New blog about 5 reasons I took my 3 young children to the March for Science
On Saturday, April 22 — Earth Day — tens of thousands of demonstrators from across the globe came together to participate in the March for Science. My young family was among them.
When I heard of a possible march in the name of science a few months ago, I knew I wanted to attend. I chose to sit out the Women’s March back in January for numerous reasons and I still haven’t shaken my feelings of regret. I stand for feminism. I stand for equality. I stand for science and logic and facts. One way or another, the March for Science was happening for me. And my kids were coming along.
Here are 5 reasons I took my three young children to the March for Science:
1) Life lesson: Ideals are great to have, but actions speak louder than words. What kind of message am I sending to my children if I have all of these viewpoints — but never actually do anything about them? Marching for a cause is just one way to take action, of course. But it’s infinitely more productive than sitting around ranting about something on social media.
2) It affects them. Global warming is real and will have a real impact on my children and grandchildren. Ignoring the evidence won’t make the problem disappear. It’s our responsibility to protect and preserve Earth, its habitats and wildlife. Also, science research is crucial. Vaccines save lives. We. Need. Science. Our kids’ futures depend on it.
3) We didn’t have anyone to watch the kiddos that day anyway. OK, I confess. Originally, I had envisioned a kid-less march. But our usual (and only) babysitter, Grandma, had a prior engagement. Instead of letting that get in the way of attending, we embraced it, packed up the kiddos, and brought them along for the learning experience.
4) To get the conversation started about ways to help our Earth. Saturday was Earth Day, after all. Why do we recycle? Why is it bad to throw trash on the ground? What are ways we can help conserve energy at home? After the march, we hit up a science museum for kids, where they learned more about these topics and more.
5) To allow them to experience one way to exercise their civic responsibility. If they see something happening in government or policy they don’t like, they have the power to change it. Call representatives. Vote. Run for office. Volunteer. Donate. Stand up for a cause. Discuss issues using logic, facts, and respect for others. They can make a difference.
Of course, my husband and I weren’t the only parents who opted to bring children to the March for Science. There were plenty of other pint-sized protesters at event across the nation. Click through the slideshow below to see a few cuties from the march I attended in Ohio.
Images by Michelle Stein
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