Raising Courageous Kids to Challenge the Status Quo

I wanted to write about the courage to stand up for justice and giving grace. In a world that’s evolving at exponential rates, we don’t need more rule-followers. We need more kids who challenge the status quo. Kids who ask questions. Kids who don’t just notice injustice—they do something about it. But it's up to us to raise courageous kids.

Don't get me started on the debate of nature vs. nurture and certainly don't think I have this parenting thing under control. But because of these two people pictured here, I have a desire to be better.

This post was inspired by Bryan Stevenson’s extraordinary interview on The Mel Robbins Podcast. Stevenson, a civil rights attorney and founder of the Equal Justice Initiative, is best known for his book Just Mercy and his tireless advocacy on behalf of incarcerated and marginalized people. His call to raise a generation that leads with courage, compassion, and proximity made me reflect on how we’re preparing our children for the world they’ll inherit. His words reminded me that if we want our kids to be forces for good, we have to equip them emotionally, not just academically.

But here’s the catch: we need to model this behavior so that they see it firsthand and can later mirror us. So how do we nurture courageous, resilient leaders to be changemakers?

1. Teach them to challenge ideas, not people. We want kids who can call out unfairness—but also know how to engage in dialogue with respect. When they hear adults talk about big issues, do they see anger or curiosity? Condemnation or critical thinking? The theme of curiosity is a big one for me. Instead of jumping to judgment, we can model asking questions. We can listen to multiple perspectives and consider what’s not being talked about. That kind of critical thinking is the foundation for lasting change.

2. Normalize discomfort. dvocacy isn’t comfortable. And that’s okay. Let your child sit with the tension of unfairness, the frustration of trying to make change. Don’t rush to fix it. Instead, support them through it. Let it motivate them. Support them through it. Discomfort is what grows resilience.

3. Give them role models who persevered. Bryan Stevenson didn’t just challenge injustice—he stayed in the work for decades. Kids need to see examples of heroic persistence. Introduce them to authors, activists, and everyday heroes who stayed in the fight without giving up.

4. Protect their joy. If all we ever talk about is injustice, the world starts to feel heavy. Kids still need to laugh, create, and play. Their joy is not a distraction from activism—it’s fuel.

5. Help them find their lane. Not every kid is meant to be on stage with a megaphone. Some are writers. Some are organizers. Some build community quietly. Honor who they are, and let them lead in the way that fits.

Let’s raise kids who challenge systems with wisdom, empathy, and intention.

Because the world our children are growing into doesn’t just need louder voices—it needs thoughtful ones. When we model curiosity, resilience, and courage in our everyday choices, we’re teaching our kids how to lead with integrity. We’re not just preparing them to speak up—we’re preparing them to lead change that lasts.

Want to be inspired? Listen to the Mel Robbins podcast episode here: https://www.melrobbins.com/episode/episode-295/

About the Author

Suzanne Appel didn’t plan to build a company for kid entrepreneurs—until her own children inspired her.

After 25 years leading digital marketing for major brands, Suzanne found new purpose watching her kids turn ideas into mini businesses. Lemonade stands became trading and selling collectibles, and she realized something powerful: if we want kids ready for the future, we need to start teaching them how to create it.

In 2019, she launched Young CEO Squad, a hands-on entrepreneurship program for kids ages 7–12. Through business-in-a-box kits and school partnerships, Suzanne makes entrepreneurship fun, accessible, and real—giving kids the tools and confidence to launch their own ventures.

More than a product, it’s a mission: to reach ambitious kids in all communities, especially those with limited resources. Each kit sold helps fund workshops and, soon, scholarships for young entrepreneurs.

Suzanne lives in Southern California with her husband, two kids, and two scrappy dogs. Her goal? To raise a generation of confident, creative problem-solvers—one kid business at a time.

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