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If there is one thing that we surely all can agree upon, it's that kids are the future. If we raise our kids to love and respect everyone equally and automatically without negative prejudgment, we will have created
our own little miracles. Here are just some ideas:
Please read to your kids and answer their questions from the ``Let's learn about…" sections of our newsletter, ``HeartBeat." This is where we will discuss a different Cultural Tradition, religious observance/holiday and different medical conditions, what it's like to use a wheelchair, etc. They need to know
these things (and so do we adults) in order to take away the fear that comes from the unknown. You'll find many books and videos that will help your children learn about diversity in
fun, ``childsize" ways in our online BOOKSTORE and VIDEO STORE.
In our ``shopping" area you will find our ``ABC's of Harmony". It is printed on a rainbow background or 3 different borders for just $4.95+s/h to
members. It is suitable for framing for your child's room, or anywhere in your home or classroom. It is written to encourage a dialog by taking a letter each day and explaining the definition of the word(s) in
a way that they can understand. Then discuss examples of that meaning. Let them ask lots of questions. Make it fun and positive with the emphasis on love!
Please, take your kids out and encourage them (with you close by their side) to look everyone (that you feel it's okay to speak to), in the eye and say ``hello" and ``how
are you today?" Especially to those who are elderly, in a wheelchair or who look less than ``perfect." I guarantee it will brighten everyone's
day! What Can I Do...Today?
P.S. If you get no response, or a cold response, forget about it and try again right away with someone else!!
When your little ones point and stare or say hurtful things like ``he/she looks weird!" Encourage them to find other, less judgemental words (they can't help what they think until you help
them reframe it) like, ``oh, that's new" puts the situation back on to the child to learn more. Some situations just require that the child observes you being friendly and respectful to the person who looks new.
Remember that all of us just want basic human courtesy: Hello, please, thank you, may I get the door for you? No need to force yourself to talk to anyone...just remember to be
friendly and respectful, just as you would be to any fellow human. Your kids will automatically pick it up. Everyone understands that ``kids will be kids!" But no one likes to be the object of blatant disrespect.
Give your child the opportunity to play with children who are ``different". You'll be surprised when you find that they basically are not different! We have great fun at All One Heart activities.
Just a little bit more effort from all of us each day will make a world of difference!
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