Protest Tips For Kids
I have seen a lot of people talking about how they want to get out and support the protests but they don't know how to because they have kids. I have brought both of my kids to several protests now, so I though I'd offer some tips that have helped me!
1. Go early in the day - if you are nervous about the police using excessive force against peaceful protestors, it's best to go to the early protests. For the most part, it seems like the police only like to get out of hand under the cover of darkness.
2. Babywear - babywearing is SO much easier than trying to push a stroller through a rally or march and it's also safer. These protests have a lot of people at them and not everyone is looking around making sure they don't step on little kids or bump into strollers. Depending on the event I sometimes bring a stroller for my 3 year old to sit in, but I always wear my 1 year old if were marching. Some of the smaller non-marching protests have been fine for him to get out and sit in the stroller or on the ground.
3. Talk to them ahead of time about what to expect - This is huge for the toddler+ range. My 3 year old is super noise sensitive, so I made sure to talk about how it would be loud. People would be yelling and there would be cars honking. I let her ask any questions she needed to, and I also let her know that we would leave if she felt scared or upset.
4. Noise canceling headphones - these are a great option if you think your kids are going to be bothered by the noise. You can usually find them in stores like target/walmart or on amazon.
5. Look for other people there with their kids - these are your people now. In my experience, other people with kids are always willing to lend a helping hand however they can. They get the struggle.
6. Stay out he outskirts - if your trapped in the middle of a march or rally it's hard to leave when you need to. By staying on the outskirts you are making sure that when you need to leave you can. It's also a lot less overwhelming for the kids to not be completely surrounded by people.
7. Make their own signs for them - my 3 year old has a sign that's the right size for her and it makes her feel included. She also knows all the chants and loves participating in those.
8. Look for "family friendly" protests - The city of Milwaukee has had 2 protests so far that were specifically for the kids. There were snacks, bubbles, chalk and the chants were all child/teen led.
9. Snacks and drinks - most parents will already know this, but bring enough snacks and drinks! I always bring water bottles for both kids and myself, and enough snacks to have some leftover.
10. What you can do if you can't go - I totally understand that even with precautions, some people just aren't comfortable going out and protesting with their kids during a pandemic. Here are some things you can do to help The Movement from the comfort of your own home. Work in your home to be actively anti-racist, support Black owned businesses, donate to bailout funds, provide drinks/snacks for protestors, amplify Black voices in your community, sign petitions, participate in the Kneel for 9 events in your own front yard, work to educate your friends/family on white privilege and systemic racism, Venmo/paypal the Black folx in your life nad put BLM signs in your yard. These are not the only things you can do, but a decent starter list!
1. Go early in the day - if you are nervous about the police using excessive force against peaceful protestors, it's best to go to the early protests. For the most part, it seems like the police only like to get out of hand under the cover of darkness.
2. Babywear - babywearing is SO much easier than trying to push a stroller through a rally or march and it's also safer. These protests have a lot of people at them and not everyone is looking around making sure they don't step on little kids or bump into strollers. Depending on the event I sometimes bring a stroller for my 3 year old to sit in, but I always wear my 1 year old if were marching. Some of the smaller non-marching protests have been fine for him to get out and sit in the stroller or on the ground.
3. Talk to them ahead of time about what to expect - This is huge for the toddler+ range. My 3 year old is super noise sensitive, so I made sure to talk about how it would be loud. People would be yelling and there would be cars honking. I let her ask any questions she needed to, and I also let her know that we would leave if she felt scared or upset.4. Noise canceling headphones - these are a great option if you think your kids are going to be bothered by the noise. You can usually find them in stores like target/walmart or on amazon.
5. Look for other people there with their kids - these are your people now. In my experience, other people with kids are always willing to lend a helping hand however they can. They get the struggle.
6. Stay out he outskirts - if your trapped in the middle of a march or rally it's hard to leave when you need to. By staying on the outskirts you are making sure that when you need to leave you can. It's also a lot less overwhelming for the kids to not be completely surrounded by people.
7. Make their own signs for them - my 3 year old has a sign that's the right size for her and it makes her feel included. She also knows all the chants and loves participating in those.
8. Look for "family friendly" protests - The city of Milwaukee has had 2 protests so far that were specifically for the kids. There were snacks, bubbles, chalk and the chants were all child/teen led.
9. Snacks and drinks - most parents will already know this, but bring enough snacks and drinks! I always bring water bottles for both kids and myself, and enough snacks to have some leftover.
10. What you can do if you can't go - I totally understand that even with precautions, some people just aren't comfortable going out and protesting with their kids during a pandemic. Here are some things you can do to help The Movement from the comfort of your own home. Work in your home to be actively anti-racist, support Black owned businesses, donate to bailout funds, provide drinks/snacks for protestors, amplify Black voices in your community, sign petitions, participate in the Kneel for 9 events in your own front yard, work to educate your friends/family on white privilege and systemic racism, Venmo/paypal the Black folx in your life nad put BLM signs in your yard. These are not the only things you can do, but a decent starter list!
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