TO RISE ABOVE THE HATE

Study Yourself

A first step is to study yourself. Consider if you have unintended biases about race, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, national origin, gender, age, or people with disabilities.

Be sure you are being a positive example and are prepared for deeper conversations with your child.

Study Others

It is important to speak up to those around you. If friends or family members in your child’s life practice hateful speech or prejudice, ask them to stop. Explain to your child why the behavior was problematic.

Discuss World Events

Exposure to social media makes it essential to talk with your child about world events. Hate permeates the news cycle. Create a safe space for your child to discuss their thoughts.

Celebrate Diversity

Expose your child to people from diverse backgrounds. There is a lot to learn from those who are different. Teach your child about the positive way diversity continues to shape the United States.

Prepare Them

Many children are victims of hate speech, prejudice, or bigotry. Give them tools to handle this by affirming their dignity, self-worth, and importance, and identify the steps they should take, including asking adults for help.

Periodically Ask

Check in with your child to make sure they are doing okay and ask them if they have experienced instances of hate.

Encourage Action

Teach your child that they have the power to make a difference. Share examples of social change and how small efforts can impact larger causes.

Make Room

Help your child understand the importance of empathy and how supporting another person does not mean sacrificing their own well-being.

Don’t Ignore

Call out your child if they apply stereotypes or labels. Address the behavior sensitively and help them to see the negative impact of their actions on other people.