In recent weeks, I’ve been truly inspired by the surge of social justice activism happening around us. It’s heartening to see so many individuals raising their voices against governmental decisions that endanger countless lives. Personally, I’ve felt an overwhelming urge to join in, but my attempts have mostly led to heated Facebook debates. I long to be out there, participating alongside my community. However, there’s a little challenge: my adorable young children. While they are definitely not a problem, they do make it tricky to dive into activism as I once did.
The era of slipping into my activism gear for marches after work is behind me. My focus now is on providing my kids with love, stability, and basic needs, not to mention the financial constraints that daycare brings. In my quest to remain engaged, I’ve come up with some imaginative ways to involve my little ones in activism, and I hope these ideas resonate with other parents.
1. Reach Out to Your Representatives
Use various methods to voice your opinions—calls, letters, social media posts, or even fun videos! It’s crucial for our representatives to hear from the community they serve. While phone calls are often the most effective, get creative! Involve your kids by sending drawings or recording a video together with a message. I even heard of someone who sent a pizza to their representative with a note on the receipt expressing their views. Yes, it can get chaotic, and your kids may have a meltdown, but that’s part of the real-life journey of parenting—and that authenticity can be powerful.
2. Join a Virtual March
I was amazed to learn that the Women’s March on Washington offered a virtual participation option for individuals with disabilities. This opened up accessibility for many, and it’s a great idea for local marches too. Encourage organizers to consider virtual options for parents who can’t attend in person. If a march is put together spontaneously, suggest that they live-stream the event on platforms like Facebook, allowing everyone to support from home.
3. Bring Your Kids to Events
Attending protests or meetings with your children can be a rewarding experience, although it does come with its own set of worries about safety. If the event has the necessary permits and proper planning, it’s usually peaceful. I’ve attended many protests that were well organized. Just stay alert and have an exit plan in case things don’t go as expected.
4. Connect with Other Activist Parents
Find like-minded parents in your area and create a supportive network. Whether it’s sharing your challenges or brainstorming new ideas, building a community can be incredibly empowering. We’ll need each other as we navigate the coming years.
5. Engage in Conversations with Your Kids
Discuss important topics like empathy and inclusion. Teach them about their bodies and the importance of consent. Read books that focus on friendship and kindness. It’s essential to validate their feelings and encourage respect for others. Keep the dialogue going—these children will be the next wave of activists, and they’ll be proud to know their parents stood for what is right. For great book recommendations on social justice for kids, check out A Mighty Girl.
6. Prioritize Self-Care
Remember to take care of yourself first. Activism and parenting are both marathons, not sprints. On tough days, it’s perfectly fine to step back and focus on being present with your children. They need your attention just as much as the broader community does. Consider taking a break from social media and the news to recharge.
Navigating parenting and activism can be challenging, but it’s important to keep pushing forward together. Every small action we take today can shape a brighter future for our children.
For more insights into parenting and activism, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
Involving young children in activism can be a rewarding experience for both parents and kids. Creative strategies include reaching out to representatives, participating in virtual marches, attending events together, connecting with other activist parents, engaging in meaningful conversations, and emphasizing self-care. Together, these approaches can help build a future filled with advocacy and empathy.