This week is a historic week for our country as we install a new President. Don’t worry, this isn’t a political post. But, it is about standing up for what you believe and allowing your kids to witness that.
Last night, I told my youngest son that I would be participating in the Women’s March on Seattle on Saturday. This is the local version of the Women’s March taking place on the same day in our nation’s capital. He politely responded, “I get that you want to support your causes–and I’m fine with that–but how does it make any difference?”
That was a gutpunch from my own kid. But I’m okay with it. Here’s the truth… I’ve raised my kids to think and to question and now that they’re teenagers that means they are forming their own opinions. Sometimes we share political and religious views and sometimes we don’t. We definitely don’t share the same thoughts on how to respond to what we see. But we’re also nearly 30 years apart. So… here’s how I responded.
“Yes, it makes a difference. It makes a difference to me. I am not trying to change the outcome of the election, but I am uniting with other women so we can have a voice.”
I’ve thought about it longer now and have more to say. We all need to have a voice. Men and women, blacks and whites, Asians and Latinos, people with privilege and people with special needs. Uniting with others can strengthen your voice and your standing–even if you do it through a silent march. I am happy that I’ll be marching. I’m happy that my kids are watching me do it. Could they come along? Sure, it’s open to all, but that’s not where my kids are right now and that’s fine too.
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