We saw many people with children at Occupy Lansing this past weekend. Yes, kids were there. Some were in strollers. Others were being carried by a parent, papoose style. Older children walked around, but did not stray far from their parents. A few teenagers were present. Some college students chose to ignore the Saturday afternoon football game and actively participated.

Is that a good idea, bringing children to an organized protest? What for? To serve what end? 

Important reasons to take your child to a protest.

1.  Children in Lansing saw democracy in action. Their parents helped them experience firsthand how our government works. Many kids do not even see their parents vote or pen a letter to a congressman. This showed them that an effective democracy is a participatory democracy.

2.   “We the people” takes on new meaning when you are standing in a crowd of people who have assembled to bring attention to perceived grievances. “We are the government” is a feeling that comes through loud and clear at a demonstration. We are the government, aren’t we?

3.  The right to assemble peacefully was on display. Children could see visible models of how citizens stand up appropriately when they disagree with the direction taken by our elected officials.

4.  Children can learn to value dissent when they see it done respectfully. The adult models of dissent shown on TV,  with opposing participants interrupting and talking over one another,  is not a useful model if understanding and respecting one another is our goal.

5.  For children, the message of the occupation or any other protest is not who is right and who is wrong. It is that we all have a right to stand up and speak up for what we believe in this country. What a great learning that is. Unless of course,  you don’t want children to know they can stand up and speak up for what they believe.

6.  Your children will see an alternative model to sitting around and complaining. They will see people doing something, taking a stand, letting their voices speak their truth. “Somebody should . . .” doesn’t change things. Taking action might. We are all somebody.

7.  Children can learn that “we” is often more influential than “me.” Standing together gives us more power, gets more attention from the media, and helps us feel less alone. I might not be able to do it alone and maybe we can do it together. Coming together is better than separating, right?

8.  Diversity is on display. Your children will see young and old, white, black, Hispanic, Asian and others. Disabled people, workers, businessmen in suits, and even people wearing Detroit Tiger jackets are liable to be present. Your children will get some sense of what “melting pot” means and why diversity is a strength, not something to be feared. They will see that we are all one people.

9.  Your children will see passion and commitment, important attributes no matter what they choose to believe or value. Passion that is acted on has the power to bring immense change. That is something not often taught or learned in school.

10.  Your children will learn that you will always protect them and keep them safe. If you make their health and safety a top priority during this experience they will understand and appreciate your concern.  Keep them out of harm’s way by staying in the middle of the pack and center of the sidewalk. Leave if things threaten to get violent. Safety first.

11.  The experience will lead to conversations, discussions that give you an opportunity to share your beliefs, values and opinions.

Debriefing is the key, the missing link in most families today. We simply don’t invest time in debriefing. When taking children to a protest it is important to debrief before, during, and after the experience.

Before: Talk about what your children are likely to see. Let them know what to expect. Tell them why you are taking them. Ask them what they have heard about protests so far. Listen to their reactions. Create a plan for leaving if the event becomes unsafe.

During: Help your children make sense out of what is happening. Make sure they know what is going on. What do the protest signs say? What do they mean? What did the speaker just say?  Why are people signing that petition?  Invite questions. Listen to their concerns and reactions.

After: On the way home, ask questions and listen to answers. What surprised you? What did you see that indicated respect? Were there any scary parts for you? How could you summarize what you saw today in a few words so that it would fit on a sign? What did you learn or relearn? What lesson did you see here that you could put to use in your life? What do you feel passionate about?

Occupy with your children: is that a good idea?  Yes, if you want them to be exposed to the lessons above. Yes, if you want them to take their responsibility as a fully functioning citizen seriously. Yes, if you want them to use their personal and collective power to influence decision makers. Yes, if you want to teach your child about democracy and the rights and responsibilities that go with it.

By Chick Moorman and Thomas Haller