Any libertarian parents here? Not just looking for parents who are card-carrying members of the Libertarian Party, but also parents who consider themselves philosophically libertarian and/or libertarian-leaning.
A couple of years ago, I started a group called "Mothers for Liberty" after attending a Libertarian Convention and finding very few women attendees. I knew there were creative moms out there busily and lovingly raising their children, teaching the ideals of individual freedom and personal responsibility - probably some too busy too get involved in the LP or politics in general. I also knew these dedicated women where likely an untapped (and definitely a valuable) resource not only for the LP ... but for the cause of Liberty! I put the word out about Mothers for Liberty at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MothersForLiberty/ and immediately got some great feedback. Mothers (and others) joined and shared their experience with the politics, mothering, homeschooling, homesteading, alternative health, championing the cause of liberty, etc ... others moms chimed in who were libertarian-leaning wanting to learn more... Just wondering if anyone knows any other similar grassroot groups out there working towards these same goals with a focus on Libertarian Parenting?
Okay all you libertarian parents (and future libertarian parents) out there, I’m looking for some feedback regarding an organization I am in the process of forming. I have decided to build on the concept of the "Mothers for Liberty" group I mentioned (see above post) and form a non-profit organization called "The Mothers Institute". I’ve written the Mission Statement and would like your feedback on how it reads as well as if (from the statement) it seems to be something you would find interesting, valuable, etc ... Thanks in advance, Jan ------------------------- The Mothers Institute Mission Statment: "The Mothers Institute is an educational and networking organization promoting methods of mothering which foster a child’s sense of individual freedom and personal responsibility. The Institute also encourages the teaching and implementation of time honored traditions including reason, logic, creativity, civility, debate and dissent."
Thanks WalkerInTheWoods ... Just wondering - as a Libertarian parent, would you like to introduce/involve your children in the LP/politics/activism? Or do you see the introduction/inclusion of the Libertarian philosphy in their lives as a more subtle thing ... watching how you live your life, etc...
I think it is just a way of life. I try to respect my daughter's freedom as much as I can as a parent and try to teach her to respect others'. But she is only five years old, so I have not thought a lot about it, yet. I do try to lead by example. I guess I will take things as they come and teach her when the situation arises.
Thanks for your input. Your comments about "leading thru example" reminded me of the phrase, "Children Learn What they Live". Couldn't remember the saying in its entirety, so googled it and found the whole poem. Thought it was worth posting here in the Parenting forum. Jan ------------------------- Children Learn What They Live By Dorothy Law Nolte, Ph.D. If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn. If children live with hostility, they learn to fight. If children live with fear, they learn to be apprehensive. If children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves. If children live with ridicule, they learn to feel shy. If children live with jealousy, they learn to feel envy. If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty. If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence. If children live with tolerance, they learn patience. If children live with praise, they learn appreciation. If children live with acceptance, they learn to love. If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves. If children live with recognition, they learn it is good to have a goal. If children live with sharing, they learn generosity. If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness. If children live with fairness, they learn justice. If children live with kindness and consideration, they learn respect. If children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves and in those about them. If children live with friendliness, they learn the world is a nice place in which to live. Copyright © 1972 by Dorothy Law Nolte
*** Wanted to offer an update on this project ... The Mothers Institute is now up and running at: http://www.themothersinstitute.org
I like your idea, but why just "mothers" institute? Do us fathers need our own institute that promotes methods of fathering...?
During my stay-at-home/homeschooling mom days, my experiences were generally with mothers and their children vs. fathers and their children - so its more about what I know, where I come from and what I can bring to The Institute rather than an exclusion of fathers. Perhaps my husband should start that branch, eh? Glad you like the idea tho ... and hope you'll pass the info on to any moms you know who might find our mission/message of interest. Thanks! Jan
I've always been a liberatarian at heart but I just made it official last week by changing my political party. I strongly believe in less govenerment interferance and more personal liberty for people. We are an radical unschooling family and I respect my childrens freedom and I lead by example.
Just wanted to offer an update on The Mothers Institute's progress by posting a link to our website. www.themothersinstitute.org Jan
