The Value of Teaching Children about Sabotage, Disruption, and Nonviolent Activism (Ages 3-9)
When it comes to teaching our children, we often focus on instilling values like compliance, conformity, and obedience. However, there's a growing recognition that nurturing young minds also involves fostering qualities like critical thinking, empathy, and the courage to stand up against injustice. In this blog post, we'll explore the idea that concepts like sabotage, disruption, and nonviolent activism can empower children to think for themselves and be agents of positive change in their communities.
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Breaking the Mold: Challenging "Yes Men" and "Good Girls"
The terms "Yes Men" and "Good Girls" are applied to those who have lost their autonomy in the search to be liked by others. Many parents worry that teaching their children about sabotage and disruption might encourage defiance or rebellion. However, it's important to recognize that encouraging independent thinking doesn't mean promoting disobedience. Instead, it fosters the ability to question, analyze, and make informed decisions. This quality is crucial for developing well-rounded individuals who can navigate a complex world with empathy and discernment. Passivity asks others for approval. It gives your power away by letting others make decisions for you. Teach your child how to be assertive!
Activity! Learn to Accept Criticism
Start by changing the immediate response (!! This is super hard!!) by noticing when you feel 'triggered' (upset, hurt, angry) about what you are hearing. Out loud say, "Okay, let me think about it for a second." Consider the statement and its relationship to you. If you find that you agree, even with some, consider stating the part you agree with and that you will work on that part. As for the part you disagree with, you can add or talk about it, or not - it depends on the situation and how you are feeling at the moment. You can try and talk about the topic again later, or let it go.
Activity! Learn to Disagree
Components of disagreement are the same with most conflicts (though the details differ). Add some disagreement tools to your toolbox
Activity! Fortunate/Un
With a partner practice telling a continuous story that oscillates between bad news and good news. One person tells the story and the other responds. This is an old storytelling style. Part of what makes this work is the response, so don't let the responder think their position is lesser in some way. If the storyteller faulters, start over switching position.
Using disruption/sabotage to fight injustice
Ninjaman uses the dark to fight against criminals, thus disrupting the very thing that usually protects criminal activity! As children, we often find ourselves in situations where we feel powerless. Whether it's dealing with bullies at school, facing peer pressure, or struggling with self-doubt, the world can seem like a daunting place. In these moments, it's crucial to teach children that they do have power—the power to make a difference by speaking out and taking a stand. Finding that ability inside of a child builds their confidence and shows them that one act of kindness can bring untold benefits, such as a new friend.
Activities! Let Go of Fear of the Dark -
Superheroes for All
Superheroes aren't just fighting for their own interests or for only one group of people; they stand up for the greater good, and those who have trouble standing up for themselves. This concept encourages children to think beyond themselves, recognize the importance of inclusivity, and work towards a fairer world. It challenges them to not just accept what they are being told, but to explore their own minds and what is happening around them - to decide for themselves if this is 'good enough.'
Activities! Acts of Activism
- Learn about and join the backpack collection for those in need.
- Super Cereal: collect and donate cereal to food banks (one of the most requested items).
- Celebrate a local Superhero.
Activity! Bet You Can Build It
Collect toothpicks (or straws) and marshmallows (or play dough) OR craft sticks and books (or blocks) OR toilet paper tubes and blocks (or books) and challenge a team (of two or more) to take turns building up a tower without it tipping over. (Alternative - go outside and use natural materials)
Nonviolent Activism as a Force for Good
Nonviolent activism, such as seed bombing abandoned lots, cleaning up polluted creeks, or creating art in unexpected places, demonstrates how individuals can protest injustice and bring about positive change without resorting to violence. These activities teach children the power of collective action, community involvement, and environmental stewardship.
Activity! Seed Bomb
2 parts powdered clay + 2 parts potting mix + 1 part seeds of your choice + Enough water to make it stick together
Activity! Printing
Create your activism stencils and start Printing!
Activity! On Homemade Paper
Make it as a gift or make it to for your own use, a great way to spend a rainy day. Paper Making
Activity! Zines
Zines have a long history of being part of the independent press - free to distribute and publish. Start making your own!
Zine Making
The Arts as a Tool for Social Change
Art has always been a medium for challenging norms, sparking conversations, and addressing social issues. By exposing children to artistic expressions that disrupt the norm, parents can help them appreciate the role of art in promoting empathy, tolerance, and understanding. Art encourages children to think critically about the world around them and inspires them to contribute positively to society. It is also an outlet for emotional and self-expression.
Activity! ART ISN'T EXTRA
Talk to your school and ask what needs to happen to keep the arts going or if it is not possible, start your own after school arts program. Talk to your local library and museums and see if any one is interested in collaborating with supplies and volunteers.
Activity! Art Bus
Consider spending the summer creating an artbus
Activity! Toys of Change
Download, print, put in the information and mail to your favorite toy company! > Download Toy Company Template Letter PDF
Activities!
- Murals - Get Permission
- Flash Mob - Dancing can be a pre-skill to martial arts
- Learn to play guitar and song-writing
- Open Mike - let go of the ego and embrace the performative aspects of life
from 50 Dangerous Things
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Examples!
- Animal Shelters ( most 6+)
- Hospitals (14+)
- Care homes (may need waiver)
- Food Co-op (some 8+)
- Bike Co-op (most 8+)
- Community Centers (may need waiver)
- Zoos (most 14+)
- Nonprofit of your choice (Like Habitat for Humanity 5+)
Reading List
