KK

Social Justice Parenting

Apr 3, 2014

AN
Stage· 266 messages
Apr 3, 2014

You fought to change the world. Then you settled down, became a parent, and obviously set aside that part of your life. Right? Maybe not...nnWhat if you could be an activist parent? Author, progressive parenting guru and life-long world changer Avital Norman is back with me to discuss incorporating social justice into your life as a parent & raising activism conscious kids!

KK

Katie Klabusich · 12:30 AM

Hi, everyone! Thanks for coming to “Social Justice Parenting" with the fantastic Avital Norman Nathman!
KK

Katie Klabusich · 12:30 AM

Real quick, if you’re new to Tawkers, Avital and I will be chatting on the left. And if you’re signed in (it only takes two minutes to set up a profile!), you can add comments/questions on the right. Interrupt any time with questions!
KK

Katie Klabusich · 12:31 AM

Avital and I can spotlight comments to toss them into our conversation for everyone to see, so be sure to “thumbs-up” anything you want us to respond to! (That also makes it easier for us to see them.)
AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 12:31 AM

Hi Katie - thanks so much for having me! Hi everyone!
KK

Katie Klabusich · 12:31 AM

Hooray! And if comments aren't loading, just refresh your browser. We're still new around here, so sometimes the website likes the extra attention. ;)
KK

Katie Klabusich · 12:32 AM

And click those share buttons (the arrows) to let folks on FB/twitter know you’re here so they can join us! If you’re “reading” it only takes 30 sec to set up a profile to be part of the convo!
KK

Katie Klabusich · 12:32 AM

With that…Thank you so much, Avital, for joining me again at Tawkers as my go-to parenting guru!
AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 12:32 AM

Anytime! Happy to be here :)
KK

Katie Klabusich · 12:33 AM

So, Avital and I were chatting the other day about how she didn't hang up her activist hat when she became a parent about a decade ago. And I think that's AWESOME.
AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 12:33 AM

Imagine that - parents don't lose their identities when they have kids!
KK

Katie Klabusich · 12:33 AM

Unreal. I had no idea. ;)
KK

Katie Klabusich · 12:34 AM

btw the two pieces I’m pulling from are — http://ow.ly/vlDnq & http://ow.ly/vlDqo — and Avital’s blog The MamaFesto — http://themamafesto.wordpress.com — is a must-read!
AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 12:34 AM

Thanks, Katie!
KK

Katie Klabusich · 12:34 AM

We were talking about parenting + activism because you bowl for abortion funds and your son comes with. Do people flip out??
AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 12:35 AM

Yes and no. Those who know me/us well aren't fazed by it (hell, even *my* mom donated to our abortion bowl-a-thon fundraising team!)
AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 12:35 AM

But I have gotten some pushback/outrage from those who read my writing for sure.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 12:36 AM

Nice! Hooray, mom!
KK

Katie Klabusich · 12:36 AM

What are most people concerned about?
KK

Katie Klabusich · 12:37 AM

(If you're commenting and it isn't posting, send me a tweet -- I just messaged the admins; otherwise, just refresh your browser. ;) )
AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 12:37 AM

I get a lot of outrage that I'm involving a child in anything having to do with abortion (as if people will be getting abortions alongside our bowing lane). And then there's the usual commentary:
AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 12:38 AM

"Your son sure is lucky you were in a good mood the day you found out you were pregnant and didn't abort him"
AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 12:38 AM

or "where's his father?!"
KK

Katie Klabusich · 12:38 AM

<gasp> abortion!
KK

Katie Klabusich · 12:38 AM

Well, that's nice.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 12:38 AM

"where's his father?" Seriously.
AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 12:39 AM

There's also a lot of "concern" for how my son will turn out.
AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 12:39 AM

My answer to that is usually "bowling alongside us!"
KK

Katie Klabusich · 12:39 AM

I assume that's because you sat him down and explained the intricacies of every issue you involve him in when he was a toddler. o.O
AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 12:40 AM

And that's the other thing. They think that because he's there bowling with us he knows the nitty gritty of what abortions entail
AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 12:40 AM

and the thing is - and I think this is one of the larger important takeaways - is that there is always an age appropriate way to talk to your child about any situation/circumstance
AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 12:40 AM

It might not be easy, but it's possible.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 12:41 AM

Absolutely.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 12:41 AM

How did you explain what you were bowling for the first time you took him?
KK

Katie Klabusich · 12:41 AM

★ Spotlighted from lydia nelson

“Something I'm always concerned about is taking my kids to events. So far so good. But I don't want people to target them. How do you balance introducing them to these things while also protecting them?”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 12:42 AM

Hooray! There we go. ;)
AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 12:42 AM

This was our 3rd year, so he was 4 when we started. The 1st year I told him we were bowling to help raise money for people who needed to go to a doctor but couldn't afford it. He understood that. And that's what we were doing in a nutshell.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 12:42 AM

That's a GREAT question. How do you bring your kids with to teach them, but keep them from being targets?
AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 12:43 AM

Now he knows abortion means ending a pregnancy for various reasons, and so the baby isn't born. If you can make it simple they understand. Our philosophy is to answer honestly and with enough info to answer the question without going overboard.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 12:43 AM

That's great. If you give information, kids are pretty satisfied. they know when you're being genuine.
AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 12:44 AM

Lydia - that's always a tough one! I'm fortunate enough to live in a super progressive area that we'd never have to fear people targeting us in that way. But the concern is in the back of my mind.
AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 12:44 AM

I definitely believe in safety first. If there's a chance my son could be in danger or have mena things shouted at him, etc... (and that it would upset him) then we woudln't do that particular event.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 12:44 AM

I'm so used to seeing kids on the "opposing" side as a clinic escort, that I hadn't thought about progressive parents and their kids. But I can imagine the yelling and comments...
KK

Katie Klabusich · 12:45 AM

Right, bowling = pretty safe.
AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 12:45 AM

It's also good to prepare them. Let them know that not all adults agree with XYZ and they might shout mean and hurtful things.
AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 12:45 AM

It's a great way to introduce/talk about compassion and kindness for sure
KK

Katie Klabusich · 12:46 AM

That sounds like a good life lesson beyond being involved in social justice.
AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 12:46 AM

Exactly. I mean, abortion/reproductive rights is just one of the more "extreme" types of social justice work that you can involve your kids in
KK

Katie Klabusich · 12:46 AM

Have you found that your son asks questions about the people who disagree?
AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 12:47 AM

there's a world of other things that are just as important - from local/national election work to environmental issues, etc...
AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 12:47 AM

Oh sure. He's a curious kid. I get a lot of "but why?" and sometimes, even I can't answer those.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 12:47 AM

What do you say when you don't have the answer?
AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 12:48 AM

I'm honest. A "I'm not sure." or an "I don't know" can go a long way. I can offer suggestions or theories.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 12:48 AM

For sure.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 12:49 AM

★ Spotlighted from lydia nelson

“A question from my sister- How can you foster your kid's own beliefs while also sharing your beliefs and passion for these topics. She wants to be sure she's not pushing her beliefs onto her children.”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 12:49 AM

Spectacular question!
AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 12:50 AM

Totally. And I have to say that kids are pretty great about letting you know their thoughts. It's important to listen and provide space to really hear them and not talk over them.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 12:50 AM

Great point. I need you all to have many kids. lol
KK

Katie Klabusich · 12:50 AM

(Only if you want to; I mean, I'm not having any. Just sayin.)
AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 12:50 AM

Kids are opinionated, and while they may be guided by our actions/opinions, we need to give them credit for taking all theinformation we give them and creating their own thoughts too. And we have to be ready to give them space and honor those
AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 12:50 AM

even if they contrast our own
KK

Katie Klabusich · 12:51 AM

That's an amazing way to put it. Has your son expressed a divergent viewpoint along the way somewhere?
KK

Katie Klabusich · 12:51 AM

I know he's still young, but he's super active and social. Certainly he has his own thoughts!
AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 12:51 AM

I'll share this blog post I wrote back in 2012: http://themamafesto.wordpress.com/2012/10/12/getting-out-the-vote/
AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 12:52 AM

About the Presidential election and how I got a note from my son's teacher about his stumping for Obama ;)
KK

Katie Klabusich · 12:53 AM

Ha! I can see it.
AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 12:53 AM

Katie - not really. He's more concerned with Legos and Ninja Turtles at the moment ;)
KK

Katie Klabusich · 12:53 AM

As he should be.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 12:53 AM

Does he have thoughts on the upcoming Nina Turtle movie? ;)
KK

Katie Klabusich · 12:53 AM

<nervous>
AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 12:53 AM

Ha! He probably won't watch that. The revamped cartoon is just violent enough as it is
KK

Katie Klabusich · 12:53 AM

★ Spotlighted from lydia nelson

“Does your answer change for little kids? we have 3 and 4 year olds. When is a good age to bring kids to events?”

AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 12:54 AM

Oh! That's one thing we diagree on - guns & violence. He'd totally be a card carrying member of the NRA if they let in 7yr olds with stick guns! ;)
KK

Katie Klabusich · 12:54 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lynne Schmidt

“Yay! I'm here, I'm here! I'm slow but I'm here!”

AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 12:54 AM

Young is great imo. If it's a rally they usually just think of it as a big party
KK

Katie Klabusich · 12:55 AM

Haha....there's no late around here. Always welcome to jump in. Lydia asked some stellar questions. We're talking age appropriate events for kids.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 12:55 AM

★ Spotlighted from Heather Parker

“Just joined - thanks for hosting, both. :)”

AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 12:55 AM

I used to strap my son on my back and would take him with me while polling for Planned Parenthood outside voting spaces when he was 2
KK

Katie Klabusich · 12:55 AM

I LOVE that image.
AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 12:55 AM

Hi Heather & Lynne! So glad you both could make it
KK

Katie Klabusich · 12:55 AM

Those had to be some great comments... o.O
KK

Katie Klabusich · 12:56 AM

(Heather must be exhausted from navigating people into the ACA on the last couple days, so extra thanks for coming!)
AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 12:56 AM

Even better was when I would staff tables for Planned Parenthood at local street fairs while nursing my kid. You know, while I handed out condoms and pamphlets on STI's
KK

Katie Klabusich · 12:56 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lynne Schmidt

“How do you define "age appropriate terms"?”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 12:56 AM

I'm going to add on by asking if there are resources (other than your blog, obvi) that people can use for guidance.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 12:57 AM

★ Spotlighted from Heather Parker

“Avital - that.is.awesome!”

AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 12:57 AM

Great question Lynne - I think that's totally dependent on your kid & his/her maturity. For instance, my son could tell you how a baby was made at 3 years old
KK

Katie Klabusich · 12:57 AM

Wow!
AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 12:57 AM

because he asked and i knew he wouldn't be "freaked out" by appropriate answers.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 12:57 AM

And I never wanted to know. lol
AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 12:57 AM

But I knew 4 was too young to explain abortion. But at 7 he better understands it
AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 12:58 AM

Resources for talking to your kids?
KK

Katie Klabusich · 12:58 AM

yeah.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 12:58 AM

I was thinking my parents had Focus on the Family & Dr. Spock lying around...there must be other go-tow.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 12:58 AM

**go-to's
KK

Katie Klabusich · 12:59 AM

★ Spotlighted from Heather Parker

“I just checked out PP's page abt talking to your kids abt sex and sexuality”

AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 12:59 AM

I would suggest start by looking for kid books that delve into social justice
AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 12:59 AM

Kids can learn so much through reading/being read to.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 12:59 AM

★ Spotlighted from Heather Parker

“it has some generally good things, but it needs some tweaking to be more LGB and especially T and Q friendly, I think.”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 12:59 AM

★ Spotlighted from Heather Parker

“http://www.plannedparenthood.org/parents/talking-kids-about-sex-sexuality-37962.htm”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 12:59 AM

Starting broad, good call.
AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 1:00 AM

Yes, love Planned Parenthood's resources for teens & Parents. Scarleteen as well!
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:00 AM

★ Spotlighted from Heather Parker

“Agree, Avital - totally agree.”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:00 AM

If you get a base for discussing the issues in general, specifics would probably evolve naturally.
AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 1:00 AM

Yeah. Also, having NPR on in the house is always a conversation starter ;)
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:00 AM

★ Spotlighted from Heather Parker

“W00t! Scarleteen is AWESOME!”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:00 AM

Ha! Nice. NPR -- good for so many things.
AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 1:01 AM

Exactly. I think having an "open door" policy when it comes to discussing anything is key. Setting groundwork for feeling comfortable to ask questions & challenge things is really important.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:01 AM

★ Spotlighted from lydia nelson

“Hey, I'm an Our Whole Lives teacher and we talk about a lot of these issues in an age appropriate manner if anyone wants any resources”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:01 AM

★ Spotlighted from lydia nelson

“scarleteen is the best! Kidshealth is a great resource too”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:01 AM

And kids totally know if that's real or bullshit.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:01 AM

In my house "you can tell me anything" was met with my side eye. But when you're real with your kids, they totally know.
AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 1:01 AM

I also think a big part of social justice activism & kids is allowing them to realize their place/space within the world and talking about that
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:02 AM

★ Spotlighted from Heather Parker

“Katie, I think that might be where I first started practicing my "righteous white girl side-eye" ;)”

AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 1:02 AM

One huge thing I love about my son's school (and we picked it in part b/c of this) is that they focus on social justice as part of their everyday curriculum
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:02 AM

For the folks who jumped on in progress, here's the quote from Avital that made me want to do this tawk (as tho I needed an excuse to chat with her):
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:02 AM

""My son has attended various social justice events with me including rallies, benefit concerts and more. With each event I take the time to explain what I’m doing in age-appropriate terms...." (1/2)
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:02 AM

I find that including my son in these activities has helped not only broaden his understanding of the world at large, but has strengthened his understanding of compassion, kindness, and personal responsibility."
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:03 AM

I just love that. It's about more than just the individual issues. It's holistic approach. <3
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:03 AM

★ Spotlighted from Heather Parker

“Avital - was that something you looked for in a school? Or was it something you noticed when you did a tour? Or did you just luck out?”

AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 1:03 AM

And that last part of it is key for me. It's not necessarily about him championing abortion funding or protesting oil drilling, etc... it's about helping him realize his place in the world and what he is capable of in terms of helping to change it
AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 1:03 AM

Totally, Katie!
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:04 AM

★ Spotlighted from Kim Elliott

“For general campaigns, dosomething.org is great site. My daughter started a Teens For Jeans project in 7th grade that she still runs through them.”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:04 AM

Hi, Kim!
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:04 AM

★ Spotlighted from Kim Elliott

“hi”

AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 1:04 AM

Heather - he goes to a Jewish day school with a rather progressive curriculum (they've just added a space for a farm for outdoor classes!) and social justice is just a huge part of that.
AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 1:04 AM

Hi Kim. That sounds great!
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:04 AM

★ Spotlighted from Heather Parker

“YAY - now both Kim AND Lynne are here :) ::happy heather is happy::”

AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 1:04 AM

Dosomething.org is a great resource as well!
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:04 AM

★ Spotlighted from Heather Parker

“Nice, Avital. :)”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:05 AM

I love doing things! lol
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:05 AM

★ Spotlighted from Kim Elliott

“don't we all ;)”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:05 AM

★ Spotlighted from Heather Parker

“Kim's daughter is kind of social justice badass, forthose of you who don't know her.”

AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 1:05 AM

Heather - one cool thing they do is on their birthdays, they make "birthday boxes" for the local shelter that includes cake mix, frosting candles, and other goodies to help somebody else celebrate their own birthday. It's those little things about
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:05 AM

OMG that's amazing.
AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 1:05 AM

realizing teh world outside your own that i appreciate
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:06 AM

★ Spotlighted from Heather Parker

“Awwww ::melts:: That is so amazingly awesome!”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:06 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lynne Schmidt

“Just so we're clear here, Lynne is still very confused about this Tawk thing... #Overwhelmed”

AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 1:06 AM

It's fast moving!
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:06 AM

Lynne, you're fine. It's like twitter -- nine conversations all in a small space. lol
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:06 AM

★ Spotlighted from Heather Parker

“Just....tawk, Lynne. ;) It's like your weekly abortionchats :)”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:07 AM

Avital -- did you find initially that you brought your son b/c you wanted him to be involved, or b/c YOU wanted to still be involved and so, of course, he came along?
AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 1:07 AM

YES AND YES
AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 1:07 AM

lol
AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 1:07 AM

but really, it was #2
AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 1:07 AM

I was still involved in a lot of activist things and my partner worked a bunch and I didn't want to have to always pay for sitters, so I just brought him with me
AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 1:07 AM

Plus, when he was a baby, people always felt more comfortable chatting me up. I was more approachable perhaps? lol
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:08 AM

For sure!
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:08 AM

★ Spotlighted from Kim Elliott

“HA! That would be why I use the bring the oldest to my 1st PP job”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:08 AM

★ Spotlighted from Heather Parker

“Can I ask a hard question?”

AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 1:08 AM

Our lives as activists don't necessarily stop when we become parents. They can change and that's okay. We find ways to mesh the identities
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:08 AM

I think that's a super natural way to start bringing your kids into movements. They just come with you.
AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 1:08 AM

Of course, Heather!
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:08 AM

Of course, Heather!
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:08 AM

★ Spotlighted from Heather Parker

“I know I always give a side eye to antis who bring their young kids to protests.”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:08 AM

We talked a little about this earlier -- but super briefly. How to protect your kids at events.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:09 AM

★ Spotlighted from Heather Parker

“But I'm feeling more okay with this - is it because i feel better about the messaging?”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:09 AM

★ Spotlighted from Heather Parker

“Does anyone else feel that way?”

AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 1:09 AM

Yeah, I have moments of "am I exploiting my child" but honestly, the social justice work I do is so far from exploitation or coercion. You can't compare it
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:09 AM

The big difference for me is that we aren't asking our kids to chase after people, hold hateful signs or yell.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:09 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lynne Schmidt

“Heather--I think I'm more okay with kiddos going to prochoice stuff because it's more of a supportive atmosphere. There are no graphic photos involved. No screaming/harassing people, etc”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:10 AM

Exactly, Lynne. And Avital. totally.
AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 1:10 AM

And then we go back to the notion of providing a safe space for your child to question/challenge and acknowledge their feelings/thoughts. I'm not sure how much of that occurs on the "other side."
AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 1:10 AM

My child isn't a prop but rather a participant.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:10 AM

Being at a PP booth or marching against the death penalty is going to have less of the violent rhetoric than the antichoice groups expect their kids to endure and participate in.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:10 AM

TOTALLY. There is no opportunity to challenge on the antichoice side.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:11 AM

★ Spotlighted from Kim Elliott

“I'm comfortable bringing the younger ones to rallys. Not so much to protests under 13 or so for safety reasons”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:11 AM

★ Spotlighted from Heather Parker

“So antis who bring their kids to pray? (And Katie knows I'm one of those crazy prochoicers - I'm not doing this to be a pain, it's actually something I've been thinking a lot about). Is that okay?”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:11 AM

As long as Avital's rule about having space to question is there.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:11 AM

Are you forcing your kids, or offering them the chance to come with?
AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 1:11 AM

Exactly, Katie.
AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 1:12 AM

I mean, I don't think anyone coming out to pray for those having abortions is okay, so there's that
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:12 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lynne Schmidt

“I think prayer is okay, simply because at some point, they'll develop their own opinions on god, religion, and what's happening. If it's peaceful prayer, I'm all for it.”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:12 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lynne Schmidt

“...Even if it's on the other side...”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:12 AM

★ Spotlighted from Kim Elliott

“I definitely ask if they want to go”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:12 AM

Lynne -- I think more at rallies than at clinics. Because you know they're going to hear and see offensive stuff there.
AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 1:13 AM

Yeah, and it should be noted that I'm not doing activist work every single weekend. It's a much different lifestyle than those who devote entire Saturdays to stalking outside clinics
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:13 AM

It's not so much what you're asking them or offering them to do, but what you know they'll see and hear.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:13 AM

Exactly. Good point, Avital.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:13 AM

It's a balanced part of family life.
AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 1:13 AM

Exactly. And every family needs to decide if it's okay for their specific children.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:14 AM

★ Spotlighted from Kim Elliott

“Precisely, Avital”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:14 AM

Totally.
AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 1:14 AM

I see we've got about 15 minutes left and I would be remiss if I didn't mention MPH
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:14 AM

Yes! Any Melissa Harris-Perry fans? ;)
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:14 AM

<raises hand wildly>
AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 1:14 AM

Nerdland Scholar Challenge
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:15 AM

★ Spotlighted from Heather Parker

“me me me!!!”

AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 1:15 AM

MHP is doing a 4 (5?) week course and this session's topic is Mothers/Motherhood and really it's about the intersection of motherhood and politics: http://www.msnbc.com/nerdland-scholar-challenge
AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 1:15 AM

and it's AMAZING
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:15 AM

Probably because MHP is amazing. And just had a new baby girl!
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:15 AM

★ Spotlighted from Heather Parker

“SQUEE!!!!!”

AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 1:15 AM

You can see the syllabus here: http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/catch-nerdland-challenge-assignments
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:15 AM

★ Spotlighted from Kim Elliott

“YAY!!!!”

AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 1:16 AM

and review past "assignments" - i.e. short reads on interesting topics. And then join in the discussion in the comments
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:16 AM

If you haven't before, you can participate there and on twitter with the #nerdland hashtag.
AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 1:16 AM

I love it b/c it's one easy way to keep that activist spirit alive without leaving your couch ;)
AN

Avital Norman Nathman · 1:16 AM

This week is all about reproductive rights. Some really good (heavy) reads so far
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Katie Klabusich · 1:17 AM

★ Spotlighted from Heather Parker

“Avital, thank you! This is awesome!”

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Katie Klabusich · 1:17 AM

★ Spotlighted from Heather Parker

“Andplusalso, I'm not working this weekend, so more #nerdland time for me! :)”

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Avital Norman Nathman · 1:17 AM

you're welcome!
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Katie Klabusich · 1:18 AM

I love that MHP couldn't NOT be involved and teaching even while she was out. lol
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Avital Norman Nathman · 1:18 AM

Seriously. She's fab
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Avital Norman Nathman · 1:18 AM

I should also share - another easy way to get yoru kids involved/interested in social justice = parades
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Avital Norman Nathman · 1:18 AM

That sounds so silly but just explaining why we have certain parades and why people march, etc...
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Avital Norman Nathman · 1:19 AM

my son has been in love with our towns "rainbow parade" since he could talk
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Katie Klabusich · 1:19 AM

That makes total sense.
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Katie Klabusich · 1:19 AM

Getting your kids involved by celebrating is perfect.
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Katie Klabusich · 1:19 AM

So, I would be remiss if I didn't ask about the had part: nWhat do you find is the hardest part about incorporating activism into your parenting?
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Avital Norman Nathman · 1:19 AM

Here's some pictures from Pride 2012: http://themamafesto.wordpress.com/2012/05/14/pride/
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Avital Norman Nathman · 1:19 AM

Finding the time to do it all ;)
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Katie Klabusich · 1:20 AM

NICE
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Katie Klabusich · 1:20 AM

Right. Of course.
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Katie Klabusich · 1:20 AM

How do the other involved parents (and aunts/friends) find the time?
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Katie Klabusich · 1:20 AM

★ Spotlighted from Kim Elliott

“The hardest part is when nutjobs decide your kids are fair game to target”

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Katie Klabusich · 1:20 AM

Kim -- that would be awful.
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Avital Norman Nathman · 1:20 AM

Yeah, I get peeved when people call me out for my parenting based on my activism, but do my best to let it roll of my back, but it still stings
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Katie Klabusich · 1:21 AM

★ Spotlighted from Kim Elliott

“I've had to step back for periods of time because of it”

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Katie Klabusich · 1:21 AM

#SelfCare
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Katie Klabusich · 1:21 AM

★ Spotlighted from Heather Parker

“I was there when that happened to Kim's daughter”

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Katie Klabusich · 1:21 AM

★ Spotlighted from Heather Parker

“:(”

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Katie Klabusich · 1:21 AM

Do you just use it as a teachable moment?
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Katie Klabusich · 1:21 AM

"Not all people are awesome"
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Avital Norman Nathman · 1:21 AM

Yeah, and that can be hard/frustrating. You try and make them teachable moments for your kids but ugh. You just want to shield them from that shit.
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Avital Norman Nathman · 1:22 AM

Great minds, Katie ;)
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Avital Norman Nathman · 1:22 AM

★ Spotlighted from Stacey Dunn

“Avital: Do you have any social justice projects which directly involve your children, and how do you deal with that (for example, I am very involved with disability rights, and my daughter has autism.)”

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Katie Klabusich · 1:22 AM

Yeah, obvi that would be the preference. But I -- HA! -- imagine if you already have a dialog going with your kids around issues, discussing it would be natural (not easy, but natural).
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Avital Norman Nathman · 1:23 AM

I mentioned earlier that my son joins me for a bunch of repro rights stuff, and we keep very open, very honest (age-appropriate) convos going
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Katie Klabusich · 1:23 AM

★ Spotlighted from Kim Elliott

“It was a great lesson in online safety for the older ones”

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Avital Norman Nathman · 1:23 AM

And now, as he gets older (he's 7) he takes the lead on a lot of things. For instance, he'll hear about events going on in other countries and want to raise money to help, etc...
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Katie Klabusich · 1:23 AM

That's pretty amazing.
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Katie Klabusich · 1:23 AM

proud mom!
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Katie Klabusich · 1:24 AM

★ Spotlighted from Kim Elliott

“that's awsome”

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Avital Norman Nathman · 1:24 AM

We'll be going to Israel next month for a few weeks to visit family, so I'm already trying to figure out the best way to explain/describe the conflict there between Palestinians and Israelis
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Katie Klabusich · 1:24 AM

Yowsah.
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Katie Klabusich · 1:24 AM

Is it a new subject?
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Avital Norman Nathman · 1:24 AM

Yeah, but you can't ignore it right?
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Avital Norman Nathman · 1:24 AM

I mean, you can. But...
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Katie Klabusich · 1:24 AM

Exactly.
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Katie Klabusich · 1:25 AM

I'm sure people do.
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Katie Klabusich · 1:25 AM

★ Spotlighted from Kim Elliott

“as my kids would say: I'm totally jelly”

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Avital Norman Nathman · 1:25 AM

For him, yeah. We haven't talked about it yet, and we coudl probably go there and spend our time w/o mentioning anything but that would feel disengenuous
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Katie Klabusich · 1:25 AM

I love how real you are with your son.
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Avital Norman Nathman · 1:25 AM

plus, he hears me and my father (who is israeli) "discuss" this topic a bunch, so he's aware of it in the abstract
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Katie Klabusich · 1:25 AM

MORE OF THAT AROUND HERE, PLZ
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Katie Klabusich · 1:26 AM

Before we run out of time -- yikes! always so fast -- follow Avital on the twitter b/c she's amazing and has awesome parenting stuff as well as non-prenting stuff.
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Avital Norman Nathman · 1:26 AM

But he has a solid foundation in learning about equal rights activism in the US and it's easy to make parallels to events in his life, etc...
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Avital Norman Nathman · 1:27 AM

aw, thanks, Katie! While I do prattle on a bunch about parenting, I promise my twitter feed isn't all kids all the time lol
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Katie Klabusich · 1:27 AM

Parents and non-parents alike should get The Good Mother Myth, her book b/c the essays are honest and amazing and stereotype demolishing: http://goodmothermyth.com/
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Katie Klabusich · 1:28 AM

And I gotta plug my first published piece in TWELVE YEARS up at Truthout -- http://truth-out.org/opinion/item/22815-open-letter-to-legislators-from-a-clinic-escort
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Avital Norman Nathman · 1:28 AM

Thanks, Katie! x
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Avital Norman Nathman · 1:28 AM

YES! Read this piece. SO good. SO important. Katie does some crucial work & writes about it for TO
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Katie Klabusich · 1:28 AM

Thanks so much for the good questions and thoughts and for caring about bringing up the next generation with social justice in mind.
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Katie Klabusich · 1:28 AM

<blushing>
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Avital Norman Nathman · 1:28 AM

You're welcome! I think my big take away is just - get your kids involved at whatever level you feel comfortable with
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Avital Norman Nathman · 1:29 AM

And provide them with the tools to create change, in whatever meaningful way that happens.
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Katie Klabusich · 1:29 AM

Avital has some regular column work, so if you have feminist parenting questions, go bug her on twitter. Never know when an issue you care about could show up. ;)
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Katie Klabusich · 1:29 AM

★ Spotlighted from Heather Parker

“Thanks so much, both!”

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Katie Klabusich · 1:29 AM

★ Spotlighted from Kim Elliott

“Thanks :D”

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Katie Klabusich · 1:29 AM

Yes! Take kids to things.
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Katie Klabusich · 1:29 AM

And talk to them.
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Katie Klabusich · 1:29 AM

★ Spotlighted from Stacey Dunn

“Thank you both.”

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Avital Norman Nathman · 1:29 AM

Yes! feel free. I only have one kid, so I have patience to spare ;) bug away!
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Avital Norman Nathman · 1:30 AM

You're welcome, all - it was great to be here!
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Katie Klabusich · 1:30 AM

Thanks so much, everybody! (The transcript stays put if you need to go back and grab resources from earlier in the tawk.)
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Katie Klabusich · 1:30 AM

Gnight!!
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Katie Klabusich · 1:37 AM

★ Spotlighted from Kevin Mahoney

“So close! Just got the kids bathed and in bed...missed checking in by a few minutes...Looks like it was a great TAWK!”