Teaching Kids About Justice

Yesterday was the no kings protest and it was the first protest I’ve gone to with signs.

My son is five years old and he colored this picture of a peacock. I love all of the eyes on the feathers, they are watching this moment and so are our little ones.

It’s important to let kids be kids and not burden them with all of the hatred and hurt in this world AND it’s important to educate them about what is happening in ways their young brains can understand.

I told my son the leaders in this country are separating families who are safe under California laws and leadership. The leaders above them are going after people who are under asylum, who are abiding by California laws.

I tried to tell him about dictators in other countries and explain how we have the right to speak up when there is injustice and to protest. I lost him a bit on that one. However the seeds have been planted for him to pay attention and to see for himself is this good leadership or is it unchecked power and greed.

If your child is privileged enough to not be afraid during these times when families are being ripped apart then teach them about what’s happening. Some children do not get this privilege. Protecting them from the chaos in this world will make them fragile, not brave. It will teach them to turn a blind eye and exist in blissful ignorance.

We need our next generation to understand from the beginning what justice is, how to show up for it, and how to push this country in a direction of love in action not greed by default.

There is more than enough work to be done for justice beyond what’s currently happening.

I have seen 8 year old’s start businesses to clean up our oceans.

I've heard of young children asking for people to donate to charities like Charity: Water to give people clean drinking water, instead of giving them birthday presents.

These young children are growing up with the internet at their disposal and with their creativity and innovation anything is possible.

So talk to your kids. Help them see the devastation in this world a little bit at a time and talk about creative solutions with them.

If you're doing this already I'd love to hear how it's going. I'm sharing a bunch of photos I got from an account on IG that I LOVE!

Please share more resources below.

Love always,

Danielle Mallett