So true! At both ends of life - little ones and the elderly - we do this. And the parallel with animals is very apt. Very sort of tangent but not, I think of this with how people think babies and animals can’t feel pain the way adults feel pain etc. so we perform medical interventions on babies without anaesthetic or sedation in a way we never would on adults. There are parallels right? No voice, no pain, no way to consent.
I love this! So positive and affirming. A group of us have been doing local environmental action for some years, always involving children. Your article expresses so well the wider effects of this.
So grateful you include tamariki. It’s my bugbear that so many activism groups aren’t inclusive! I really struggle to find volunteer opportunities for my kids even though they desperately want to volunteer!
Tremendous, Emily! I love this so much! I’ve said many times your kids are going to change the world - but they already are!
Thank you Lou!
So good, Emily. So good.
I have been astounded by what my kids want to know and are capable of knowing (age appropriate).
We infantilise them like we do animals - both are capable of much more than we often give credit.
Also - neither should be talked to in a baby voice. Irritating AF. Lol.
So true! At both ends of life - little ones and the elderly - we do this. And the parallel with animals is very apt. Very sort of tangent but not, I think of this with how people think babies and animals can’t feel pain the way adults feel pain etc. so we perform medical interventions on babies without anaesthetic or sedation in a way we never would on adults. There are parallels right? No voice, no pain, no way to consent.
100%!!! And so well articulated, thanks. Kids are not the sum of 'what they'll grow up to be'. They are the here and now.
Yes!
I love this! So positive and affirming. A group of us have been doing local environmental action for some years, always involving children. Your article expresses so well the wider effects of this.
So grateful you include tamariki. It’s my bugbear that so many activism groups aren’t inclusive! I really struggle to find volunteer opportunities for my kids even though they desperately want to volunteer!