Teaching tolerance to our kids

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-16-2010
Teaching tolerance to our kids
1822
Mon, 12-27-2010 - 4:06pm

The discussion in the other thread about gay marriage (OK, it wasn’t so much a discussion as an attack on granitestategal, plus the last time I checked it had devolved into mumbling and maniacal laughter...time to move on!) got me to thinking about this new generation of kids and how things have changed for them. Technology has exploded, and kids are more connected than ever before. They’re also disconnected in a whole new way, but this thread isn’t about that. I’d like to know what we are teaching our kids as far as tolerance for other religions, races and lifestyles.

My parents were brought up by parents who were extremely prejudiced against non-Catholics and non-whites. My great-grandparents must not have passed along the lessons they’d learned as immigrants themselves. The town we lived in was predominantly white and Catholic, and up until high school I didn’t know anyone who was black, Jewish, Hispanic, or gay*. When I moved away from home, I was blown away by how different people outside my little world really were, and fascinated by it. I was, and am, determined to raise my kids to respect and appreciate the differences of others and to understand that deep down we really aren’t that different.

A few years ago when DS was 4, we ran into the husband of a co-worker at a music festival. My co-worker is also male. I probably went overboard in my introduction, but I wanted to get the point across that it’s perfectly OK for some families to consist of 2 dads or 2 moms, or one parent, or parents of different races/religions.

Kevali


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iVillage Member
Registered: 10-01-2010
Fri, 12-31-2010 - 6:27pm

"Minor" rules. You did see that, right?

Avatar for mom34101
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Fri, 12-31-2010 - 6:28pm
Queasy that you roam around as your child on FB. Yes, I do wonder about why so many kids are into stuff that's inappropriate for their age--like FB.
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-01-2010
Fri, 12-31-2010 - 6:30pm

Huh? I do NOT post on her wall-lol!! I will go on with her and ask her who her friends are and how she knows them. I see NOTHING wrong with seeing what her friends are saying to her and to others.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2010
Fri, 12-31-2010 - 6:30pm
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Oh, I get it...like you said I was at work earlier this week when I wasn't but you wouldn't listen when I said you were wrong. I really don't understand why you assume you know what I'm doing on a daily basis....but hey, whatever.

I honestly don't think I have been home on NYE since I was a tween, except when I have had a party at my home. But don't you worry chubs, I am going to at least one party tonight. ;) Heck, both of my kids have plans this year again, lol.
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-01-2010
Fri, 12-31-2010 - 6:32pm

Sorry, don't have time. If you really want to show me, I am sure you can find them. Got to finish getting ready soon.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2010
Fri, 12-31-2010 - 6:32pm
Because as I have said numerous times now, what you think I think is wrong. I never said anything that would make you ask such a question, if my posts were being read, your question about what I think is false and a lie.
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-01-2010
Fri, 12-31-2010 - 6:34pm

Exactly but checking out fb pictures they have taken, being interested in the friends they have and how their parents feel about certain things, makes you more aware.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2010
Fri, 12-31-2010 - 6:35pm
Wow, back to my original point. I'm good with knowing different types of people. Really.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2010
Fri, 12-31-2010 - 6:35pm
That doesn't matter, it is against facebook rules and also federal laws.
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-01-2010
Fri, 12-31-2010 - 6:36pm

Kids do change. Some for the better, some for the worst. Some just do it to be popular, whatever. I feel better monitoring what is going on with some kids. Sometimes it passes and was just a tiff between kids. Some kids are just overall "bad" and my dd knows that she doesn't want to be involved with kids like that.

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