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: 03-25-2010
Fri, 12-31-2010 - 6:36pm
Well then....my way should just be fine, now shouldn't it. Make up your mind on this point already, lol.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2010
Fri, 12-31-2010 - 6:37pm
Welcome. I'm trying to think....he posts so rarely, lol...but yes, I think so.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2010
Fri, 12-31-2010 - 6:37pm
Well it would seem that you are the only one who is friends with these type of underage kids.....
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-01-2010
Fri, 12-31-2010 - 6:37pm

Oh, I am. Thanks.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2010
Fri, 12-31-2010 - 6:39pm
I don't know...I just said to my son about their new toy (video game), I won't make restrict it until they show me that it needs to be restricted. I checked facebook pretty closely in the beginning, but unlike you and the issues that are on your facebook and your child's....we haven't seen an issue, so I backup a bit and allow him freedom.
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-22-2009
Fri, 12-31-2010 - 6:40pm
We have already been thru how i monitor my childs FB page.

I will tell you this, It was my mistake to allow my 12 year old to get a fb page this summer. Had i known and i should have known the age WAS 13 I would have never done it. I was careless in that regard.

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-01-2010
Fri, 12-31-2010 - 6:40pm

Not sure what would make you queasy? I am not posting to anyone, I am making sure my child knows who her friends really are. Who is bullying someone, if that is happening. Anything that just does not look right. 99% of the time nothing bad is going on. This is not something I do everyday though as I do believe my child needs some freedom. As she gets older, of course she will get more.

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-01-2010
Fri, 12-31-2010 - 6:41pm

That's nice. Have fun. Haven't been out for so many years. Going to have a blast tonight. Can't wait.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2010
Fri, 12-31-2010 - 6:41pm
I'm not sure where you got the idea that I really want to show you.....certainly not from what I posted, lol. You are the one who asked for them, if you want them, go look. I've already said a number of times that I don't care and have explained why, if you still don't grasp what I have said...re-read.
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-01-2010
Fri, 12-31-2010 - 6:43pm

lol!! Got to get ready to go out. Have a nice night. I am sure you need to get ready too so will talk to you next year :)

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