Parent Handout

www.familycenter-pirc.org

A program sponsored by The Family Center of Utah Valley

Diversity

Home is where children first learn about tolerance and acceptance of individual differences. Children learn by modeling their parents’ behavior so it is very important for parents to set a good example.

Teaching tolerance is not about lecturing, it's about exposing your children to a

variety of cultures and being a good example. If you treat everyone with respect,

your children will too.

It's never too early to start teaching children to appreciate diversity. Research shows that a 6-month-old infant can distinguish skin color, hair texture and facial features. By age 3, children show definite preferences for people who look like them. By 4 or 5, children assign social characteristics based on skin color – in other words, stereotyping has already begun.

Tips for teaching tolerance:

• Examine your attitudes and the way you feel about people with traits and characteristics different from your own (hair color, skin color, body size, ethnicity). If you want your child to be free of prejudice, you need to demonstrate that attitude in your words and deeds.

• Talk to your child regularly about tolerance. Everyday situations can provide opportunities for discussion.

• Weed out stereotypes in your life, and talk to your child about how misleading stereotypes can be. When you see a negative stereotype in the media, bring attention to it. You might even hear your child repeat common stereotypes, including gender-specific occupations, for example. "Only girls are nurses," or "Only boys are policemen." Use these comments are springboards for discussions.

• Find ways to bring diversity into your child’s life. Together, read books about other cultures. Attend multi-cultural events, watch television shows which spotlight other races and cultures, and encourage friendships with other children, regardless of their race or ethnicity.

• Make tolerance a priority in your life. Speak out against discrimination in your daily life and in your community.

• With your child, learn about your family heritage. Did your ancestors emigrate from another country? Were they ever discriminated against? Throughout our history, many groups have been persecuted because of their heritage, and helping your child learn about his ancestry will increase his sensitivity of and appreciation for differences.

• Practice tolerance. Show patience and forgiveness. Overlook the faults of others. Be flexible. Don’t degrade others because they don’t think, look or act the same way you do. Gently remind your children to do the same.

http://preteenagerstoday.com/resources/articles/teachingdiversity.htm,

http://preschoolerstoday.com/resources/articles/tolerance.htm