The Women's March against United States President Donald Trump has triggered a public debate. Should mothers bring their children to protest actions such as this one? Most American moms agree that recent political and social developments have given rise to a new type of parenting.
Some parents, however, believe that bringing children to protest actions is tantamount to using them to further the parents' cause. Sometimes, it is difficult to balance the inculcation of these values while maintaining children's independence.
Exposing kids to socio-political activism seems appropriate, except when they are already being used to fight their parents' own wars, according to Patheos. The ultimate test would be the parent's motivation in bringing the child to a protest rally. It would also depend on the age and social awareness of the child.
Some children are already passionate about certain advocacies even at a young age, as per YEA Camp. It is understandable for the adults to bar their children from participating in such advocacies for fear that it would be detrimental to their development. But no matter how parents look at child activism, one could not help but be amazed at how young children can be so enthusiastic about certain causes.
Activism among the youth is nothing new but there is a need for parents to address their children's learning, according to Freechild. More than encouraging kids to be social activists, it is important to empower them so they would be able to appropriately use their skills to pursue their advocacies. Young people can help change the world but they should get all the help they need from their support groups including their parents.
Parents can encourage their children's advocacies by helping them channel their idealism to useful campaigns and information dissemination. When young people are not able to express themselves through appropriate campaigns, they tend to look for other methods such as protests. It is important to keep an open communication line to make sure their youthful enthusiasm is properly guided.
