When talking about a better future for kids, families, and communities, two important ideas come up: embodiment and childism. Each is powerful on its own, but together, they can truly shake up how we see and treat kids - and ourselves.

Embodiment means paying genuine attention to our bodies, not just our thoughts. It’s about tuning in to how emotions, stress, and even joy show up physically, rather than just being in our heads. When adults and kids practice this awareness - through movement, breath, and listening to what feels true, a new - or rather ancient - level of organic calm, connection, and healing is possible.

In very simple words, Childism is like feminism, but for children. It challenges the idea that adults always know best, pushing back against old-school thinking that says children should “be seen and not heard.” Childism calls out adultism (the assumption that adults always have the power), and argues that kids’ voices, bodies, and experiences matter - right now, not just when they grow up.

Most big systems (schools, social services, even families) are built around adult control, and kids often get the short end of the stick. Childism + embodiment together help us spot and dismantle these patterns. When we take children’s voices and bodies seriously, we interrupt cycles of control and lay the groundwork for more just, caring communities.

For real change, we need both: a world where everybody feels at home in their body, and where children’s rights and needs aren’t an afterthought. That means parents, teachers, and communities learning to practice embodiment and rooting everything in childism. When we do, healing and transformation ripple far beyond childhood—touching everyone.

Let’s now bring it back to the here and now. How do we go about applying this to our day to day lives? That’s where movements like The Embodied Gen come in! Start simple, cultivate more presence one breath at a time and one practice at a time.

Take a quiet moment, together or solo. Sit or stand.
Ask: “How is my body feeling right now? What do I notice - warmth, tightness, tingling, relaxation?”
Breathe deeply and gently name any sensations or emotions that pop up, without judgment.
If you’re with a child, invite them to share (or show) their body feelings, too. Let their words and signals guide you, and respond with curiosity and respect.

This tiny daily practice honours each person’s body wisdom and teaches that everyone - child or adult - deserves to be listened to, just as they are.

Forward this to someone you know, let’s spread the message and grow the movement together.

With warmth and hope

The Embodied Gen