Let’s talk a bit about childism… Childism is such a common part of our society that challenging it often feels uncomfortable for people. Most people are quite comfortable with childism, as it’s how we grew up, it’s what we see on TV, it is just how you treat children. 100 years ago (or even less) this could be said about other marginalized and vulnerable groups. Childism is not simply treating a child “like a child.” It’s treating a child as “less-than” because they are a child. Saying that you are accepting and inclusive does not actually make you so. In a world where being dubbed as having any sort of bias can ruin one’s personal and professional life, it’s no wonder people’s egos are extremely defensive when faced with someone who is questioning the inclusiveness of their words and actions. The problem is, our fragile egos are getting in the way of growth. If we don’t own the fact that we ALL have biases, we become so defensive when one of our biases is questioned, because it cannot be the bias that is the problem, since, you are not bias, according to you. People will say “I am totally accepting of my child. We talk about feelings. I’m just not going to let him treat me with disrespect. What kind of person will he grow up to be?” Well if this is said in reference to a 3 year old getting mad because he can’t have a cookie, well than.... it is a childist view. If your partner wanted a cookie, would you feel disrespected when they were mad that there weren’t any cookies left? Or would you feel empathy? When we see a 3 yo’s behaviour as disrespectful we’re not taking into account their development but at the same time, expecting a higher level of respect and emotional regulation, with no returned empathy, than we do of an adult. @responsive_parenting #responsiveparenting #jmilburn #parenthood #childhood #childism #endchildism #holdingspace #compassion #bethechange #kindness #kids #emotions #knowledge #reflections #beyondego #motherhood #childrens #parentlife #truthbetold #truestory #trust #dadlife #fatherhood #momlife #kidlife #selfreflection https://www.instagram.com/p/CaGK0OyA5xf/?utm_medium=tumblr
