It is not difficult to recognize a tolerant person, he does not interfere in other people’s affairs, he will not condemn the actions of others, and he will accept acquaintances as they are. This idea – all people are different, makes life much easier, the main thing is to learn to think this way and instill a similar way of thinking in your children.
Why tolerance is important in modern society
Probably there is not a single country left where peoples of different nationalities do not live. Only in Russia, there are so many nationalities that it is difficult to list. In addition, people differ in their chosen faith. This is the first reason why the education of tolerance is so necessary, because it is sometimes difficult to understand a person from another country – traditions, thinking, habits in this case are a little different. Unfortunately, the difficulty lies in relations between countries, it is important to explain to the child that political views should not concern friendship or family.
The second reason is relationships with relatives, acquaintances, colleagues. Even if they speak the same language with us, difficult situations sometimes happen. Some people find it easier to understand a foreigner than “their own”, which is due to the lack of a simple understanding – the character is formed not only by the nation, but also by the family. For example, a person who comes from a poor family may be different from someone who grew up well off. The process of “self-education” also plays a role, sometimes people choose their own behavior with the help of personal beliefs, which are almost impossible to change.
Thus, a world of unique personalities is being formed, and our task is not to try to change someone, but to accept each other as we really are. Tolerance helps to communicate at work, between relatives and friends. Such colleagues and relatives are most valued because they solve the problem peacefully.
Education of tolerance in children – the first lessons
Everything new, unknown to us can cause different feelings – from surprise to feelings of fear and charm. Usually, young children strive to learn everything unusual, but when studying a peer with a different skin color, eye shape or temperament, the child asks questions without thinking about what they might offend. The task of parents is to foster empathy free from stereotypes, by personal example. Behavior in society is modeled primarily by observation of authoritative adults – father or mother.
The power of influence on the formation of character in this case is invaluable. The age of the child does not matter for the first lessons, the main thing here is to present the information so that he perceives it correctly. It is not necessary to give special lectures on this topic, just ordinary observation from the outside is enough. In kindergarten or at school, there are quite a few suitable situations, and you, for your part, can tell us about a problem that has arisen at work, as well as a way to resolve it.
Behavioral lessons are also possible while watching television, such complex topics as war, disability, racism should also be discussed from early childhood. There is no need to be afraid of the tenderness of the child’s soul, as this quality is only beneficial. Children older than ten years are already more cruel than five-year-olds, and the authority of parents is sharply reduced, hence the recommendation – to cultivate tolerance as early as possible.
School of Tolerance
If you want a child to show respect, he must receive it from others, primarily parents. Listen to the opinion of the child, his activities. Give up comparisons with peers and the words that he is the wisest, best, shy. Each person in this world is a kind of star that shines in its own way, differing in appearance, character, strengths and weaknesses. We are created by nature to complement and balance the universe. Identical humanity is a much bigger problem than versatility.
Explain why people with different skin colors, how foreign languages appeared, what words or gestures offend others. Fantasize during the game – how to explain, ask, tell so that the interlocutor is not offended, why you need to avoid such terms as “fat”, “thin”, “old” and how they can be replaced (well-fed, slender, elderly). Point out inappropriate behavior such as intolerance, manipulation of the weak, criticism and blaming, as these are forms of emotional abuse.
It is very important to treat the child kindly if you want him to bring this quality into the world. Unhappy, humiliated children bring with them a share of destruction, contempt, a lot of negative emotions, which, of course, does not improve our society.