Parenting is not just about bedtime stories and snack time; it’s inherently political. As a mother, I strive to model the behavior I wish to instill in my children. Sure, I have my moments of human error—like the time I accidentally set off the smoke alarm making toast—but overall, I aim to communicate a clear message: You are responsible for your community, and you should do everything in your power to make it a safe and vibrant place to live.
I’m on a mission to raise my children as active champions of social justice. As a feminist and a conscious citizen, I feel this is my greatest duty. Here’s what I’ve learned so far:
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Instill Compassion.
Children learn compassion by witnessing it in action. It’s essential to demonstrate empathy and love, making sure they understand that their feelings and those of others matter. Encouraging kindness as our guiding principle—especially during those frustrating moments—is crucial. -
Encourage Their Voices.
Kids have opinions, and it’s vital they know how to express them. My partner and I communicate with our children as equals, which has helped them develop impressive vocabularies and the confidence to articulate their feelings. This way, their needs and those of others are more likely to be understood. -
Teach Conflict Resolution.
Fighting is part of childhood, especially among siblings (oh joy). Instead of letting these moments become chaotic, we use them as opportunities to teach the kids about empathy, accountability, and effective communication. Teaching them healthy, nonviolent conflict resolution is a gift that will last a lifetime. -
Respect the Environment.
The Earth is round, dinosaurs roamed the planet, and we humans are not doing a great job of taking care of it. My kids are learning the values of reducing, reusing, and recycling from an early age. They understand the importance of conservation and are gaining an appreciation for nature, wildlife, and our community. -
Get Involved.
We volunteer as a family because getting involved in community service helps kids realize their actions can have a positive impact. Whether it’s picking up litter or serving meals at a local shelter, engaging in volunteerism opens their eyes to the world around them. -
Teach About Leadership.
There’s no such thing as being too young to learn about politics. Just like discussing other critical topics, there’s an age-appropriate way to talk about civic engagement. We might even pop in a little Schoolhouse Rock! to explain how laws are made and what it means to live in a democracy. -
Promote Equality.
It’s important to teach kids that true equality goes beyond colors like pink and blue. Everyone deserves access to healthcare, education, and safety. Discussing the concept of privilege, particularly white privilege, is crucial in understanding and dismantling systemic racism.
Children are the future, and it’s our job to equip them with the right tools to become compassionate and engaged adults. If we want to foster equality and create a more peaceful world, we must start at home. Empowered, kind children become empowered, kind adults. Let’s get to work!
If you’re curious about more ways to support this journey, check out our post on intracervicalinsemination.com. And for those considering the journey of parenthood, womenshealth.gov is an excellent resource. Also, if you’re looking for ways to enhance fertility, makeamom.com has some great insights.
In summary, raising forward-thinking children involves teaching them compassion, encouraging their voices, instilling conflict resolution skills, promoting environmental respect, getting them involved in the community, educating them about leadership, and fostering equality. By equipping them with these values, we are paving the way for a brighter future.