Re: Are Parents to Blame?

From: Marsha Howard
Email: Howardtrainer@aol.com
Date: December 15, 2005

Comments

Hi again, I don’t like to use the word blame. Many parents pass on their own prejudice and bias to children by their behavior and comments.Ex: when children do not see difference in others as positive, when children ask questions and they are told not to talk about or notice differences, when children hear parents make jokes about accents and appearance of those who are different, when parents appear to be uncomfortable or fearful of certain people who are different. Of course this influences a child’s perception of people around them. On the other hand when parents celebrate differences, answer questions honestly, and demonstrate acceptance, this will also has an impact on children’s perceptions. As adults working with children we Must uncover our own bias and create a learning environment that includes and respects all families.