by AnnaLiese Burich (mommynearest.com)
Who runs the world? GIRLS. And given that March is Women’s History Month, let’s make sure that everyone knows it—especially your kids. We don’t need to tell you that the last few years have been (extra) harrowing for women, so it’s (extra) important to teach your boys and girls the importance of women in the past, present and future. Read on for five of our favorite ways to celebrate this all-important month that will be fun for both you and your little feminists.
1. Read a book about historical female figures
Besides some of our favorite classic children’s books with strong female characters (shout-out to Matilda!), there has recently been a spate of picture books devoted to teaching kids about often-overlooked women in history. Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History, for example, profiles women who managed to be fearless trailblazers in a world that didn’t accept them, while Women in Science—50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World features the women in science who have been criminally forgotten. Other favorites of ours include: Rad American Women A-Z: Rebels, Trailblazers, and Visionaries who Shaped Our History... and Our Future! (that remixes your boiler-plate A-Z book), Who Says Women Can’t Be Doctors? (part of a series of what women can be), Fantastically Great Women Who Made History (cute and informational!), Little Feminist Board Book Set (for the smallest and mightiest of feminists) and Spectacular Sisters (amazing stories of sisters from around the world).
2. Learn about women in history at a local museum
Researching this has made us realize that there should be at least one museum about women in every city in America, but that’s a battle for another day. For now, there are select museums across the nation that do the job—and they do it pretty darn well. Look for in-person events honoring Women's History Month at the National Constitution Center in Philly, Children's Museum of Manhattan in NYC and other local institutions. Won’t be in any of those cities during March? No worries. There’s an all-online museum, the National Women’s History Museum, that offers a host of online exhibits and activities.
RELATED: 10 Spots to Learn About Women's History in the U.S.
3. Make a craft or play a game
For more hands-on kids, you can use craft time to teach them about cool historical women. Make an astronaut helmet to honor Mae C. Jemison (the site says Sally Ride, but why pass up an opportunity to teach your kid about the first black female in space, too!). Create paper airplanes for Amelia Earhart, a corn husk doll for Laura Ingalls Wilder or draw self-portraits in honor of Frida Kahlo. If those sound too labor-intensive, there are plenty of coloring books that feature strong women. Another option: Play a round of Bold Made—a modern remake of the Old Maid game that features famous woman including Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Harriet Tubman and Isabel Allende.
4. Volunteer at a women's shelter or organization
It’s never too early to teach your kid about community-mindedness. Women’s shelters are often the only opportunity women have to escape situations of domestic violence, so it’s paramount that they remain open and thriving. Find one near you and bring your kid to volunteer (make sure they’ll allow children to volunteer first!). If they don’t allow kids, you can always set up a food or clothing drive to help remotely. Many programs are dedicated to helping both mothers and their children—your child might find it extra enriching to emotionally connect with a peer, thereby encouraging a lifetime of empathy.
5. Send thank you notes to the strong women in your life
With this one, kids get to practice gratitude, feminism, manners, penmanship and mailing skills all in one go! Plus, the woman on the receiving end is likely to treasure the note forever. It’s a win-win-win. Sit down with your kids and write a list of the strong women in their lives; then write out the qualities that make them strong. If your kids are having a hard time, try suggesting adjectives—the idea is to get them thinking about why they love women (or, if they’re too little for all that, a simple “thank you" will do). Then get them set up with paper, cards, crayons, etc. and let them have at the thank you note-ing!
