughts, helping them see how these can influence their choices.
3. Communication Skills: Teach them to use the phone to reach out to friends or ask questions. (Trust me, I remember dreading this as a kid, but practice makes perfect!)
4. Problem-Solving: When they face challenges at school, ask how they might tackle the situation. Role-play potential solutions together, while reminding them it’s okay to seek help.
5. Seek Helpers: Like Mr. Rogers said, there are always helpers in times of trouble. Teach them to identify supportive people around them.
6. Nurture Interests: If your child is obsessed with dinosaurs, load up on books and take them to relevant exhibits. Engaging with passions can uncover their strengths.
7. Face Sadness: Don’t shy away from discussing difficult topics, like homelessness. Use these moments to shift the focus to “What can we do to improve this?”
8. Family Volunteering: Get involved with community organizations together. Whether it’s feeding the homeless or making art for nursing homes, let your kids lead the way with their ideas.
9. Philanthropy: Teach them the value of using money for good. Encourage them to save a portion of their allowance for charitable donations.
10. Balance is Key: Not everything has to revolve around activism, but many moments can be transformed into meaningful lessons. Model for your kids that taking any action, however small, is better than doing nothing.

Confidence is vital for children to express their voices. I let my kids practice speaking up in safe settings, fully aware they might use those skills against me in their teenage years. But it’s worth it; understanding their voices helps them grow into empathetic, communicative adults.

Of course, I’ll also teach them that speaking up can sometimes come with risks. But when they align their voices with their values, they can stand proud in their choices.

For more insights on this topic, check out this other blog post about empowering your family. It’s all about nurturing voices and choices!

Summary:

Empowering children to be activists involves teaching them to express themselves, make choices, and engage with their communities. By encouraging problem-solving, nurturing interests, and fostering empathy, parents can help their kids grow into confident individuals who advocate for themselves and others.