The Urgent Need to Advocate Forcefully for Our Children—and How to Do It

I recently had a conversation with a parent who shared a moment many of us can relate to. She described her child coming home from school clearly upset. There had been some tension with a friend, and while it might have seemed like “just another bad day” to some, she could sense that something deeper was brewing. What struck me most wasn’t the child’s frustration—kids, after all, have these moments—but the parent’s helplessness.

“It’s hard,” she admitted, “knowing how to stand up for them when the world feels too big or overwhelming.”

This conversation stuck with me because it reminded me of how much our children depend on us to be forceful advocates. And I don’t mean advocating by simply reacting when things go wrong. I mean actively stepping into their world, identifying their struggles before they fully understand them, and ensuring they feel supported every step.

Why Our Children Need Us to Be Their Advocates

Children navigate a world that often doesn’t make space for their voices. They’re still learning to express their emotions, needs, and boundaries. In that space of growth and uncertainty, they rely on us—parents, teachers, caregivers—to step in and speak for them when needed.

But advocating isn’t just about stepping in during a crisis. It’s about creating a foundation where they know we’re their allies and where they feel seen, heard, and understood. It’s about proactively ensuring they have the emotional tools to handle life’s challenges.

So, how do we ensure we’re showing up as the advocates they need?

1.     Prioritize Their Emotional Needs

Let’s start with something we all know but often overlook in the busyness of life: our children’s emotional well-being should be at the forefront. Getting caught up in their academic achievements, extracurriculars, or social successes is easy. Still, we have to ask ourselves, how are they really feeling? When a child’s emotional needs are unmet, it affects every other area of their life.

Be curious about their feelings. Ask open-ended questions like, “How did you feel about what happened at school today?” or “What’s been on your mind lately?” And then, truly listen. Sometimes, they’ll need more than words—your silent presence, hugs, or reassurance that whatever they feel is okay.

2.     Encourage Open Communication

Many parents tell me, “My child doesn’t talk to me about their feelings.” And that’s a shared experience! Children often struggle to express themselves, especially when it comes to complex emotions. However, creating a space where they feel comfortable sharing is vital to advocacy.

This starts with letting them know it’s safe to talk to you, no matter the topic. And even if they don’t open up right away, keep those lines of communication open. It’s about consistency. It could be as simple as sharing your feelings with them: “I felt really proud of how you handled that situation” or “I was feeling a little nervous today, too.”

By modelling healthy emotional expression, we teach them that talking about what’s on their mind is okay, even when it feels uncomfortable.

3.     Educate Yourself on Child Development

Children aren’t miniature adults; their brains, emotions, and behaviours constantly evolve. One of the best ways to advocate for them is by understanding where they are developmentally. When we educate ourselves on child psychology and development, we learn why they might act out, shut down, or seem fine one day and overwhelmed the next.

Understanding this helps us respond with empathy rather than frustration. It also allows us to communicate better with educators, doctors, and other professionals involved in our child’s life. When you know the developmental stages, you can better advocate for what your child needs at any given moment—whether it’s more time to process emotions, additional academic support, or simply a break.

Understanding where your child is developmentally can make a world of difference. Consider resources like The Multidisciplinary Handbook of Child and Adolescent Mental Health to deepen your knowledge. Additionally, interactive tools such as the GiniMini Jigsaw Puzzle help foster cognitive growth through play. At the same time, mindfulness journals encourage children to express their feelings and practice gratitude.

4.     Build Strong, Positive Relationships

An essential part of advocacy is trust. Children need to know that the people advocating for them genuinely have their best interests at heart. When children feel emotionally safe with adults, they are more likely to share their challenges and concerns.

Take time to bond with your child through shared activities. Whether reading together, playing games, or having a regular chat over dinner, these moments build the foundation for a positive relationship. And when your child feels that trust, they’ll know they can turn to you when they need help navigating their world.

5.     Stand Up Against Harmful Behaviors

Lastly, advocacy sometimes means stepping in when something isn’t right. Children may face bullying, unfair treatment, or emotional neglect in various areas of their lives—school, social groups, and even at home. They need us to be their voice, especially when they feel powerless or unheard.

If you notice signs of distress or recognize that your child is struggling with something more significant than they can handle, don’t hesitate to step in. This could mean addressing an issue with a teacher, confronting bullying, or seeking professional support. Your willingness to act shows your child that their well-being matters above all else.

In Conclusion

We often think of advocacy as something we do when things go wrong, but true advocacy is a lifelong practice. It’s about standing with our children through their highs and lows, ensuring they know we’re in their corner. When we forcefully advocate for our children—with empathy, education, and love—we help create a world where they feel safe, valued, and empowered to grow into their entire selves.

Let’s keep listening, learning, and showing up for them. They deserve nothing less.

For personalized support and guidance, click below or write to me at namita@educateable.in.

Let’s Connect

How do you advocate for your children or the kids in your life? I’d love to hear your thoughts or experiences in the comments!

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