In recent weeks, I’ve been inspired by a surge of social justice activism. People are passionately voicing their concerns about decisions that impact countless lives. I’ve felt that same fire, but instead of taking to the streets, I found myself trapped in a few heated Facebook debates. I longed to join my community members actively participating in these movements, but there’s a catch: I have young kids. While they are certainly not a burden—they’re delightful little beings—they do complicate my ability to engage in activism.
Gone are the days when I could don my activist attire for a march after work. Now, my priorities revolve around providing stability, love, nourishment, and shelter for my children. With the rising costs of daycare, financial contributions to impactful organizations have also become a challenge. So, I’ve been exploring inventive ways to stay engaged and wanted to share some ideas with fellow activist parents eager to make a difference.
1. Reach Out to Your Representatives
Use whatever means you can—call, write, tweet, or even create a video to express your views to your representatives. It’s a well-known fact that every voice counts. Your elected officials are meant to represent the community’s interests, so it’s crucial to make your opinions known. Involve your kids by sending a drawing they made or a video you recorded together. I even heard of a mother who had pizza delivered to her representative with a note on the receipt sharing her thoughts. Don’t worry if your kids act up while you’re trying to do this; it’s perfectly okay to show that parenting can be chaotic. Just keep trying your best.
2. Join a Virtual March
One innovative initiative I recently discovered was the virtual march organized by the Women’s March on Washington, which enabled individuals with disabilities to participate from afar. This approach enhances accessibility and inclusivity. Encourage both local and national events to consider creating similar virtual spaces for parents or others unable to attend in person. If a march comes together too quickly to establish a virtual option, request leaders to stream it live on platforms like Facebook, allowing you to engage, share, and comment in real-time.
3. Attend Protests with Your Children
Bringing your kids to protests can be nerve-wracking for parents concerned about safety. However, as long as the event is well-organized and has the necessary permits, it can be a peaceful experience. In my experience, protests are generally well-planned. If you ever sense any unrest, it’s always wise to have a quick exit plan in mind. Remember that often, violence at protests results from an over-militarized police presence rather than poor organization.
4. Connect with Other Local Parents
Seek out other activist parents in your area to share experiences, frustrations, and dreams. Whether it’s just to vent about the challenges of parenting or to exchange ideas, building a supportive network is vital. Your activist community can provide encouragement and camaraderie during these uncertain times.
5. Engage in Conversations with Your Kids
Discuss empathy, inclusion, and the importance of understanding others’ feelings with your children. Teach them about their bodies and the significance of consent using proper terminology. Share books focused on friendship and kindness to reinforce these values. The more you engage with them on these topics, the more likely they are to grow into compassionate, socially-aware individuals. A fantastic resource for children’s literature on social justice can be found at A Mighty Girl.
6. Prioritize Self-Care
Remember to take care of yourself amidst the chaos. This journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Some days will be easier than others, and that’s completely fine. On tough days, it’s okay to step back from activism and focus on being present with your kids. They need your attention and love just as much as the community does. Take time for yourself, unplug from social media, and enjoy activities that replenish your spirit.
Parenting and activism are both challenging but rewarding. The small steps we take today can create a brighter future for the next generation. If you’re interested in more insights on this topic, check out our related blog post. Additionally, if you’re considering home insemination, you can find reputable kits available at Make A Mom. For reliable information on pregnancy, visit Women’s Health.
In summary, finding ways to engage young children in activism can be creative and meaningful. From reaching out to representatives to prioritizing self-care, there are countless ways to involve them in conversations about social justice. Nurturing their understanding of empathy and inclusion will help shape a generation of compassionate individuals.