3 Ways Your Child Can Tap Into Their Inner Greta Thunberg and Be an Activist Right Now
I’m sure you’ve heard of Greta Thunberg. She’s amazing! But your child doesn’t have to be like her to be an activist right now.
All children have the capacity to be activists and change the world around them, in both small and big ways. Small changes ripple out to create larger changes.
Here’s an example. More than a decade ago, I was working in the corporate world. I had a coworker whose husband smoked. After their daughter was born, he would only smoke outside or in the garage.
When she was old enough to be curious, their daughter asked what he was doing out there. Try as he might, my coworker’s husband could not explain to his child why he was smoking out there, why it was okay for him and not for her. In their conversation, he realized his hypocrisy. The next morning, he called his doctor for help quitting.
Small thing? Maybe. But she helped her father be healthier, and the effects of that aren’t predictable or measurable.
Plus, she learned the power of her own curiosity and words.
Here are some ways your child can tap into their inner Greta and be an activist now.
Be Curious
It may feel tiring to answer their “why” and “how come” questions over and over, but this curiosity is activism.
They’re asking because they care about something on a deeper level. Go there. Fully explore all their questions.
Activism and change starts with understanding. And, as in the example above, those questions may cause adults to change.
Speak Up
About anything. Someone getting bullied on the playground? Your child is an activist by either sticking up for them or bringing it to the attention of a trusted adult.
Asking the administration at their school to recycle or add diversity to holiday decor is activism, too. You or another trusted adult can help guide them through this type of conversation. For an example from my own life, check out Batya’s Lunch.
Your child can also talk to their friends about things they see and want to change. Perhaps together, they can come up with an action, or actions, they can take.
Do Something Positive
This could be anything. Some ideas:
Handing out blankets to the homeless
Fundraising for a local non-profit
Donating their birthday to a cause they care about (ask for donations for that organization instead of gifts)
Write letters to the editor – you or a teacher can help with this if they need it (also, stay tuned for my workshops on activist writing)
Read to shelter animals
Start Today
Your child can start being an activist right now! They may need some help getting started. Help them find their passion and purpose by downloading my free guide. This will help you both know the organizations to focus on and when to speak up/act.