Do Something “BIG”…Raise Global Kids

We started the week remembering MLK, and ended the week with a new president, here in the U.S. I’m really not sure how to process everything, and I know there are a LOT of opinions regarding this, so I’m gonna hold my tongue on politics, but I will say this.

Hope is not lost.

I posted this quote from MLK earlier in the week on Facebook:

Hope says that we can still change things. Hope says “Hold on, THIS is not the end of the story.” Hope says “Wait, wait, there’s more coming…and it’s better than this.” Hope gives us the inspiration to keep on moving forward, to keep opening our eyes to how we can make the world a better place not just for ourselves, but for our children.

Does that sound cheesy enough for you?

I know it does! But it’s also true. While some of us can go to marches, create policy changes, lobby congress, and on and on, many of us are caught up in the day to day-ness of life. Raising kids, changing diapers, running carpool. We can’t do BIG things for social change…or can we?

Although I used to doubt it, I’ve come to believe that one of the most important and “BIGGEST” things we can do to bring about social change is to raise globally-minded children.

If we put forth the effort to be counter-cultural, to teach our children what is RIGHT–instead of what is prevalent–we will find that the future changes itself.

Raising global kids is not a “small” thing, it is THE thing, perhaps the BIGGEST thing that mothers (and fathers) can do to change the world. When we expose our kids to other cultures, expand their worldview through engaging books, educate them about equality and human rights, we will slowly but surely be changing the course of history. Now if that isn’t BIG, I don’t know what is.

In the midst of this week’s big events, I hope you are taking time to connect with your kids and show them them the HOPE found when we seek common ground, support one another, and learn to listen.

————–

If you’re looking for where to start with your kids, the Barefoot Book of Children is a beautiful way to open up conversation about different people and cultures around the world. We have to start somewhere, and books are about the easiest place to start.

To get more resources and stories about how I’m incorporating globally-minded living in my own life, sign up for my personal email list. Every few weeks you’ll get a note from me with some of the things I’m learning and loving. SIGN ME UP!