6 Tips for Protests, Marches, and Your Kids

Days ahead of what may be a very large turn out at the March for Women in DC and other parts of the country many parents are considering bringing their children along with them. Here are some tips to help with assessing safety and to spark strategic planning for your family. Protesting and marching are a normal and vital part of a democracy. Our philosophy as parents is to engage and educate our children about the political process at a level they can understand. Our own children have participated in peaceful daytime protests and I believe it has made a positive impression on them. If you don't already have a methodology of deciding whether or not to take your child to a march, please consider these 6 important points.

1. Research the Group

Please make sure to do your background work on the group sponsoring the march or protest. Ideology is important because it sets a framework for protest style, for example some protests at inception are more peaceful and law abiding whereas others are more anti-establishment and fueled by resistance. You need to be aware of the potential atmosphere you and your child will be in. That may be vital in deciding whether it is safe to participate with your child. As we know even a peaceful protest can evolve into a violent stand off, so please always be alert. We have sadly all seen news footage of protest violence.

2. Find out the Purpose

Why is this march happening? What is the aim of this march? Is it to raise awareness of an issue, will it culminate in speakers and a program of awareness? Is it sanctioned by the local government with police escort? Or is the march in itself an act of protest? Some marches are meant purposefully to disrupt the function of a city, block roads in order to make a statement, interrupt commerce at a place of business. Recognize that the latter may result in police activity against the protestors, which is not a safe environment for a child.

3. Consider the Time

Late evening marches are more likely to be emotionally volatile. There may be a greater potential for standoff with local law enforcement as they aim to enact a curfew or end to the demonstration. This too may not be ideal for a child as again there is the potential for conflict. If you are participating in a late starting protest/march, consider leaving the event early. If you must attend perhaps walk on the outskirts of the group to quickly remove your child and yourself from any harm. Strongly consider not attending if safety is on any level a concern.

4. Think about Distance and Your Child's Age

Depending on the march or protest, there could be considerable distance to walk or long periods of standing. Consider a stroller or comfortable carrier, bring snacks, and other entertainment. Be aware that depending on the mood of the protest, if angry, or oppositional there may be foul language that your child could be exposed to.

5. Remember to Prep and Debrief

Even the most civil protest in the best of circumstances will raise questions of justice, morality, and "good and bad" for your child. They will need to know on their level what does this all mean? Try and be as concrete as you can possibly be, particularly with school aged children. Also never forget even when you are in despair or angry, to instill hope in your child. Adults can tolerate and process the normal cycle of politics, children can not. They are all or none, in their world there is only good and evil. Help them to process any uncertainty raised by what they heard or witnessed.

6. Establish a Separation Plan

Anywhere there is a large crowd including a march this should go without saying. Please designate an area in advance where you will meet should you get separated. Also determine how you will contact each other, and discuss who will be the emergency contact.

There are many other things to consider but this will get the conversation started. If these simple 6 points can not be addressed safely, then leave your child at home. The best thing about our country is our democracy. Whatever your political affiliation, we have the right to express ourselves in this nation. I have read so many stories in other countries where the political process is tainted with bloodshed. Teaching our children about active democracy is a wonderful thing, in a safe setting.

Be blessed

--The Mommy Doc