Having a peaceful and happier world has always been a major concern that contemporary man has always had. One of the requirements of this world is to stay away from any racist thoughts and actions. Talking about racism with children, as well as stopping them from committing acts of violence, can create a generation that creates a better and prosperous future. Although many efforts have been made in recent years to combat racism, we still live in an era in which this issue is existing in different societies, both advanced and under developed. Therefore, teaching children to understand differences and protect them from racism and discrimination is a moral imperative for us as parents.
The first step is to change the parenting style:we need to clear our minds of the frameworks formed about racial superiority and violence. Basically it is our approach and the culture of each community that creates these attitudes in the child.
Prejudice against people begin in childhood. Most children by the age of 4 or 5 can distinguish between race and ethnicity. Between the ages of 7 and 10, Children fully understand the complex concepts and differences and similarities between groups.
Even if we do not see or hear ethnic clashes and insults between children, it does not mean that children are not exposed to these behaviors. Despite the fact that prejudice among children towards adolescents is often less intentional and hostile than that of adults, it is still harmful to all those who are exposed to such behaviors.
The media, parents, teachers, friends and siblings can all play a crucial role in a child’s thinking towards racism or inequality. Also it should be kept in mind that children are quick to notice the differences between what we say and what we do.
Make sure your actions and behaviors are in line with what you teach, otherwise children will look at your actions, not your words.
Preschool is the best time to talk to your child about human differences. Just when your child asks you about the difference in the accent, clothes and skin color of their classmates. You can easily explain to him how human beings are different in the world and how beautiful this difference can be. For this purpose, you can use story books and games etc. One of the best book about the differences between human beings is the story of Elmer. Elmer is an elephant with different color. Due to its color difference from other elephants,he intends to change the color of his body.
In addition, you can just give your child a crayon and ask him to draw a picture with the same color. In the end, explain to him that the world is like a box of crayons and that it is beautiful in all its colors. It is possible to explain the use of each color in his painting and guide him with different questions to the point that each color has a special place in the painting and the absence of any of them can not make the painting beautiful.
This is a good opportunity to teach children about rich cultures and different religions. Talking about child racism has always been effective.
It is essential that children learn not only about differences but also about similarities between different ethnicities and religions. Here, while pointing out differences such as dress, food, or vacation, you can also emphasize people from other cultures have similar concerns and aspirations, and that they all have a lot in commonality, such as entertainment, love of animals, or being together and so on . so,the need of the hour is to Learn how to instill in your children an attitude of acceptance & tolerance for everyone. Raise a child who celebrates diversity.
A guide for teaching children not to be prejudiced towards skin colour.
Translator: Salma Syeda
Keywords: Happy world, Peaceful world , parents role, racism, ethnicity, oppression, Poison, black lives matter, Teachers role, better future