Doth Kids Protest Too Much? Where Should Parents Draw the Line with Kids and Activism?

Patience, blogging for PBS Parents, has a great post highlighting a recent experience responding to protesters spewing hatred and a discussion of how and whether young kids should be involved with activism (especially protests) at all.

When confronted with a group voicing hatred in their community, four moms decided to react positively. They created a website, Pennies in Protest, to encourage people to donate to the very groups being protested by the people promoting hatred. The response was prolific and profound.

But, when it came to attending the protest itself as witnesses, the moms struggled with how and whether or not to involve their children. As Patience said,

"With ten children between us we talked a lot about what we should do about our kids and the protest. There had already been so many teaching conversations, asking questions and listening to our small people and their view on the subject. Was this a clear opportunity to teach and share our values in an age appropriate manner? Should they go? Could they handle it, even if they can, should they? What are our responsibilities as parents regarding both their physical and emotional protection?"

Some of the kids really wanted to attend the protest. Patience notes what happened:

"The tension was so thick in the air as we watched a man, two women and a boy protest while we stood silently. A boy about the age of my son carried a sign saying, 'God hates Jews.' My heart dropped. I looked at my friend Sara (who is Jewish) and her little boy on her back. Two mothers, two sons, both living their convictions in completely different ways on the same street, it was chilling."

We raise our children hoping that they'll carry on the values most important to us. And most parents recognize that having conversations that help kids make sense of the world, that help them connect with those around us, are essential to raising healthy, happy children. But, where's the line in involving our kids in activism? How young is too young? What kinds of activism are appropriate? How can we educate while still protecting our children? What do we do when something happens (hateful language, violence) that we don't want our children exposed to?

What are your thoughts?

~ Marsha


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