We Are Raising The Resistance: Parenting, Homeschool & The Political Climate

The Reality of Raising the Resistance

In these wild and unpredictable times, parenting isn’t just about raising kids—it’s about raising the next generation of change-makers. If you’re here, chances are you’ve felt the same weight of responsibility. We are raising the resistance, whether we planned to or not. Every choice we make, from the way we educate our children to the way we engage in conversations, has a ripple effect on the future. And in today’s political climate, homeschooling is one of the boldest statements we can make.

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The Radical Act of Parenting

Parenting has always been a radical act, whether people realize it or not. By choosing to bring children into the world and raise them with intention, we are making a statement about the kind of future we want to see. We are not just raising children; we are shaping citizens, advocates, and thinkers. Every time we choose to educate them outside of traditional systems, every time we teach them critical thinking, and every time we encourage them to ask hard questions, we are resisting the status quo.

The world needs what we uniquely bring to the table as parents, and it needs the children we are raising. Whether or not we ever intended to step into this role, we are raising the resistance because we refuse to accept that this is the best the world can offer. We refuse to raise children who are indifferent, silent, or complicit. Instead, we are raising children who will demand better—better for themselves, for their communities, and for the future.

Homeschooling: A Political Act

Homeschooling is, at its core, a radical choice. It’s a decision to reject the one-size-fits-all model of education that has been in place for over a century. It’s a statement that says, “I can do this better for my children.” It’s an acknowledgment that traditional education systems are not meeting the needs of every child, and that we have the power to create something different.

For many of us, homeschooling wasn’t part of the original plan. I’m not an educator by trade, yet here I am, eight years into this journey, figuring it out as I go. And if you’re reading this, you’re likely on a similar path. Whether you’re homeschooling because of the political climate, because you want a secular education for your children, or because you simply believe in a more personalized approach, you are part of something bigger.

We are teaching our children more than just math and reading. We are teaching them how to be engaged citizens, how to think critically, and how to demand better from the world around them. We are showing them that learning doesn’t have to fit into a standardized box and that education is a lifelong pursuit. Homeschooling, in its very essence, is an act of resistance.

Wild Acceptance & Raising Free Thinkers

One of the most powerful things we can do as parents is to practice what I call wild acceptance. In our home, there is no topic too big, no question off-limits. We dive deep into conversations about the world, about identity, about the choices we all face. My children know that they are loved unconditionally, that their voices matter, and that their perspectives are valued.

This kind of parenting is not for the faint of heart. It means being willing to face difficult conversations head-on. It means acknowledging that our children will grow up to make their own choices—choices that may not always align with what we imagined. And it means accepting that the world is evolving, and that our job is not to mold our children into our own image but to empower them to become exactly who they are meant to be.

In raising children with wild acceptance, we are raising the resistance. We are raising a generation that will not be told who they have to be, who they have to love, or what they have to believe. We are raising children who will challenge outdated systems and demand progress. We are raising the next wave of change-makers, and we are doing it with intention.

Teaching Inclusivity & Social Justice

In our home, inclusion is not an afterthought—it is the foundation. We stress and practice equal rights, ensuring that our children understand the importance of fairness, empathy, and justice for all. We incorporate diverse perspectives into our lessons, highlighting voices that have been historically marginalized. Representation matters, and our children see that in the books we read, the discussions we have, and the way we move through the world.

Current events play a crucial role in our homeschooling. We don’t shy away from the hard topics. Instead, we use them as opportunities to educate, to inspire, and to encourage our children to think critically about the world they are inheriting. When we discuss issues like civil rights, climate change, and global conflicts, we frame them in ways that empower our children to believe in their ability to make a difference.

Protest Safety Tips

One of the key lessons we aim to teach our children is the importance of safety when participating in activism. If you’re planning to involve your kids in protests or demonstrations, here are some practical tips based on our experience that can make you feel more secure and prepared:

1. Know Contact Information: Make sure your kids have contact information for multiple adults on them at all times. A simple post-it note with this info, tucked safely in their pocket or bag, can be a lifesaver if something goes wrong.

2. Stay Hydrated & Energized: Always bring water and snacks for your kids. Protests can be long, and it’s important to keep energy levels up. As a mom, I can’t stress enough how essential this simple step is in maintaining your child’s well-being.

3. Designate Meeting Locations: Plan ahead. Pick two different meeting spots, about half a block away from the protest, in case you get separated. This way, you both have clear options for reuniting, and the kids feel more secure.

4. Have a Safety Plan: We always have a plan in place just in case things don’t go as expected. We know where we’re going, how we’re getting there, and what to do if we need to leave quickly. It’s important to remind kids that they can leave if they feel uncomfortable or unsafe at any time.

5. Health & Identification: Ensure that you carry essential documents like your health insurance card and identification on you. I always have mine ready, just in case we need to address any health or safety issues that arise during a protest.

6. Stay on the Edge: For peace of mind, we stay on the periphery of the crowd where it’s easier to observe and less chaotic. We also keep an eye out for police officers who are there to help, especially in crowded areas, and make sure the kids know where they are.

7. Check in Regularly: Make sure your kids feel comfortable throughout the event. Check in frequently on how they’re doing, how they feel about the surroundings, and whether they’re comfortable with the crowd. Feeling secure and aware of their environment is a priority.

8. No Signs for Us: For our safety, we chose not to carry signs. It just felt like an added layer of complexity, and we wanted to be ready to leave quickly if needed. Protests can escalate unexpectedly, and I want to ensure that we could walk away easily if we needed to.

9. Communicate with Loved Ones: I also sent pictures of what we were all wearing, told family where we were going, and provided regular updates throughout the day. This was an important step to ensure that other trusted adults knew where we were and what was happening.

By implementing these tips, we were able to stay safe and enjoy the experience. We didn’t get caught in the crowds, and the event went smoothly. It was important for me to show my kids that there’s power in being heard but also in being smart and safe while doing so.

The World Needs What We Offer

It’s easy to feel discouraged in today’s climate. The political landscape can feel overwhelming, and the news can be disheartening. But here’s the truth: we are here, right now, with the tools we have, doing exactly what we are meant to do. We are raising children who will shape the future, and that is no small thing.

After having my second daughter, I had the realization that the world will need the women I raise.

When we feel like the world is falling apart, we have to remember that change doesn’t happen overnight. It happens in the small, everyday moments. It happens when we teach our children to think for themselves. It happens when we refuse to accept a broken system as the only option. And it happens when we raise our voices, together, in resistance.

How to Continue the Resistance in Parenting and Homeschooling

If you’re wondering how to make an even greater impact, here are a few practical ways to raise the resistance in your own home:

• Encourage Critical Thinking: Teach your children how to ask questions, analyze information, and form their own opinions rather than just accepting what they’re told.
• Prioritize Representation: Make sure your homeschool materials and resources include diverse voices, perspectives, and histories that traditional curriculums often leave out.
• Engage in Difficult Conversations: Talk openly about social justice, equality, and human rights. Let your children see that these topics matter and that their voices can contribute to change.
• Model Advocacy: Show your children what it means to stand up for what is right. Whether it’s voting, protesting, or speaking out on important issues, let them see that action matters.
• Use Current Events as Teaching Tools: Discuss the news in an age-appropriate way, helping children understand the connections between history, politics, and their own lives.
• Foster a Love for Learning: The resistance isn’t just about fighting the system—it’s about building something better. Help your children develop a lifelong love of learning so they can create a future that aligns with their values.

Final Thoughts

We are raising the resistance, and that is something worth fighting for. As parents and homeschoolers, we have the unique opportunity to shape the next generation in a way that prioritizes critical thinking, empathy, and activism. Our children are watching, learning, and growing every day. And one day, they will take everything we’ve taught them and use it to make their mark on the world.

So let’s keep going. Let’s keep questioning, educating, and empowering. Because the future needs what we have to offer—and more importantly, it needs the incredible kids we are raising.