"I don't want to bring children into this world."
When I first heard that sentence, I paused. Somehow it made sense. Climate crisis, political instability, the suffering of life – do we really want to inflict all that on our children and grandchildren? Can we protect a child from the dangers of life and growing up? And is that even the right approach?
The desire to have children suddenly feels selfish.
Until you shift your perspective. We live in societies, and these are only as strong as their people. Our primary goal isn't to protect our children from the world's dangers, but rather to equip them with values and strong personalities. Because in a world like this, we need courageous leaders with innovative ideas, and we need strong members of society who support all of that. We need children who will later appreciate diversity in all its facets, instead of persecuting it, and who will work for the well-being of people, animals, and the environment, instead of enriching themselves through exploitation.
We are the beginning of these children's lives. With our ways of thinking and our behavior, we have the opportunity to shape their worldview. By being open to others, we show that openness is an option. By not killing the snail in the garden, but releasing it somewhere else, we offer the option of "letting life live" instead of "taking life." By talking to our children and instilling fundamental values in them, we help shape the society of the future.
This contrasts with the first sentence: "Let us be role models for our children so that they, along with all other children of the future, have the option to change our world for the better."
When our child was born, we decided to instill values in them. Through books, conversations, and behaviors. And now, through our own lives. With Lybbie, we want to focus on children's health, parental mental load, and our environment. To initiate change in society. And to show our child that sometimes you have to be brave if you want to make a difference, no matter how uncomfortable the process may feel.
