In today’s world, one of the most powerful messages we’re sending to children is the importance of empowerment. We encourage them to speak up, express their opinions, and engage in discussions that allow them to understand and embrace diversity. However, what happens when this message falls short for the adults who are guiding them?
It’s a curious irony. While we tell children that it’s okay to voice their concerns and explore new ideas, we, as adults, sometimes shy away from discussions that might challenge our comfort zones. This creates a paradox where children are empowered to navigate the world but often watch the adults around them avoid or shut down difficult conversations.
The question is: why aren’t we, as open to dialogue as we expect children to be? If we want to foster a society that’s truly inclusive, shouldn’t we be encouraging the same respectful, open dialogue among ourselves that we hope to see in the next generation?
The reality is that while we push to empower children, we often forget that adults need empowerment too. When we look at issues like LGBTQ+ inclusivity, gender identity, and cultural diversity, many schools and policymakers focus heavily on teaching these topics. But what about the adults who may have concerns or questions? Shouldn’t we be creating an environment where we can discuss these topics without fear of judgment?
Just as we encourage children to express themselves and be true to who they are, we need to lead by example. It’s not enough to tell children that they should be open to hearing different perspectives if we are unwilling to do the same.
When we talk about respecting diversity, we must also model it. If we want children to embrace the idea of gender inclusivity or LGBTQ+ rights, we need to show them that different views can exist side by side. It’s not about pushing one agenda but about respecting and valuing diverse opinions. Children need to see that they can disagree respectfully, even on the most sensitive of issues, and that disagreement doesn’t have to lead to hostility or division.
While the information for LGBTQ+ inclusivity and gender equality is arguably helpful, we must also be mindful of how these issues are introduced into the education system. It’s vital to make sure that these changes come with proper context and discussion. We can’t simply impose new policies without allowing space for reflection and engagement with families and communities.
Empowering children begins with empowering adults. We must be willing to engage in difficult conversations and model the values we want children to adopt. This means giving everyone the opportunity to speak up, voice concerns, and engage in respectful dialogue.
True empowerment is not just about knowledge or information; it’s about creating an environment where both children and adults are free to express themselves and grow without fear of judgment or reprisal. If we want to build a future that embraces diversity and inclusivity, it starts with us — the adults — being open to discussion, understanding, and mutual respect.
Let’s not forget that empowerment is a two-way street. When we empower adults, we empower children too.
