V is for Voice

10 Ways for Children to Use Their Voice

It’s not always easy to speak up for ourselves, even as grown adults, and learning to do so, particularly for those that are shy, takes time and practice. Offering our children ways that they can learn to use their voice for positive change is great for helping to encourage them to listen to and trust their inner voice; teaching them that their opinion is important and valued while promoting self-esteem and worth; and enabling them to develop the courage to speak out and stand up for causes that matter to them so that they feel like they can make a difference in the world.

Here are 10 ways which children can use their voice:

1.       Write a letter to their local politician about a cause that matters to them. Find your local MP by visiting https://members.parliament.uk/members/commons

2.       Sign a petition – visit change.org or avaaz.org to search for campaigns they may want to support

3.       Write a song, poem or a story

4.       Start a vlog or a blog about something they are passionate about

5.       Phone somebody who might be lonely and have a chat!

6.       Speak up if they see something that is not ok or they aren’t feeling ok themselves! Whether they see a classmate on the playground who isn’t being treated right or whether they are feeling upset or worried about something internally. Our voices in our heads aren’t always kind to ourselves so remind them to seek out someone they trust because a problem shared, is a problem halved.

7.       Go on a protest march (with a responsible adult of course!) – Young eco-warriors might want to check out Future for Fridays

8.       Contribute to class and family discussions including asking open ended questions which permit more than just yes or no answers

9.       Offer advice to a friend or family member

10.   Join your school student committee