Category — Quick Tips

How to Talk To Children About Stereotypes
by Dr. Susan Linn

Getting Past Generalizations
For Ages: Ten and under
The Scene
“It’s so annoying,” ten-year-old Joshua says between bites. “Linda Chan got another hundred on our math test. I’m not surprised. All those Asian American kids are good at math.”

It’s amazing how children absorb societal stereotypes, even if we avoid them at home. Children are aware of racial differences by the time they’re preschoolers. And by the age of 12, children have developed an image of most racial or ethnic groups in America.

Only by actively challenging stereotyping can we help our children overcome the lessons they may inadvertently learn from friends, television, and even textbooks.

The Words You Need
Here are some ideas to help you talk with your kids about stereotypes.
Continue Reading

This is a darling video for kids to teach the proper way to wash hands. It has a catchy song you can sing as you wash. Go to Washy Washy Clean

What are some ways you boost your children’s or grandchildren’s confidence? Please share them.
Here are some ideas from an article entitled Boosting Children’s Confidence by Carleton Kendrick

Parents should often ask their children to recall positive events in their lives. Talking about your kids’ accomplishments can ground them in optimism as they grow and face new and difficult challenges and disappointments.
These discussions will remind your children of who they really are, and will build their self-esteem and resiliency.

The Words You Need
We all like to reminisce about times when we felt full of joy and achievement. These questions will help reacquaint your children with those moments.

The Words: “What have you done that has made you feel proud of yourself? Why?”
The Reason: Knowing what has given your children a sense of pride gives you insight into who they aspire to be. Their answers might surprise you. Given this information, you can help your kids discover activities that you know they’ll enjoy.

The Words: “What is your favorite family memory? Why?”
The Reason: Kids want to be valued members of their family. Your family can provide a safe place for your children to “just be themselves” and to seek shelter from the storm. It’s vital for you to know the kind of attention that your kids most want and need. It might be a one-on-one time with you, or an event with all family members.

The Words: “What was the best surprise you ever had? What made it so special?”
The Reason: Knowing how we can surprise and delight our children is profoundly important. As they discuss their “best” surprises, other family members can share their most cherished memories, too. This will help everyone learn how to give personalized, memorable surprises.

Conversation Tips
Be ready with some of your own positive remembrances. Your children may not be feeling good about themselves or their lives when you begin this discussion. They may need some vivid reminders of past achievements and good times. Telling them your recollections of their past good deeds and good times will assure them that you’ve been paying attention to their “good stuff.”

Help keep your kids safe online by reviewing these tips.

RECOGNIZE - Teach your children to recognize unsafe and inappropriate situations, web sites, chat rooms and instant messages. When they are aware of where dangers might be, they can avoid those situations.

RESIST – The best way for your children to resist online dangers is by keeping their personal information personal. Tell them not to five out that information to anyone online. Tell them they can resist by saying no and/or leaving the chat room or blocking instant messages from anyone who says anything that makes them feel scared, uncomfortable or confused.

REPORT – Tell your children they should report anything they feel in inappropriate to you or another trusted adult. Let them know that you will listen to them and thrust them.
This information was printed in the Questar GasLight News, July 2009

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