In recent weeks, I’ve been inspired by the surge of social justice activism. People are raising their voices against governmental decisions that endanger countless lives. I’ve felt the fire within me to join in the fight, but let’s be honest—between Facebook debates and the chaos of parenting, it’s been tricky to get involved. My little ones are not a burden; they’re delightful distractions that keep me from marching in the streets. Gone are the days of donning my feminist gear for rallies after work; now I’m focused on providing love, stability, and snacks for my adorable kiddos. And with daycare costs skyrocketing, funding activism feels like a far-off dream. So, I’ve been brainstorming ways to engage my kids in activism, and here are a few fun ideas to share with my fellow parent warriors.
1. Reach Out to Your Representatives
Whether it’s via phone, email, tweet, or even a fun pizza delivery with a message tucked inside, make your voice heard! Your representatives are there to listen to their constituents, so don’t hesitate to get creative with how you express your views. Include your kids in the process—let them draw pictures or record silly videos sharing their thoughts. I once read about a mom who sent a pizza to her rep with her opinions on the receipt. I can already hear you thinking, “But my kid is bound to throw a tantrum the moment I try this!” Let them! It’s okay for your representatives to hear the real-life chaos of parenting. Just keep trying, when you can.
2. Join a Virtual March
One of the most innovative ideas I came across was when the Women’s March on Washington created a virtual march option for individuals with disabilities. This was a brilliant way to ensure everyone could participate. Encourage local marches to consider hosting virtual options for parents and others unable to attend in person. If a march comes together too quickly, see if they can stream it live on social media so you can still show your support from home.
3. Take Your Kids to Protests
This one can be a bit daunting, as safety is always a concern. But if a protest is well-organized and the police are involved, it can be a peaceful experience. I’ve found most events I’ve attended to be safe and well-planned. Just be sure to have an exit strategy if things start to feel unsafe. Remember, when protests go awry, it often stems from heavy police presence, not poor planning. Be prepared, but don’t shy away from showing your kids the importance of civic engagement.
4. Connect with Other Parents
Find fellow activist parents in your community, even if it’s just to share the struggles of parenting. Discuss your hopes and dreams for the future of your children and how you can work together. Building a supportive activist village is essential; we’ll need each other in the coming years.
5. Engage in Conversations with Your Kids
Talk to your little ones about empathy, inclusion, and respecting bodily autonomy. Teach them the correct anatomical terms and help them understand that their bodies are theirs alone. Read books about friendship and kindness, validating their feelings while encouraging them to appreciate the differences in others. The more you instill these values now, the more likely they are to become the next generation of advocates. A fantastic resource for finding relevant books is A Mighty Girl, where you can discover great literature on social justice for kids of all ages.
6. Prioritize Self-Care
Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup. It’s crucial to take care of yourself to engage effectively in activism. Some days will be better than others—on the good days, push forward; on tougher days, it’s perfectly okay to take a break and just be present with your children. They need you just as much as the community does. Disconnect from social media and take time to recharge doing whatever brings you joy.
Parenting is a challenge, and so is activism, but we can keep pushing forward together. Every small step we take today contributes to a better future for our children. If you’re interested in exploring more about home insemination or parenting resources, check out this post or visit Make A Mom. For those expecting, March of Dimes offers excellent information to support your journey.
Summary
Engaging young children in activism can be both rewarding and fun. Whether it’s reaching out to representatives in creative ways, participating in virtual marches, or connecting with other activist parents, there are numerous paths to involve your kids. Conversations about empathy, kindness, and self-care are essential for raising the next generation of advocates. Remember to take care of yourself along the way, because a strong parent fosters a strong future.