When something tragic happens, we often look to those around us — whether it’s people we know in real life, people we listen to on the news or people we follow on social media — to help us process and understand what’s going on. 

And there’s a phrase I’ve seen pop up over and over again among influencers (specifically white people on social media who consider themselves parenting experts) that makes me want to lose my mind.

“What you need to be doing right now is loving your children.”

Don’t get me wrong: Loving your family is and always will be important. But when they say that, are they encouraging you to do anything differently than what you are already doing? To change anything? To take action to make the world a better place?

If your favorite parenting expert is telling you to do nothing and you believe them, you’re selling yourself short. 

What I want to help you see through this episode is loving your family and activism go hand in hand. You have so much power to model what it means to be an activist, to teach your children to make a difference and to invite them to take action right along with you — all of which is one of the best things you can do for these little humans that you love so dearly.

 

Diverse Book Challenge

It’s National Reading Month, and we want to help you celebrate!

For years, National Reading Month and Read Across America Day has been celebrated on or near March 2, which is Dr. Seuss’ birthday. The day has served not only as a time to encourage children to read, but as a day to honor and revere Dr. Seuss — which, because of his racist work and attitudes, is inappropriate.

The sentiment behind this celebration — fostering a love of reading in children and emphasizing resources available to help facilitate that — has always been and will always be important, but it is time to pivot in how we celebrate this holiday.

First Name Basis is here to help. We’ve compiled resources to help you and your kiddos celebrate reading with an emphasis on authors and books that encourage inclusivity and highlight diversity. 

Trust me, this is a resource you’re going to want!

Click here to get the resources sent straight to your inbox.

 

Ally Elementary

Ally Elementary registration opens up again on March 29, and we’re also excited to announce that we will be launching our new program, Ally Elementary Jr., for kids in preschool through second grade at the same time.

To join our waitlist and be notified when registration is open, visit firstnamebasis.org/waitlist.

 

Articles, Studies & Podcasts Referenced in the Episode

First Name Basis Podcast, Season 3, Episode 20: “5 Tips for Talking to Children About News”

First Name Basis Podcast, Season 2, Episode 6: “The Untold Story of Dr. Seuss”

First Name Basis Podcast Season 2, Episode 5: “A Conversation With My Dad About Black History Month” with my dad Ken Clarke

First Name Basis Podcast, Season 2, Episode 26: “My Working Mom: Chasing Her Dreams” with my mom Dr. Leslie Telfer

First Name Basis Podcast, Season 3, Episode 17: “Ask Dr. Leslie Telfer (aka my mom)”

First Name Basis Podcast, Season 3, Episode 15: “A Survival Guide for Women in Male-dominated Fields” with my sister, Nina Clarke-Telfer

First Name Basis Podcast, Season 3, Episode 21: “How to Teach Media Literacy to Our Children”

“How to Raise a Reader” by Pamela Paul and Maria Russo of The New York Times

“Role Model the Behavior You Want to See From Your Kids” by Amy Morin

Support Ukrainian People With Disabilities in Crisis

Comprehensive List of Various Resources for Supporting Ukraine and for Ukrainians Fleeing During the Crisis

Lost and Found Club

 

Song Credit: “Sleeper” by Steve Adams” and “Dive Down” by VYEN