Teaching Children Tolerance - Leading By Example
Teaching tolerance is essential to being successful in todays world. Modern society is a melting pot of religions, races, sexual orientations, cultures and philosophies, having the ability to successfully work with, interact with and communicate with individuals with whom you might not have anything in common with. Being tolerant can mean the difference between being successful and finding it hard to hold a job.
Starting at a young age is the easiest and most successful way of teaching tolerance to children. Hate and bigotry are learned and imitated from a parent, guardian, teacher or TV. Watching what you say, and having an open kind point of view towards others who have differences is very important. Avoiding judgmental thought processes and voicing exaggerated opinions can help children form good attitudes towards those that are different.
Studies have shown that exposing children to a wide variety of cultures and peoples from a young age is an excellent way to help them grow up to be open minded tolerant adults. Whether through direct contact, such as traveling and vacations, or through the video and books, giving children a well rounded view of the world. Children that grow up in a vacuum tend to be less tolerant and understanding of people outside their personal comfort zone.
Open communication is key when teaching children to be tolerant and promoting healthy attitudes towards other people. Talk openly and honestly and answer any questions they might have about people that look, talk, or act differently than what they are accustomed to. Having an understanding of why people are who they are, and that differences doesn't make them worse, is the first step to adopting a tolerant world view.
Being a living example of tolerance is the best way you can help your children learn to be accepting of others differences. Being kind in your words, actions, and viewpoints is the best lesson that any child can have. Avoiding hate speech, and angry ranting or rhetoric is essential to helping your child learn to be kind and understanding of those around.
Teaching tolerance is the best way to fight hate, and help children grow up with a world view that will benefit them in their lives and careers. Being an example of tolerance is the best lesson you can give any child on what tolerance is, and why it's important. Make sure to avoid angry rhetoric that children might take at face value.
