How to Raise a Feminist: A Guide for Parents, Grandparents, and Teachers

As a parent, guardian, or mentor, you play a crucial role in shaping the values and beliefs of the young people in your life. And if you're here, it's likely that you want to raise a child who not only believes in gender equality but actively works towards achieving it.

Raising a feminist child involves creating a safe and inclusive environment that allows them to grow into confident, empathetic, and empowered individuals. It requires challenging traditional gender roles and stereotypes, promoting intersectionality, and encouraging critical thinking. And while it may seem daunting, it's important to remember that anyone can be a feminist and raise a feminist.

Whether you're a parent, grandparent, teacher, or simply someone who cares about the next generation, I hope you'll find these strategies helpful in teaching feminist values to the children in your life.

How to Raise a Feminist:

Start young: Children start developing their sense of gender and identity from a very young age. It is important to start teaching them about gender equality and the importance of respecting all genders from when they’re very little. Use age-appropriate language and resources to explain these concepts to your child. 

Encourage critical thinking: Encourage your child to question societal norms and stereotypes about gender. Teach them that just because something is considered “normal” or “traditional” doesn’t mean it is right or fair. Help them understand that individuals should not be limited by societal expectations and to think critically about media messages, advertising, and popular culture that reinforce gender stereotypes. 

Model equality: Children learn from what they see around them. Model equality in your own behaviour and relationships. This means treating all people with respect and fairness. Share household chores and responsibilities equally with your partner, and ensure your children's chores and responsibilities are divided equally.

Celebrate diversity: Teach your child about the many different types of families, relationships, and gender identities that exist in the world. Celebrate diversity and encourage your child to respect and appreciate differences. Expose them to diverse books, movies, and media that represent a wide range of identities and perspectives.

Teach consent: Teach your child about the importance of consent in all relationships. This means teaching them that it is never okay to touch someone without their permission, and that they have the right to say no to any physical contact that makes them uncomfortable. Encourage them to communicate their own boundaries clearly and respectfully, and to listen to and respect the boundaries of others.

Encourage emotional intelligence: Encourage your child to develop emotional intelligence and empathy for others. Teach them to recognize and name their own emotions, and to empathize with those who are going through a rough time. Encourage them to express and cope with their emotions in healthy ways, and to listen to and support others who are expressing their own emotions.

Teach advocacy: Teach your child to stand up for themselves and others. This means showing them how to recognize and speak out against sexism, discrimination, and unfairness in all its forms. Encourage them to use their voices and actions to make a positive difference in the world, and to work towards a more just and equal society.

Provide positive role models: Provide your child with positive role models who exemplify feminist values. This could be family members, friends, teachers, or public figures who are committed to gender equality and social justice. Encourage your child to learn from and be inspired by these role models.

Provide inclusive education: Educate your child about the history of feminism and the struggles faced by women and gender minorities in the past and present. Teach them about intersectionality and how race, class, and other identities intersect with gender.

Encourage autonomy and self-confidence: Encourage your child to make their own choices, and to be confident in their decisions. Help them understand that all genders have the right to express themselves and pursue their interests and goals.

Foster open communication: Create a safe and open environment for your child to discuss gender-related issues and to ask questions. Encourage them to share their thoughts and experiences, and validate their feelings and opinions.

Practice self-reflection: Finally, it’s important to practice self-reflection as a parent. Reflect on your own biases and assumptions about gender, and be open to learning and growth. Recognize that raising a feminist child is an ongoing process that requires continuous learning, reflection, and action.

Raising a feminist child is about much more than just teaching them about gender equality. It's about fostering empathy, critical thinking, and a sense of justice. And it's about creating a safe and inclusive environment where children can learn and grow without the limitations of gender roles and stereotypes. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about how to teach your kids feminist values. I'm so glad we're working together to raise feminist children who will lead with empathy and compassion, who will continue to challenge the status quo, and who will fight for a more just and equitable world.