I’m not one to follow hashtags or modern movements. I agree that there are social injustices in this world, but many of these “campaigns” can be violent and cause a divide between people with an unclear call-to-action. On a late night in January, I found something I could get behind. When scrolling through the channels to find something to watch, the Golden Globes came across our screen.
Hundreds of people (despite their gender, their ethnicity, and even their political differences) were all united in wearing black. Why? This was to bring awareness to the #Timesup movement, a campaign designed to enlighten people that everyone should be treated equally. They have encouraged victims to speak out against their perpetrators. This movement was designed to bridge the gender gap, support racial equality, and stop domestic abuse.
This brings me joy. As a victim of sexual assault, the #metoo movement stood out to me, but I felt like there wasn’t any true call-to-action. A lot of people came forward about horrible things that have happened to them, but nothing was done after that. As #timesup comes to light, it feels not only inclusive in speaking to everyone, but conclusive, too. It demands that we hold those in power accountable and stand together to create a world where this behavior doesn’t exist, even in the shadows. This is huge! Not only for us now, but for the future of our kids as well.
Here are two lessons we can teach our kids to help support the movement!
1. Empathy towards others
Teaching understanding of other people’s feelings will help your child to have compassion. You can demonstrate this by teaching them to manage their emotions and also by showing them how to think from different perspectives. This is taking the English lesson of first, second and third person points of view, as well as the omniscient point of view, and applying them to thinking. We all naturally think in first person or “I”. You want to guide them to think from the other person’s view – the “you”. Next, help them examine the situation from the group perspective of third or “he and she”. Eventually, one can begin to see the non- judgmental, well-rounded view of omniscient; thinking from the overall point of view to get a sweeping perspective.
2. Breaking silence
Show your children that they always have someone to speak to. You may think they know this, but even saying it after an argument with them or reconfirming it randomly may inspire them to open up. When they do open up, remain supportive, even if it’s the smallest things. This allow the trust to build, so they know they can come to you with the larger things. While this may not prevent abuse or discrimination, it will allow you to help them get out of unhealthy situations and to heal.
Our children will inevitably make their own decisions, but we can keep this open conversation that will install an awareness. We can raise children who don’t believe their rights are more important than others. We can teach the next generation to be better than our past. #Timesup, mommas and we are going to be the ones that end it!
