Parenting Is Activism!
Picking up toys. Driving your kids to practice. Folding the laundry. Making dinner. Changing the sheets. Checking homework.
In these mundane parenting tasks we don’t often feel like we are making a difference. We are simply doing what needs to be done. But what if I told you that routine tasks carry much more meaning than you thought? What if I told you that the daily act of parenting was actually one of the fiercest forms of activism there is?
In the days after the election, many asked the question, “now what?” We grapple with how to make an impact with something so monumental, especially when we barely have time to care for ourselves. How you parent your children makes a significant difference. Even when the moments feel small, the impact can be large. So what do these moments look like?
How you speak to others: The best way to teach is by modeling. Speaking to others with kindness and respect, teaches your children to do the same. Keep this in mind when you’re paying for your groceries, grabbing your door dash order, or asking for help with household chores.
Get your kids involved in giving: Have them help clean out clothes/toys for donation, come with you to drop off a hot meal for your neighbor, and talk about the importance of giving to and supporting your family, friends and community.
Being intentional in your diversity: When you’re choosing a service provider, school, or program for your child, picking out a toy or book for them, or even choosing what show or movie they watch, be intentional. Are there Black people? Queer people? Trans people? Fat people? Disabled people? You have to be intentional about choosing a world that isn’t centered around yt, thin, able bodied, cis, and hetero persons.
Ask, Listen and Share Your Values : A great way to gain an understanding of how our kids feel or perceive something is to simply ask them. For example, if you’re watching a show together and there is bullying happening, ask them what they think about it, and share how you feel about bullying and your values around treating others.
You’re probably already doing a lot of what is listed above. Great work! Your parenting, (your activism!) is creating a generation that reflects your values--making a lasting impact in the world.