Raising Brave Kids: Activism, Justice and Quiet Protest

This week on The BIG Home Ed Conversations Podcast, we’re talking about activism, justice, and how to help our kids use their voice — without overwhelming them.

Because so many of us are already doing something quietly radical.

“We are, in a sense, activists against the education policies in the UK. We are standing up and saying no, I don't agree with it and I don't want to participate in it.”

In this episode, we explore what activism can look like for home educating families in real life — especially when crowds and big public actions aren’t accessible (hello, neurodivergence and sensory overwhelm). We talk about starting small, keeping it age-appropriate, and building the kind of family culture where values like courage, integrity, and justice grow through everyday conversations.

One of the biggest takeaways is how powerful it is when our kids feel taken seriously.

“It’s all about trust and belief that if we listen to our children and show them that we are listening, and we don’t just fob them off.

To say ‘Mm, yeah, okay, I hear you. That’s something to be really concerned about. What can we do about it?’”

We chat about practical ways to explore big topics gently — through books, documentaries, and simple actions like writing letters to companies. Kelly also shares a brilliant hands-on game she created that led to deeper conversations about climate change, deforestation, and adaptation.

And we go there on the emotional side too: the judgement, the assumptions, the exhausting conversations, and what it takes to keep standing strong in your choices — even when you’re misunderstood.

“It’s like a quiet protest. It’s just stepping away from something and saying, ‘Nope, I don’t want to use that. Thank you.’”

If you’ve been wondering how to raise kids who care about the world — without scaring them, shutting them down, or feeling like you have to have all the answers — this episode will give you a lot to reflect on.

Go have a listen, and if it resonates, share it with a home ed friend who’s trying to do this gently and bravely too.

Sponsor note: This season is sponsored by Strew (the home education logging app). Strew are running a survey right now and they genuinely want your feedback on what features you want, what you love, and what you’d change. There’s also a chance to win £25 Amazon vouchers.
Survey link: https://strew.app/the-2026-strew-survey-prize-draw/