How To Teach Tolerance To Children? – Being Parents
How to teach tolerance to children ?
It is important to cultivate good qualities in children from an early age, as well as to instill values and principles. For good development, it is essential to teach children tolerance .
Developing this ability will help them maintain good relationships with loved ones and friends. Also, it will allow them to respect and value the opinions of others, even if they are different.
What is tolerance?
The sense of tolerance is linked to an attitude of respect and openness towards other individuals, regardless of their ethnicity, religion or intellectual and physical disabilities.
In other words, it means learning from others and discovering affinities, making new connections and rejecting unfair stereotypes. It is the complete opposite of prejudice. In fact, tolerance means accepting everyone as they are and treating them equally as we would like to be treated.
Tolerance, an essential pillar of life
You need to prepare your children to live and work in diverse communities. It is fundamental that they learn to tolerate differences with an open mind.
This will benefit them today and in the future, as well, they will have more opportunities in education and business. Others will see in them qualities such as understanding, valuing their neighbor as well as harmonious teamwork.
13 ways to teach kids tolerance
Since children are not born tolerant by nature, it is of great importance to start educating them in this sense from an early age. The easiest ways to teach children tolerance are:
- Be his best example. Don’t insult or make fun of people and take care of every detail, even if it seems silly to you. Your child will certainly copy all of this.
- Learn to talk and listen to others without trying to assert our ideas that are better than those of the other.
- Travel to different countries and experience other cultures if possible. It enriches the children. In addition, their minds will open up to the various cultures and ways of life that exist.
- Read books, tales, stories and watch films about tolerance.
- Encourage children to be generous and to share with others.
- Teach them how to seek unity and respect, as well as common ground instead of fighting.
- Allow them to work in groups.
- Play games with them that promote the difference of opinions.
- Help them have high self-esteem and feel respected, valued and accepted.
- Take the time to choose an establishment, a school, a summer camp with a lot of variety. Children will thus have the chance to socialize with individuals who are different from them.
- Teach them the various religious festivals and celebrations that are not part of their tradition.
- Answer children’s questions about the differences, but in a respectful and honest manner. They will then learn that it is possible to observe and analyze the differences.
- Demonstrate your recognition and acceptance of the differences that exist in your own family. Value the abilities, styles and interests that make each member unique.
Teaching Children Tolerance: The Limits
Tolerance does not mean respecting and accepting all types of behavior. Disrespectful and hurtful behavior should not be tolerated. It should be clear to the child that being mean or harassing someone is inappropriate. Likewise, social rules such as theft should not be broken.
Basic Principles for Teaching Tolerance to Children
Children have the innate ability to be tolerant. However, as parents, you can help them with these few steps:
- Show compassion.
- Do not allow assaults.
- Do not hang out with people who disrespect us.
- In the face of difficulties, maintain calm.
- Be grateful.
The main benefits for children
Teach children that tolerance should never be neglected, that it should be the center of life. This will help your children to open up to life with an attitude of wonder, empathy and cordiality. They will be able to have a varied and nuanced living space, but with dignity.
Tolerance as a lifestyle creates a pleasant environment. We then become open and grateful people. Children will learn to foster good relationships and avoid unnecessary conflicts.
Ultimately, teaching children to be tolerant of the differences of others is your responsibility. Do not neglect the education of your children so that they can grow up healthy. In addition, you are sending them a magnificent and powerful message of tolerance, thanks to your everyday attitude. They will follow in your footsteps …
