FAQs Answered by An Activist Mom: Is it Safe to Bring Your Kids to Protests? and Other Burning Questions
When my white husband is pulling our two kids in a wagon, most passersby assume we’re on our way to a farmer's market. We actually keep everyone safer with our presence.
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FAQs Answered by (An) Activist Mom: Is it Safe to Bring Your Kids to Protests? and Other Burning Questions
By Saba
Q: I want to get more involved, but I have young kids. What should I do?
A: Since the pandemic, most meetings are virtual. I co-parent with my partner, but if there’s a conflict, I like to employ screen time. For younger kids, I recommend Ms. Rachel. For older kids, I recommend PBS Kids. This is a great opportunity to enjoy these resources before they are taken from us.
If a meeting is scheduled during school pickup, which is a popular time for both public comment and meetings, I’ll use my airpods. Simply nod politely to other parents and mouth, “I’m in a meeting.” They get it.
Sometimes my husband will watch the kids. When people ask, “Where are your kids?” I can tell them that they’re with their father and dispel the myth that children can only be raised by people in possession of female reproductive parts.
Q: You bring your kids to protests? Aren’t you worried about their safety?!
A: No. When my (white) husband is pulling our two kids in a wagon, most passerbys tend to assume we’re on our way to a farmer’s market. We actually keep everyone safer with our presence.
Q: How do I explain _____ (abortion, racism, etc.) to my kids?
A: With words. For example, “Sometimes when people have sex, they want to get pregnant. Sometimes they don’t want to get pregnant. If a woman gets pregnant when she doesn’t want to get pregnant, she should be able to terminate her pregnancy. It is an important part of reproductive healthcare.”
A simple response to most questions is “because of white supremacy” or “because of sexism” or “because we are living in a late-stage capitalistic hellscape.” (Other answers might include climate collapse, facism, or a combination of all of the above. Pick and choose and find the answer that feels right.)
Q: But if I tell my kids about _____ (racism, etc.) won’t that ruin their childhood?
A: No. Raising a kid that is ignorant to their own privilege and systems of oppression is a surefire way to raise an asshole. (See news headlines for reference.)
Q: Where can I find a good list of books and resources to share with my child(ren).
A: Check out your local school district’s banned book list. You’re sure to find a treasure trove of books about race, history, LGBTQ rights, and more to share with your child(ren).
***I’ve been bringing my kids along on this ride for five years now. If you have any questions, feel free to drop them in the comments. It’s not always easy and straightforward, but I am grateful to be navigating this with my family and would love to be a resource any way I can. (Saba)
Latest Publications and Recommendations
I Don’t Understand Why I, Goldilocks, Am Being Accused of Committing Genocide Against The Bears in Bear Forest, by Saba and Alexis
Just burning all the chairs and beds is too war crimes, and simply withholding porridge from every Daddy, Mommy, and Baby Bear is too crimes against humanity, and none of these are just right
An Honest School Picture Order Form by Lily Hirsch
And yes, you’ll have to display this photo in your home unless you want people to assume you’re a terrible parent who hates freckles and regularly throws away her kid’s school art projects.