How to teach children to respect differences?
First of all, I want to start this writing saying that for me it has been a great challenge because, although we are adults and we are parents, we must respect the differences of our children and it is not easy, but let's move on. .
We are all different. Different sizes, shapes, ethnic groups, tastes, beliefs, attitudes, origins. Just look to one side and see the other that we will see those differences at a glance.
The question is to know how to deal with what is not equal to us and mainly to educate the little ones of our house so that they understand and accept that.
It is a necessity to teach children to respect differences, why?
Observe your own attitudes
Before even acting directly to educate children to respect differences, it is important that the family perceive, analyze and understand how it handles this.
By making this reflection, the adults of the family group have the opportunity to rethink their attitudes and verify if they agree with what they believe are the best practices for teaching children. Attitudes of adults tend to direct children.
we always give an example
Children of all ages, like adults, learn by observing the other's behavior. Therefore, a natural and at the same time potentially effective means to address respect for differences is to have attitudes of tolerance.
The truth of all this is that the attitudes of adults will influence our children or students for better or for worse, and in the future, everything is in the attitude they have in front of them, their future can be affected, it depends on them .
Talk to the children.
The members of the family group play a fundamental role in early childhood education for the recognition and respect of diversity. However, children generally interact with other people in different contexts, such as at school, for example, so that they may have different experiences than the family lives together. Therefore, in addition to giving an example, it is important that the family converse with the child in intimacy and that they know more than they think.
In these conversations, adults have the opportunity to discuss a series of issues that promote children's awareness. It is very important to promote dialogues in which children can generate doubts. The family can also explain that the existence of differences is a natural characteristic of people and life, and that not respecting that can cause suffering and sadness to those who are involved in situations.
Exposing children to what is different for them.
Both children and adults sometimes need to experience situations to learn from them. Therefore, one way that can be efficient to educate children about respecting differences is to expose them to them.
These situations can be real, such as the coexistence of the child with people different from her, or fictitious, such as, for example, attending works or films that represent differences.
Show that respect for differences works well
It is natural for people to adopt positions that bring some benefit, which is valid for any age group. Therefore, it is important that the family make the child perceive that respect for differences of all types is a positive practice.
This can be done, for example, when the family member shows the child that tolerant attitudes contribute to a more just and peaceful society, making the world a better place that helps us build and maintain great friendships.
Source of information
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I must say very nice idea, Talking to your children and guide them what is good and what is bad for them is a nice way to teach children. Other good thing you mentioned is exposure to the children to the people which are different from them. We adults also need this type of training. Once again thanks for sharing @silverwhale
And the best way yo teach children this, is to be an example... Be these things, if you didn't you'll just teach your child "It's okay to be a hypocrite."