Shay Mitchell and Matte Babel are exemplifying a modern approach to parenting that prioritizes social awareness and activism from an incredibly young age. Their daughter, Atlas, is just eight months old, but her parents are already laying the groundwork for a future where she understands her role in the world. By incorporating educational resources like *A Is for Activist* into Atlas’s bedtime routine, they are instilling values that transcend mere entertainment; they aim to develop a future thinker who grasps not just who she is, but also the societal context surrounding her.
Mitchell’s perspective on this matter is compelling. She firmly believes in the significance of early education about challenging societal norms related to race and love. Growing up in a mixed heritage family—her father being white and her mother Filipina—coupled with Matte Babel’s Black heritage, equips them with firsthand insights into the nuances of identity and prejudice. They are committed to fostering a home environment rich in conversations about anti-racism, setting a powerful example for other parents seeking ways to initiate such discussions within their own families.
The Importance of Community and Family
One of the poignant challenges that the couple faces is the inability to connect with their extended family during these unprecedented times. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted how families interact, and Mitchell expresses a deep longing for Atlas to meet her grandparents and other relatives. The values that Foster familial bonds are integral to this duo; they understand that community reinforces the lessons of love and diversity they wish to instill in Atlas.
Mitchell’s narrative emphasizes that while the pandemic has allowed their immediate family to bond more closely, the experience has inevitably underscored the importance of wider familial relationships. The idea of traveling to Vancouver, where she hopes Atlas can meet her grandparents, encapsulates a sense of longing that many families feel as they navigate these uncertain times. Each family gathering becomes not just a reunion but an essential opportunity for education, love, and the sharing of cultural heritage.
Looking Forward: A Vision for Change
As Shay Mitchell reflects on the socio-political landscape, she expresses hope for an imminent change, especially for Atlas’s generation. The couple’s proactive stance—infusing their daughter’s upbringing with consciousness about societal injustices—conveys the essence of their commitment to create a world free from the prejudices that have plagued previous generations. Mitchell’s assertive belief that real change is not only necessary but achievable forms part of a larger narrative advocating for a collective societal shift towards greater acceptance.
This drive for progress resonates beyond Shay and Matte’s personal experiences; it serves as a clarion call for other parents to engage deeply with their children’s formative years. By embracing activism and multiculturalism right from the start, they are encouraging a life lesson that echoes loudly: children are not simply observers in the world; they can actively participate in shaping it. The early education they provide to Atlas isn’t just about embracing diversity—it’s about preparing her to stand against injustice, ensuring that love knows no boundaries.
Overall, Mitchell and Babel are enriching Atlas’s life with vital lessons about love and acceptance that could inspire a broader cultural shift, proving that even in the face of challenges, the seeds of activism can thrive in the hearts of our youngest generation.