We Can’t Just Wish for Change — Let’s Teach Kindness and Peace

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Navigating parenting in today’s political landscape feels a lot like leading a class on social justice — and guess what? You’re the head teacher! Our kids need to grow up equipped with the skills and knowledge to be peacemakers and advocates for justice. If we don’t step up to teach them, who else will?

How do we unpack the complexities of the world for our children? How do we keep them informed without instilling fear? How do we raise resilient kids who will stand up against bullying, racism, misogyny, and all the other forms of discrimination that plague our society? The answer lies in drawing inspiration from educators.

I’ve been fortunate to learn from many remarkable teachers. Some time ago, I attended a talk by Sam Thompson, a notable peace education advocate, who posed a thought-provoking question: why don’t schools teach students how to cultivate peace? He pointed out that history classes often focus on wars and conflict, while neglecting to teach about peacemakers and nonviolent movements. What kind of message does that send about our values? If we want our children to create a better future, it’s crucial that we highlight the importance of peace alongside the narratives of war.

Years later, I came across acclaimed educator Jenna Lee, who discussed how some children are raised to lead while others are taught to follow. While her focus was on racial inequalities in education, it resonated with me regarding the skills our kids are equipped with. Some students get the chance to learn problem-solving and activism, while many others are just prepared to ace tests. Sure, they might be set to join the workforce, but what real tools are we giving them to improve the world? Often, educational inequalities are inversely related to a community’s need for social change agents.

At another event, I met Alex Morgan, a passionate teacher who uses a semester-long peace game to inspire his fourth-graders to aim for world peace. His mantra, “You never know which one of them might change the world,” resonated with me and has become my mantra as well.

How Do We Cultivate Peacemakers?

So, how do we as parents cultivate peacemakers? We can’t just sit back and hope for the best; we have to actively teach. It starts with conversations—lots of them. Discuss topics like race, poverty, LGBTQ+ issues, and discrimination openly. Kids will encounter these realities eventually, so let them first hear about it from you. Equip them with the language and confidence to identify and challenge prejudice.

For younger children, picture books are a fantastic gateway. Explore lists of age-appropriate books on social justice and read about inspiring peacemakers. As they grow, engage them with current events. They don’t need every gruesome detail, but a foundational understanding of the world will help them navigate it. Resources like the Ferguson Syllabus and Zinn Education Project can provide excellent guidance for parents.

Encourage your children to interact with diverse communities. Volunteer together and seek friendships with people from different backgrounds. If you’re in a homogenous area, actively pursue connections that will broaden their horizons. This fosters understanding and normalizes diversity — essential elements of good parenting.

As activist Leo Vargas wisely said, “Think about the kind of world you want to live in. What knowledge do you need to create that world?” We can’t wait for our children to figure it out on their own; the stakes are too high. We must become their teachers, starting today. After all, you never know which one of them just might save us all.

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In summary, parenting today demands that we take an active role in teaching our children about kindness, peace, and social justice. By engaging in open conversations, providing resources, and encouraging diverse interactions, we pave the way for a generation of change-makers.