Shay Mitchell and Matte Babel are setting an inspiring precedent for modern parenting by instilling the values of activism and compassion in their young daughter, Atlas. At just eight months old, Atlas is already learning the significance of social responsibility and empathy. Mitchell has openly shared her commitment to education for her daughter, stating that they incorporate books like “A Is for Activist” into their nightly routine. This is not just a parenting choice; it’s a conscious effort to mold a morally conscious individual from a very young age.
In an increasingly divided world, teaching children about activism early enough can offer them a head start to navigate complex social issues. Mitchell’s multi-ethnic background, with a white father and a Filipina mother, alongside Babel’s Black heritage, provides Atlas with a diverse lens through which to view the world. By prioritizing discussions about racial equality and anti-racism at home, the couple is actively working to cultivate an awareness that is often overlooked in early childhood education.
Bonding Amidst Challenges
The current global landscape presents challenges that affect families everywhere. For the Mitchell-Babel family, the COVID-19 pandemic has amplified both difficulties and opportunities for bonding. Despite the hardships of social distancing and border closures, Mitchell has appreciated the invaluable time spent together as a family during these unprecedented times. It’s a bittersweet experience; while they enjoy their time in isolation, there’s a yearning for connection, and Mitchell has expressed her deep desire for Atlas to bond with extended family members in Canada.
Shay’s emotional connection to her family highlights the naturally instinctive drive to integrate feasts of love, culture, and wisdom that familial relationships provide. She laments the closures that currently keep her from introducing Atlas to her grandparents and extended family. There lies a poignant irony in the situation—the same social restrictions that have brought them closer also prevent them from nourishing relationships that are essential to Atlas’s growth.
Hope for Societal Change
Mitchell’s perspective is not devoid of optimism, though. She articulates a strong hope that the current generation, including her daughter, will witness profound changes in societal attitudes toward race, acceptance, and love. The couple’s commitment to teaching Atlas about kindness and inclusivity is a reflection of their aspirations for a more equitable society.
The belief that education can be a powerful tool for change resonates deeply within her statements. By preparing Atlas to understand the complexities of her identity and the world she lives in, Mitchell and Babel are not just nurturing a child; they are nurturing a future advocate for change. It’s this charged atmosphere of hope and responsibility that transcends mere parenting; it becomes a call to action for all parents to reconsider their role in shaping socially aware future generations.
Through the lens of their experiences, Shay Mitchell and Matte Babel create a narrative that serves as both a personal story and a collective aspiration for societal betterment. Their dedication to raising Atlas amidst the challenges and complexities of the world is an endearing reminder that the next generation holds the keys to our future.