Teaching Tolerance - by Sue Atkins

I’m reading Barack Obama’s autobiography at the moment, and, as a former teacher it’s got me thinking about prejudice, discrimination and tolerance. 

 

I think kids are born with wide-eyed curiosity and an instinctive sense of justice. While they certainly notice differences among people, they don’t typically attach stereotypes to what they see when they are very young.

 

Most experts agree that whilst children are curious and fascinated about differences, they learn prejudice from others.

 

So, where do they learn to judge, criticise and learn prejudice first, I wonder?

 

· Just for this week notice how you talk about others.

· What language do you use?

· What words do you use and in what tone of voice?

· What beliefs and values are you passing on to your kids? 

· How do you explain people’s different customs, hairstyles or clothing to your kids? 

· Become a detached observer and ask yourself: what messages are your kids picking up consciously and unconsciously from you?

 

As parents, we can have a profound influence over how our kids react to a variety of cultures, ethnicities or disabilities because we are their primary role models. 

 

Patty Wipfler, founding director of Hand in Hand, a non-profit parent leadership institute thinks “Usually, right underneath intolerance is a little vulnerable area where kids are frightened or scared or misinformed.” 

 

Teaching tolerance is certainly an ongoing process so here are some more ideas to get you pondering!

 

 

In order to really understand where intolerance comes from, how about reflecting on your own childhood, recalling situations where you witnessed or experienced racism, intolerance, bullying - or learnt to judge others. Just ask yourself:

· What values did you learn from your mum, dad or grandma or other people of influence in your life? Do these views reflect who you are today, and are they what you want to pass onto your children?

 

 

Teaching your children from an early age to ask questions rather than judge when they see something that looks different is a great way to encourage curiosity. Trying to answer their questions with facts, rather than judgments of your own is also a great way to help them embrace diversity. 

 

So, when they ask "Why does that man have that funny hat on his head?"  “Why can’t Yasmin eat pork chops?” “Why doesn’t Aaron celebrate Christmas?" - Explain!

 

What makes the difference is how you handle it... so...  if you don’t know the answer - Google it! 

 

Teach your children from an early age to ask questions rather than judge when they see something that looks different.

 

 

If we tell our children that everyone is the same, they will quickly start to question us. Instead, be honest with your kids about the differences that exist between people and groups. Physical differences, such as skin colour, are just one difference. Also talk to your kids about how people celebrate different holidays, religions, and other traditions.

 

 

Children won't be comfortable with difference if they never experience it. Expose your kids to food, languages, and cultural festivals from cultures around the world. When possible, enrol them in a school or other activities that include a mix of children from various races, religions, and socio-economic backgrounds.

 

 

If you hear your child make a prejudicial remark about someone else, gently address it right away.

 

 

Fortunately, there really  is a wealth of children's literature that addresses multicultural and tolerance themes. For the youngest set, try "Whoever You Are" by Mem Fox, "The Cow That Went OINK" by Bernard Most, or "The Sneetches and Other Stories" by Dr. Seuss. "Catching the Moon: The Story of a Young Girl's Baseball Dream" by Crystal Hubbard or "William's Doll" by Charlotte Zolotow are good choices for slightly older kids. Use these books as teaching opportunities, discussing the characters, art, and other customs that are presented.

 

Ultimately, overcoming prejudice requires that we experience our surroundings with an open mind, compassion, and an extended hand.  As the new president remarked in his Inaugural Speech: "It’s about extending an open hand not a clenched fist."

Your kids will look to you for guidance.

Sue Atkins is a Parent Coach, former Deputy Head with 22 years teaching experience, mother to two teenage children and is an NLP Master Practitioner and Trainer trained by Paul McKenna. She has written many books on self esteem, toddlers and teenagers and has a collection of Parenting Made Easy Toolkits available from her website. She is also the author of "Raising Happy Children for Dummies" one in the black and yellow series published worldwide. To receive her free newsletter bursting with practical tips and helpful advice from toddler to teen log onto http://www.positive-parents.com