Sadly, a new Wits University study has found that South African children are intolerant of social groups they don’t belong to.

The recent #feesmustfall protests have done much to highlight the dire state of our country. And, as you may reluctantly remember, it was our children that played an active role in the spark of xenophobic attacks during May 2008. Have we reached such a stage of intolerance in our country that we cannot listen to one another anymore?

Why does that man have such dark skin? Or maybe, why is that girl in a wheel chair? We will all face our children experiencing or showing prejudice at some point but what we as parents say in these crucial moments can help to bridge the differences between people.

In our beautiful, diverse country we are surrounded by differences in ethnicity, religion, culture, disabilities and other differences.  We look different. We live differently and we certainly act differently.

So, why should we encourage tolerance in our kids? Tolerance is not about accepting bad behaviour, but accepting people for who they are and treating them how you wish to be treated. Simply stated, tolerance is about recognising and respecting other people’s beliefs and practices without necessarily sharing them.

We as parents have a significant impact on how our kids react to people from different cultures and backgrounds. Hatred, prejudice and intolerance can be learned, but so can sensitivity, understanding and tolerance. Being tolerant of each other and caring for each other, is what makes us human.

So, mom and dad, cliché as it may sound, we have the ability to create a better world for generations to come.

Here are a few tips on how to teach your kids tolerance:

• Walk the walk and talk the talk. Kids learn by example. Leave them with more good examples than bad ones. Treat others with tolerance and respect.
• Teach them love. Be an example of loving others despite and because of their differences. Seek to help others and let your kids experience that.
• Expose them to different cultures. Use books or the internet to explore the world, cultures and views. This allows a child to see your appreciation and respect for others while still allowing you to express your own values, beliefs and culture.
• Challenge stereotypes and respond to negative remarks. If a racial remark is made in front of your child, confront the issue immediately. As your child observes you taking a stand, he’ll learn to speak out against prejudice. Never participate in jokes or other practises that foster stereotypes or degrade others.
• Foster your child’s self –esteem. When kids feel good about themselves, they won’t feel threatened by the differences of others. Children who are secure about themselves are more comfortable exploring and debating opposing views.
• Always respond to kids’ questions, even if you don’t have a “good” answer. Questions are a critical step towards understanding. Silence can teach a child that it’s not okay to talk about differences.

In a world where tolerance levels are being stretched, it is vital for us as parents to teach our children the importance of tolerance – after all he/she is the future generation!

Source: www.learningtogive.org, books.google.co.za, childdevelopmentinfo.com, www.everydayfamily.com, www.parents.com, matadornetwork.com, www.sheknows.com, eee.education.com, www.psychologytoday.com, timesofindia.indiatimes.com, www.beyondintractability.org, micheleborba.com, www.iol.co.za