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Wellbeing

HEALTHY HABITS, HAPPY KIDS – TOLERANCE

The Healthy Habit for the next two weeks is TOLERANCE. 

 

TOLERANCE means to appreciate and respect differences in people. It is about accepting people for who they are and treating others how you wish to be treated.

 

We are surrounded by differences in ethnicity, religion, culture, gender, disabilities and other differences. Encouraging tolerance allows us to understand, learn, respect and appreciate others.

 

Kids can’t “just” be told, they need to experience firsthand how people who are different and similar to themselves can contribute in numerous ways. Here are some tips for how to teach your kids tolerance.

  • Look at the way you treat and speak to others. Does this reflect tolerance? Demonstrate a respect for others and reflect on your own attitude regularly. 
  • Kids listen and learn from you. If you’re having a conversation with others, be mindful that your kids may be listening. Think carefully about the words you use. Talk about differing groups in a factual and informative manner, but avoid joking and any degrading name-calling. 
  • Answer your kid’s questions honestly and respectfully. Everyone notices differences in people so it is perfectly okay to discuss them with your kids if done in a respectful way. 
  • Choose programs, movies, stories and games that value differences. The media has a powerful ability to shape attitudes. If you do watch or see something that is prejudice, be sure to talk about it with your kids and the hurt it can cause to those groups. 
  • Expect your kids to treat others with respect. By modelling tolerance yourself, you should certainly not accept disrespectful behaviour both inside and outside your home.
  • Value the differences within your own family. Accept the qualities each member possesses regardless of differing styles, interests and abilities. Help your kids feel valued for who they are. Foster self-esteem in your family
  • Think about the behaviors that you wish to see in your child. Then model those behaviors, because kids will often follow your example.

(Some information taken from www.childdevelopmentinfo.com)