5 ways to raise assertive kids who care about justice
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Raising assertive kids who care about justice and will speak up for what they believe in can feel overwhelming. As caregivers and educators, there are so many values and lessons we want to teach our kids, and sometimes social justice can feel like just another point on a list of things we need to cover.
It doesn't always have to be extra work, though! Use these guidelines to fit lessons about social justice into your everyday life. These conversations can happen when it comes up in the world naturally, which it often does. Keeping this conversation ongoing helps kids engage critically and compassionately with the world around them!
1. Create lessons in daily life
You can create lessons of advocacy and care into everyday activities with little ones. For instance, give kids books, movies and games that represent and celebrate marginalized communities.
2. Encourage self-advocacy
Remind kids that advocacy can simply be about being true to themselves. Advocacy can happen in small, daily acts of courage and authenticity. Explain that acts of self-expression, such as dressing in a way that reflects their identity, are also forms of self-advocacy.
Remind kids that advocacy can simply be about being true to themselves. Advocacy can happen in small, daily acts of courage and authenticity. Explain that acts of self-expression, such as dressing in a way that reflects their identity, are also forms of self-advocacy.
3. Model inclusivity
Provide a supportive environment where kids feel comfortable expressing who they are. Let them know that everyone is welcome and valued in your space.
Provide a supportive environment where kids feel comfortable expressing who they are. Let them know that everyone is welcome and valued in your space.
4. Build community
When possible, get involved with changemaking in your community. This empowers kids (and grown-ups) to feel supported in the work. This could be joining a formal group, or it may just be connecting with friends who also care about justice and community.
When possible, get involved with changemaking in your community. This empowers kids (and grown-ups) to feel supported in the work. This could be joining a formal group, or it may just be connecting with friends who also care about justice and community.
5. Be honest about current issues and social justice
Engage in honest conversations with your kids about topics of social justice. Kids take in messages about justice all the time, so it’s up to us to ensure we’re helping them make sense of what they’re learning!
Engage in honest conversations with your kids about topics of social justice. Kids take in messages about justice all the time, so it’s up to us to ensure we’re helping them make sense of what they’re learning!
Use these guidelines as a starting point for raising assertive kiddos who care!
Ready to be part of something bigger?
Join the Little Justice Leaders community. Together, we're creating a space where educators and parents can learn together, grow, and help build a movement to create a generation of changemakers.
Join the Little Justice Leaders community. Together, we're creating a space where educators and parents can learn together, grow, and help build a movement to create a generation of changemakers.
Embrace the challenges, celebrate the wins, and remember that every step you take in social justice education is a step toward a brighter, more inclusive future. Your voice and experiences are vital in shaping the next generation. So, keep those conversations going, and let's continue changing the world, one conversation at a time!
To get access to tons of free resources and connect with other like-minded educators and families, join the Little Justice Leaders community.
Gratitude to our friends and partners @dineaesthetics & @desmondisamazing for co-creating this content.
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