Yesterday, I found myself in tears at the playground. Not my proudest moment, but it happened. As I watched my joyful, healthy five-year-old navigate the monkey bars, zip down the slide, and show off his dance moves, my heart felt heavy. The contrast between his carefree play and the heartbreaking news of immigrant children being separated from their parents was jarring. It reminded me of the tragic images I had seen of families fleeing violence, and the overwhelming sorrow flooded back.
My son noticed my tears and rushed over. “Mommy, are you okay?”
“Yeah, buddy. I’m just feeling a mix of sadness, anger, and gratitude. It’s a little strange, isn’t it?”
“What made you sad, Mommy?”
When is the right time to explain to kids that the world outside our safe neighborhood can be both beautiful and painful? I took a breath. “Some kids can’t be with their parents right now, and that makes me really sad.”
“Well then let’s help them.”
What a pure and innocent response. How could I say no? As an adult, I know there are actions I can take—donating, voicing concerns to officials, educating myself, and voting. But how could I involve my son in these efforts? Here are some ideas I came up with:
- Speak Up
It’s crucial to express our feelings about these issues. Start conversations about our concerns, and do it where kids can hear us. They are always listening! Take your child to rallies and community events. Show them that coming together as a community can amplify our voices and that standing up for what we believe in matters. - Join Lights for Liberty
On July 12, 2019, Lights for Liberty—a group dedicated to advocating for human rights—will host vigils across the nation in support of families affected by detention. Check their website for events near you. If you can’t find one, why not organize your own? Even a small gathering with a few neighbors can create a moment of compassion for those impacted. Show your child that acts of kindness can be simple yet powerful. - Organize a Fundraiser
You don’t need to hold a grand event. Gather your kids to set up a lemonade stand or bake sale in your neighborhood, donating the proceeds to organizations that support immigrants. For ideas, check out Immigrant Families Together for more fundraising inspiration. - Become Pen Pals
Engage your family in a pen pal program. First Friends of New Jersey and New York connects volunteers with detained immigrants. This is a fantastic way to teach your kids the impact of a few kind words, emphasizing that everyone deserves to feel seen and valued. - Instill Empathy
To prevent history from repeating itself, we must raise children who understand empathy and compassion. By modeling these values, we build a foundation for a more connected world. If you’re unsure where to start, visit Teaching Tolerance for age-appropriate resources on social justice, combatting bias, and embracing diversity.
Feeling overwhelmed? Begin by giving your children a tight hug, then take their hands and step out into the world to make a small difference. After all, we’re all in this together.
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Summary
This article encourages parents to engage their children in helping immigrant families through actions like attending rallies, organizing fundraisers, and participating in pen pal programs. By teaching empathy and compassion, parents can empower their children to make a positive impact in the world.