March 04, 2017

Quote of the Week

"Don't worry that children never listen to you; worry that they are always watching you." --Robert Fulghum

6 Ways You Can Teach Your Child Tolerance

"Tolerance is acceptance, openness, and respect for differences. But how do parents promote this healthy appreciation and respect for these differences that make us so great?

Children, at very young ages, are often exceptionally aware and honest about differences they observe between themselves and others, but rarely attach judgments to those candid observations. We adults are the ones that do that. You may have heard a parent in the grocery store shushing their three-year-old who says, “Mommy, that man is very big!” or “Daddy, that girl has pink hair!” [...]  These are perfect opportunities to teach the core social value of tolerance. What we do and say in these crucial moments can help to mend wounds and bridge chasms between different people that have been incurable in the past. Being willing to put off the awkwardness and to talk openly and honestly with our children about their questions is just the tip of the iceberg of how we can teach them tolerance and understanding."

This week's feature offers practical tips towards modeling tolerance and raising tolerant kids. [read article]

Reading Corner

Title: We All Sing With The Same Voice
By: J. Philip Miller and Sheppard M. Greene
Ages: 3+

"This is a song book that connects kids around the world. The verses highlight differences between kids, illustrated on the pages of the book. The chorus brings all of these kids with many differences together [...] Not only will the music engage kids as young as three, but it also encourages global awareness and connection at a young age. Everyone is different and unique, and this book celebrates those differences while singing together as friends." -- Publishers

Be the Change

Watch this inspiring 2-minute video Because I'm human, Just Like You together with your children and take the tolerance pledge as a family.  See what conversations are sparked by watching and sharing.