Standing Up for Democracy: Lessons from Kids

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“To understand where you stand in own your life, you cannot remain seated.” – Christine E. Szymanski

I can rely on my kids to have a nose for what’s authentic. At 6 and 10 years old, they might not be able to tell me exactly why, but they can tell the difference between people who are phoning it in and others who are genuinely present.

At the end of the day this past Saturday, I asked them what they liked most about the day and what they could have done better. It’s part of our nighttime routine. Unless we are so tired that we’ve flipped our lids. That happens sometimes too.

They both answered that their favorite part when we went down to the little lake that is a five minute walk from our house and participated in a Stand Up For Democracy event. The organizers were trying to gather enough people to create a continuous loop of people to encircle the lake which is three miles in circumference.

What surprised me about the answer was they liked that even more than watching the Mariners down at the pub with our friend, Eric. Or playing with their friends, skateboarding, or building imaginary spaceships.

My kids can’t yet spell out the details of what makes a democracy, monarchy, or autocracy. But they can tell the good feeling of standing up for what matters and the sense of community that comes from people trying to quietly show their commitment. It’s authentic, it’s strong, and it feels better than worry.

I think they’ve got that right.

(featured photo is mine)

You can find me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wynneleon/ and Instagram @wynneleon

I host the How to Share podcast, a podcast about collaboration – sharing leads to success.

I also co-host the Sharing the Heart of the Matter podcast, an author, creator and storytelling podcast with the amazing Vicki Atkinson.

70 thoughts on “Standing Up for Democracy: Lessons from Kids”

  2. Thank you Wynne, for showing O & D what it means to stand up and speak out in ways that are meaningful and right for them. They are our hope for something better.

    Liked by 8 people

  3. I absolutely love this, wynne. a hands on real world active lesson they will internalize and never forget. bravo to them for being a part of this communal effort.

    Liked by 2 people

  5. This is great, Wynne! My parents used to take me to local townhalls and, without fully grasping what was going on, I still vividly remember how inspiring it was to hear neighbors speak up and be heard.

    Liked by 2 people

  6. I think the idea to create a continuous loop of people to encircle the lake is great. People from the Baltic States thirty-six years ago gathered all along the motorway, and the horizon looked like a sea of flags. They joined hands with more than two million people, without even the slightest thought that after fifteen minutes the history of the Baltic states and the world would change. So, such events can really mark history. Well done, Ms O and Mr D!

    Liked by 2 people

  8. “The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, and the lion and fatted calf together, and a little child shall lead them.” Isaiah 11:6.

    Liked by 2 people

  10. Whether that was their feeling because they felt the excitement and commitment of that sense of community or because they really understood the underlying message, Miss O and Mr D have excellent and reassuring instincts.

    Liked by 2 people

  11. Were that all our country’s State Representatives and Senators would join hands and stand around the Washington Monument reflection pool in prayer for our divided nation Wynne . . . Miis O and Mr. D for Congress! ☺️

    Liked by 3 people

  16. That’s so reassuring that your children felt the positive feelings of being involved in their community. Your photo reminded me of all the times I rode my bike around your lake while in college.

    Liked by 2 people

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  18. They also see that you are genuine, and not being performative. You’re leading from example. Had you been doing it for internet clout, I doubt they would have seen the event as they did, but instead as something to be exploited.

    Liked by 1 person

      1. Yep, they absolutely can, though they may not always point it out! 😉

        Like

  20. “At 6 and 10 years old, they might not be able to tell me exactly why, but they can tell the difference between people who are phoning it in and others who are genuinely present.” Every time you write about your kids, I keep thinking of the power of kids. Smarter than some adults. Ha, ha, just saying.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The power of kids – you are so right on about that, Brian! Yep, smarter than some adults. Reminds me of the quote from Kahlil Gibran, “Keep me away from the wisdom which does not cry, the philosophy which does not laugh and the greatness which does not bow before children.”

      Liked by 1 person

  26. Brilliant post, Wynne. Children may not be able to define democracy in words, but they most definitely know the difference between right and wrong. Witnessing a parent or someone else they respect setting an example is the greatest lesson, one they’ll never forget.

    Liked by 1 person

  27. Kids have the best BS filter and I just love that they chose this activity – a great activity – as the highlight of their day. In a way, it’s wonderful you’re in a more progressive and sane part of the US that still recognizes the importance of a democracy. May more people be like you and your kids in standing up for what’s right!

    Liked by 1 person

  33. “But they can tell the good feeling of standing up for what matters and the sense of community that comes from people trying to quietly show their commitment. It’s authentic, it’s strong, and it feels better than worry.”
    Nothing better than this, Wynne. ❤️

    Liked by 2 people

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