encourage activism

With recent protests and riots happening at our Nation’s Capitol, imagine you’re a 5 year old noticing mom on her phone, looking worried and upset and without telling you why.

Imagine how worried you would be.

With violent protests and riots, this raises many questions for our children and it’s some uncharted territory for parents to explain.

Parenting expert, guidance counselor, licensed educational psychologist, and board-certified behavior analyst, Reena B. Patel says parents should be ready to answer questions.

Here are Seven Quick Tips from Reena:

1. Be open and honest- By doing this, we help prepare them to challenge these issues when they arise.

2. Model it. Talking to your child about the importance of embracing differences and treating others with respect is essential, but it’s not enough. Acknowledge difference and emphasize the positive aspects of our differences Encourage your child to talk about what makes him diff erent, and discuss ways that may have helped or hurt him at times. Similarities become more powerful. Remember silence indicates acceptance

3. Violence is NEVER the answer. Communication is always key, urge your children to communicate their frustration and debate, but this frustration should never turn into violence.

4. Talk about history. Sometimes this gets lost, discuss the struggles and everything that has lead to the now.

5. Instill respect. No matter our views, everyone is different. Teach our children to always respect differences.

6. For teens- keep talking. Use current issues from the news, as a springboard for discussion. Ask your teen what she thinks about the issues. Discuss the importance of valuing differences is essential, but modeling this message is even more vital. Evaluate your own circle of friends or the beliefs you hold about certain groups of people.

7. Encourage activism. Promote ways for your family to get involved in causes you care about, safely and in a constructive way.