question for activists with children at home.. did you ever consider "dropping out"?

[w8liftinglady]

Last week,there were two lttes written that attacked my patriotism and basically called me a liar.
I can handle that.
Some people made fun of my kids when we went to a totally innocent meeting of old NFL players in town.
Those kids don't deserve it.
I am considering dropping my activism... at least here.it's helped a lot of people.I know that for a fact.
But,it's hurt my kids.


I just need a pat on the back.

[XemaSab]

1. You're the best role model for your kids

Do you want them to see a role model who backs down when things get tough, or do you want them to see a role model who fights even harder when faced with opposition?

[w8liftinglady]

2. that's exactly what I needed to hear. I'm better now :)

[XemaSab]

15. .

:pals:

[OneGrassRoot]

4. I echo this....

I went through a similar thing during the campaign a couple of years ago, and feared its effect on my daughter (I was afraid of physical harm as well).

Bottom line, she ended up learning more, and respecting me more, by me staying true to my values and beliefs.

And, perhaps most importantly, it empowered HER.

:hug:

[PDJane]

3. You have a pat on the back from me.....

And a hug or two. I wish I could say that this will pass....but I don't think it will. And yes, I've considered dropping all activism for my offspring....but he's old enough now to deal with the fact that his mother is a radical.

Of course, I didn't have to deal with the same kind of stupidity that you apparently do, either.

[Horse with no Name]

5. I understand. I know where you live and I don't know how you do it.

I'm very careful not to "expose" myself because in the area I live, they would burn down my house.
No exaggeration.
I have young kids in the house. I can't do what I would like because I fear for the safety of them.
I'm not willing to put their safety at risk.
However, this is a decision that only YOU can make, but I don't think anyone would blame you if you decided to step back for awhile.
Take care of YOU.
:hug:

[EFerrari]

6. No way. First, anyone who attacks a mom in front of her kids

is a coward.

Second, activism was part of the kids education and helped them start out with a more accurate understanding of the world they went out into.

[w8liftinglady]

7. lol..I'm also afraid my 14 and 20 year-olds will kick their butts

...but,seriously..
politics is one thing.my kids have always been active in public service.

Fucking jumping on their butts as they were having old Steelers sign their fucking football???

This is the mentality here.

[EFerrari]

8. My youngest was the same way.

Solid communication used to seem like the best option to him. lol :)

It's all right. Just practice dealing with @ssholes. :hi:

[w8liftinglady]

10. lol.. ommmmmmm

[riderinthestorm]

12. My kids are 14 and 23. My activism has empowered them.

They are better critical thinkers, they know that they can take action if they see injustice, and they are growing up as solid citizens in their community who understand that it takes educated people to truly create an sustain a democracy.

Don't give up w8liftinglady!

[Dappleganger]

9. No.

Kids are resilient and have a way of seeing through bullshit with uncanny clarity. The best gift you can give them is exposing your passion for democracy on a regular basis, and that it's possible for ONE person to make a difference.

[w8liftinglady]

11. they've seen it... heck ... they've been it!

They sacrificed Christmas presents every year and wrapped socks and toys for the homeless families here ... since they were toddlers.
they know right from wrong.
I just hate to see them suffer because of me.

[Dappleganger]

13. It's not because of you, it's because of those jerks

who try to take away our freedoms. I'll bet those kids have more character in their pinky than any 100 of those cowards. I'm sure you're a huge inspiration and encouragement to them. ;)

[upi402]

14. Hang in there

I've taken many breaks over the decades of activism. Taking kids to events always concerned me. Much easier to go alone. During BushCo I had to don the tinfoil hat and consider what would happen if I was tossed into a 'free speech' prison or got a criminal record for some BS charge.

That's why I come here and act the gadfly to bluedog dems with eyes wide closed ;-)

EDIT to add: I can tell from what you've posted that you're an absolutely outstanding mom. Kids that sacrifice Christmas for the homeless... humbling to me.

[barbtries]

16. keep it up

your children will appreciate it more in the long run, they will be better citizens, and there are lessons to be learned even in such a sad scenario. for instance some people don't grow up. it is wrong that anyone would attack your children over your actions.

when my children were young i was a "dropout." i was busy. after the first gulf war i quit reading the paper or watching the news; i was disgusted. i give you props for staying engaged.

[Cleita]

17. Or move to a place that has more like-minded

people you can be in solidarity with. There's always power in numbers.

However, if you can weather the storm where you are, you may find that you are an inspiration for people who are afraid to come out of the liberal closet. Maybe you need to talk to your kids too and explain why mommy does this and how it affects them in the future. You might be surprised how well they will absorb the taunts thrown at them once they realize that there is a purpose for enduring them.

[Melissa G]

18. I've been an activist my whole life and I come from a long line of them.

I've just raised two more. One is 18 and already has a professional state level activist job. I could not be prouder.

Hang in there, mama! This is a teachable moment for how to deal with jerks. If your kids are going to learn to be effective activists, they are going to need lessons in how to cope with the idiots in the world.:hug:

[w8liftinglady]

19. hehe.. since we're from the same state.. Thanks!

[Melissa G]

20. Were you at Juanita's Tom Delay sentencing party at Stubb's ?