As parents, our minds are constantly buzzing with a multitude of responsibilities. We juggle supervising homework while preparing dinner, scout out birthday venues for one child while on hold with the pediatrician discussing another child’s health. We tirelessly fight for necessary changes in our children’s IEPs while sharing concerns with fellow parents about speech delays. Our love and concern extend across a variety of issues, as we advocate for the diverse needs of our ever-evolving children. And yes, we often lose sleep over everything.
This reality of parenthood is universally acknowledged and irrefutable. So, it’s incredibly frustrating when people struggle to grasp the concept that one can genuinely care about multiple, overlapping social causes simultaneously.
When discussing the refugee crisis, some individuals insist we must prioritize “our own,” whatever that means. If you advocate for women’s health rights, someone might shout about the unborn babies. Raise a voice for undocumented children facing deportation, and you may be accused of neglecting veterans, the homeless, or even a hardworking relative trying to make ends meet without health insurance. Enough already—just stop.
Here’s the truth: our hearts are capable of caring about many issues at once. We can empathize with multiple heartbreaking stories. We can strive for a better world for all, not just those we identify with. Engaging in one cause does not diminish our concern for others.
You can support refugees while advocating for the homeless. You can champion compassionate immigration policies alongside quality public education. Supporting veterans’ benefits and women’s rights is entirely feasible. Surprising, right? A person can even care about global issues while remaining engaged with local challenges. Yes, it’s mind-blowing, I know.
And brace yourself: it is entirely possible to care about parenting and broader social issues. You can dive into research on breast pumps and sleep training while also being passionate about intersectional feminism and immigration reform. Moms are multifaceted and adept at balancing these concerns.
Now is not the time to tiptoe around difficult subjects. We must engage in tough conversations, educate ourselves, fund initiatives that promote equality, and advocate tirelessly. We need to show up repeatedly to affirm that “this matters.” But recognizing one issue matters does not imply that another does not.
Resistance and love come in various forms. We may love our children equally, but sometimes one child’s challenges require more attention than the others. Discussing a son’s IEP doesn’t mean we overlook a daughter’s peanut allergy—just as advocating for gender equality or refugee support doesn’t equate to disregarding veterans or the homeless. This is a fundamental truth of parenting. Yet, it seems people struggle to apply this understanding to social justice issues.
It’s not an either-or situation; speaking up for one cause doesn’t negate concern for others. So, let’s put an end to this dismissive attitude. Don’t undermine the valuable efforts of someone simply because they’re not focusing on the causes that matter most to you. The inability to recognize the multifaceted nature of humanity often reveals more about the critic’s own heart than the person they’re criticizing.
For more insights on activism and its complexity, check out one of our related blog posts. And if you’re considering home insemination, look into CryoBaby’s home intracevical insemination syringe kit combo. Additionally, Progyny offers excellent resources related to pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, it’s entirely possible to care deeply about multiple causes at once. Whether it’s advocating for social justice or navigating the complexities of parenting, our capacity for love and empathy extends beyond singular issues. Let’s embrace this multifaceted reality and support one another in our diverse advocacy efforts.