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"And don't let anyone put you down because you're young. Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity...Cultivate these things. Immerse yourself in them. The people will all see you mature right before their eyes!" (1 Timothy 4:12,15 The Message). |
Teaching Children About RaceBackBy Nancy Sanders
The world is filled with diversity. Different cultures, races and languages are part of every child’s daily life due to the accessibility of television and the Internet. Four- to 7-year-olds are naturally curious about these differences. They want to know why a person has a different skin color, clothing or hairstyle. Even slang from other cultures is questioned.
View these times as opportunities to build an appreciation for each distinct individual and for humankind as a whole. Explore the variety God created with its full array of shapes, colors and textures. Teach your child to value unique qualities in others.
Open new doors by reading nonfiction books about other races and cultures. Explore websites that feature kid-friendly ethnic recipes and crafts. Discuss how events that impacted certain groups of people helped shape today’s world.
Always remember that children model adult behavior. What parents say and how they act concerning others will influence impressionable minds. Racist jokes, generalized statements or hateful expressions plant unwanted seeds — in the victim and in the offender. Instead, plant healthy seeds in the tender soil of your child’s heart, building respect toward others.
© 2006 Focus on the Family, all rights reserved. |