Teach your child to accept, embrace people’s differences

Good character includes seeing all people as
equal. It means accepting all people of all ethnic
groups, religions and abilities. An open-minded
child who respects all people will get along better
in school. Here’s how to guide your child:
• Describe the diversity in your child’s own
family background. Perhaps a grandmother
came from Europe or Africa.
• Explain empathy. Ask your child, “How
would you like people to treat you if you
looked different from them?”
• Teach your child to sign, “I love you.” Find
books on sign language for the deaf at the
library.
• Have your child clip out photos of people
from old magazines. Talk about differences in
size, hair color, skin tones and ages. Explain
that all are equally worthy of love.
• Take out library books that describe customs
of various ethic groups. Incorporate some into
the next holiday.
• Select library books that show people of all
backgrounds and ages. Ask your child,
“Wouldn’t it be boring if we were all alike?”