Are we doing more harm than good?
– teach resilience, not fragility
Wokeism – the strong focus on social justice, inclusion, and avoiding harm – has influenced schools, media, and parenting. But are we doing more harm than good? Its intentions may be good, but it can go too far, creating problems for children, especially those with special needs.
Instead of helping, this approach can hold children back. Children with special needs don’t benefit from one-size-fits-all rules. They need support that helps them grow and become independent. Life is full of challenges, and we can’t protect children from every risk. What we can do is prepare them:
- Teach them how to think, not what to think.
- Teach them to speak up, not stay silent.
- Teach them to fall, get up, and try again.
Avoiding certain words or labels, in fear of offence, can confuse children. Honest but respectful language helps them understand themselves and builds confidence.
In some schools, competition is discouraged to create total equality. But children with special needs benefit from clear rules, structure, and goals. Removing these in the name of inclusion can stop them from making real progress.
Shielding children from discomfort also avoids important lessons about resilience, failure, and real-life challenges. These lessons are vital for all children. Teaching them to listen to different views, respect others, and still hold onto their own beliefs prepares them for adulthood.
Children are naturally curious and copy what they see. That’s why we must encourage kindness, empathy, and respect for differences early on. Simple activities, such as reading diverse stories or playing with children from different backgrounds, can build acceptance.
Parents, however, need to guide what children are exposed to. Five-year-olds don’t need to understand global activism, but they can understand fairness when taking turns on the playground.
