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Raising unprejudiced children

How can I raise my children free from prejudice and intolerance? Everyone seems to stereotype everyone else ... I'm not sure how to keep my kids fair-minded.

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11 thumbs up

Hi, is not a easy question to answer, as any child is different...

But i believe most children tend to follow the example of they parents,and their behaviors towards other people. So setting an example yourself by being tolerant, not-judgmental and empathetic would be a good start.

Good luck!!! 


Posted 7 months ago ( permalink )
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69 thumbs up

Think with your head, not your a$$.

I have to agree with Guiz. Children learn by example. So you can lead by example. Anything they see you do, they tend to repeat. So the best way to teach them not to be judgmental is to not be judgmental. I found a great article you can read

here about raising tolerant children. Hope this helps.

Posted 6 months ago ( permalink )
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Contraversy, leads to Justice. Justice leads to peace. Peace leads to wisdom, wisdom leads to understanding, understanding leads to love.

Dear "unpredijice", YES! There is most definitely a way to raise healthy law abiding "unpredijice" productive social citizens of society. Speaking fro' experience that is...my husband and I are raising 3 children, age ranging fro 7-17 yrs. In respect to your question, yes. The key is to emulate what you preach/ per say. If you say there is no such thing as color, then be that as it may, make it so. Make sure to have your children along with you, as your out in the public. To show them there is such a world as color blindness. In other words, always keep your mind and eye open for "life lessons" while in public view. If a homeless man comes to you for a hand-out give it in love, with no strings attached. If a "black child looked depressed, give him/her a hug/ and a compliment. Say something positive about any thing to that person. If you have to... make it up in love. Then while out of the way of that human, immediately stop, turn to your children get square in the eye, not above, but eye level. And tell them, that unconditional love is so important for kindness to be spread around. Tell them that what if that was uncle "so & so" or " aunt so & so" or, what if you grow up, and your little sister needs encouragement, or love from a stranger, and nobody gave it to you, or your little sister? That person over there could be your mom. Now if they are of a different race, lovingly remind them,...that I'm sure if they were to be asked to be born black what do you think they would say? Knowing the outrage, and hatred they would endure, just cause they are a different skin color? Tell them, about how difficult it would be to comb there hair, and how hard it would be to be loved in a society who ultimately deems black people "terrible". It's OK to give your children the definition of words such as "stereotype" make sure they know these. Tell them, they wouldn't want people to be mean to mommy just cause she has "what ever" color of eyes you have. And most of all, if you encounter a situation involving negativity with a different race, other than yours. Please utilize the situation as a teaching tool. Embrace the perpetrator with love, compassion, understanding, and forgiveness. Always turn to law enforcement for legal prosecution of course if it involved a crime that involved police. But always be forgiving. This situation happened to me in front of my children recently. I was violently attacked by a black female teen, in my front yard. Beaten to a bloody pole. The police were dispatched, the youth was detained, and ultimately sentenced to Juvenile hall for a spell. When the D.A, and local Sheriff contacted me to asked what I wanted done w/ the youth. I gently advised them " tell her I love her, and I would like to be her mentor, big sister if you will". I also stated that " I saw total anger in her eyes that one fateful evening, and I want her to know that she is loved, and if any thing, please let me counsel her, or get her help". Now in this case scenario, I could've taken the case to a different level, and pursued civil charges (damages). But I didn't. I wanted to send a strong message of love to her and my  children, that even though violence and evil strive, I choose love, to any race, any time, any where. Not just when it's convenient, but all the time. Ma'am the message I sent through out the community was tremendous. Love is tremendous, so shall this be with you and yours if you can adhere to this advice (response). Until then my friend, do all you can to promote the good deed you so truly desire upon your wonderful children. Because, children truly are wonders, and living aspirations. From: Hot rod, in California.


Posted 6 months ago ( permalink )
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Comfort the disturbed Disturb the comforted

Emigrate


Posted 6 months ago ( permalink )
BrianClarkeNUJ was invited by Yedda to answer this question.

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The first step can take you anywhere!

Opinions are formed in milliseconds without us being consciously aware, that's just the way we are. If you as a parent are without prejudice then you're half way there. The environment your children spend there time with has a massive effect on them. Then again, if you have fair minded, decent children, they will spend there time with similar types hopefully. You do your best and i do think that most people are decent. Obviously you have the most important role to play when the child is at its most impressionable, in the younger more formative years. Human sponges children are!


Posted 6 months ago ( permalink )
majorsnag was invited by Yedda to answer this question.

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