Share Us
2011 Leading Moms in Business Competition Widget
Facebook Badge
Blog Archive
About Me
Followers
Friday, January 28, 2011
Helping Your Toddler Understand Differences
5:41 PM | Posted by
Little Pink Dress |
Edit Post
You're cruising down the aisles at the grocery store when your preschooler spots a man with a prosthetic arm. She stares and asks, in a loud voice, "Mommy, what's wrong with that man's arm?"
Three-year-olds are very attuned to the differences between themselves and others. And they're not afraid to ask questions about them — loudly. For instance why someone's hair, eyes, or skin color is different? Why is that kid in a wheelchair? They're genuinely surprised and curious.
While their timing might embarrass you, these questions can open a door to meaningful conversation later about race, age, gender, or disabilities. Try to answer in a brief and matter-of-fact way: "That man had an accident and lost his arm, and the doctor made him a new one." Keep explanations simple. For example, pointing out that skin comes in all different shades is easier for a 3-year-old to grasp than a deeper discussion about labels like "Asian" or "African American." And if the person your child is asking about is within earshot, it'll probably be less likely to offend or embarrass them, too.
This is a great age for teaching acceptance without judging. While your child may be attuned to differences, help her observe people's similarities as well: "Kate only has one arm, but she's your age, and she likes to run and play on the swings, just like you." Try to expose your child to all kinds of people. Take her along when you visit elderly relatives, for example, or to visit friends of a different race.
Three-year-olds are very attuned to the differences between themselves and others. And they're not afraid to ask questions about them — loudly. For instance why someone's hair, eyes, or skin color is different? Why is that kid in a wheelchair? They're genuinely surprised and curious.
While their timing might embarrass you, these questions can open a door to meaningful conversation later about race, age, gender, or disabilities. Try to answer in a brief and matter-of-fact way: "That man had an accident and lost his arm, and the doctor made him a new one." Keep explanations simple. For example, pointing out that skin comes in all different shades is easier for a 3-year-old to grasp than a deeper discussion about labels like "Asian" or "African American." And if the person your child is asking about is within earshot, it'll probably be less likely to offend or embarrass them, too.
This is a great age for teaching acceptance without judging. While your child may be attuned to differences, help her observe people's similarities as well: "Kate only has one arm, but she's your age, and she likes to run and play on the swings, just like you." Try to expose your child to all kinds of people. Take her along when you visit elderly relatives, for example, or to visit friends of a different race.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)