How To Teach Children To Respect Differences? – Being Parents

It is therefore fundamental that children understand and respect them from an early age. But how do you teach children to respect differences?

The world is more and more diverse. As a result, children are increasingly exposed to cohabiting with people with different lifestyles. 

Beliefs, customs, values ​​and behaviors test the tolerance and empathy of individuals. Therefore, it is essential that children learn to respect differences from an early age.

Wars, ideological conflicts and confrontations are caused by a lack of respect for others. If you want your kids to transform social dynamics, you might consider putting these tips into practice.

5 ways to learn to respect differences

The ability to respect others will benefit your children throughout their lives. Valuing diversity will help them to flourish as people,  to have new ideas and to strengthen their intelligence and social relationships.

1. Give a model of the behaviors you want to see

Lead by example. You need to start by respecting others,  celebrating differences, and being understanding in any situation.

Start by assessing your behavior before demanding or training role models in your children. Avoid discriminatory jokes and the creation of stereotypes  that affect the perception of children.

“Respect is a value, a virtue. To know what it represents, I have to start with myself. At the same time, I acquire the capacity to respect others and others. Not just opinion, but feeling. Once I understand this, I begin to know that I have to listen to myself and to listen. I control myself, I know my limits, I assume an attitude of respect, I project it onto others and I value those around me ”

-Dora Herrera-

2. Help build self-esteem

If you want your children to develop the ability to respect differences, focus on developing their  self-esteem first. Children and self-confident people in general have more capacity to adhere to others without pretending to change them.

A child with high self-esteem is able to be confident in their own choices, not follow the crowd, and  stand up for their beliefs without dismissing the values ​​of others.

3. Allow children to have new experiences

It is common for people to seek relationships with individuals who share their beliefs and are like them.

However,  the key to opening up perspectives and welcoming totally different human beings is to live with them.

Allow your children to step out of their comfort zone  and seek to know and explore the world through the eyes of others.

4. Be prepared to answer questions

This is inevitable. Children want you to explain behaviors and visions that are somewhat unusual to them. If this happens, you need to be prepared to deal with the situation properly. Take into account the following aspects:

• Focus on the positive. The best way to respond to your child about different human origins, sizes, clothing habits, or languages is to be positive, direct, and honest.
• Forget the excuses. Whenever the children ask you a question, provide them with an answer. They need relevant information to get a feel for life and society.

• Reinforce good manners. The little ones are not aware of social rules. Therefore, it is essential to teach them to be careful and respectful in society.
• Help them understand that differences are beneficial and that we are all different in certain traits. Show them that these characteristics make us special. Moreover, whatever the peculiarities of each one, there is always something in common.

5. Make tolerance a fundamental principle

Children should respect all people equally. It doesn’t matter what they look like or what they believe in. This is a lesson that you often need to teach your children so that they consistently apply it and really be internalized.

One way to reinforce this behavior is to share positive teaching books, movies, and games with children  .

Remember:  the first step in learning to respect differences for your children is to do it yourself. We live in a huge world in which cultural and social riches abound. So we should know them and accept them.

Discriminating and running away from the other only takes us away from the wonderful treasure hidden in each person.