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Do You Stand Up For Your Kids?
Janelle Sorensen
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Marian Wright Edelman said, “If we don’t stand up for children, we don’t stand for much.” Truly, speaking up for our kids is probably one of the most primal instincts we have, but what exactly does it mean? What is thing called child advocacy?
It sounds daunting, but the word “advocacy” really only means actively voicing your support for a cause. You are probably already advocating quite a bit and you may not even know it. Maybe you told a friend how you’d like your child’s health insurance to be more affordable and inclusive. That’s child advocacy. Maybe you told the cashier at the grocery store that you’d like to see organic food included in the WIC program. That’s child advocacy.
In the simplest terms, if you have an opinion about how society functions and you tell someone else, you are an advocate. Welcome to the fray. Now that you see how easy it is to advocate, how are you using your voice to stand up for your kids? What are you saying and who are you talking to?
Lynn of OrganicMania writes about advocating for her child at school by talking to the teacher, asking questions, and exploring the formal complaint process if necessary.
And Sommer of Green and Clean Mom, talks about her support for the Kid Safe Chemicals Act and early childhood programs. She points out how we can’t actively support all the issues we’d probably like to, but everyone can and should do something.
In my own work advocating for healthier environments for children, I’ve been pleasantly surprised over the past year or so how many more moms (and dads) are standing up for kids. When I first started educating parents about toxic chemicals in everyday products, the main question I heard was “what can I buy?” The problem was seen as something that could be solved at home simply by making smarter purchasing choices. Now, I’m hearing more “what can we do?” Parents have quickly tired of deciphering labels and trying to find the safest products; they want to change the entire system so they don’t have to worry about it anymore. This shift has been so inspiring for me to watch and participate in.
Today, using technology, it’s easier than ever to be an advocate. We have information and tools at our fingertips. We have immediate and constant access to a vast network of experts and “co-conspirators.” We have the ability to publicize and magnify our efforts in ways that were previously unimaginable.
And every voice counts. And every effort counts. From talking with your neighbor to talking to your federal representatives. What are you saying and who are you talking to?
Need help coming up with ideas or making a bigger impact? Check out Healthy Child’s new Healthy Community ToolKit.
Posted by Erika on 06/02/2009 at 09:51 AM
One of the first places I had to start advocating for my child was at the pediatrician’s office. As I new mom I didn’t expect this. It resulted in us finding a new “partner” for my child’s health and equipped me to deal with other situations as a new mom.
But now that I’ve got my grounding as a parent, I love the ideas you share for advocating for other’s children - requesting organics for the WIC program - I love it! I’m also looking for ways to advocate for more children outside of the US. Right now that means finding and bringing awareness to nonprofit groups doing good work for children in developing countries.
Thanks for the post and I’ll be sure to check out the Healthy Community Toolkit!
Posted by Gina on 06/01/2009 at 10:25 PM
I think some people think advocate = protester and visions from the media of bra burners and anarchy. Or at least my very conservative republican family seems to.
As a parent of young children, there are so many issues that I advocate for. You mentioned one here - the Kid Safe Chemicals Act. I’m working with local folks from EWG who want to make the world safer for children. I also have a special needs child so I’m constantly placed in situations where I advocate for him. It certainly isn’t easy, and I wish there weren’t so many reasons to have to stand up for my children, but sadly, there are. As long as the need is there, I will advocate for my children.
Posted by Britax Marathon CS on 05/30/2009 at 10:35 AM
As a parent, I will always stand up for my kids. It will make them feel that they are very important.
Posted by Sommer on 05/28/2009 at 08:58 PM
Oh Janelle, it does seem like we want to do it all as parents. Protect our precious little ones AND help other sweet babies from harm. It become overwhelming and the weight of the world is on a mommy and daddies shoulder. In my professional life (other than blogging and social networking) I actively advocate for early childhood services and programs for 0-8 and with my degrees (one class short of a Masters in Early Childhood Education-yes I know bite the bullet and finish already) I know that the greatest amount of brain development occurs between the ages of 0-5 and that makes my two passion collide.
As a mom I want the best for my own children but I know that my son and daughter in love will someday, perhaps, make babies with individuals also exposed to chemicals and toxins and how will that work out? For me, I had infertility issues so I worry about the years to come with my own children and their spouses. The advocating can seem “extreme” to some but for me it is real and genuine and I worry. I do believe we need to stand up for what is near and dear to our own hearts and good will come of it. It has to be better than silence.
Posted by lynn from organicmania.com on 05/28/2009 at 08:56 PM
Janelle, it’s you and the entire team at Healthy Child Healthy World that are the inspiration! I’m humbled (as I’m sure Sommer is too) that we inspired your post.
More comments:
Posted by erbs palsy on 08/10/2009 at 12:31 PM
This is true. Parents should always stand up for their children. A child develops trust and confidence at home so it is important to show to your children that you trust them and you believe in them.