As a parent, it’s natural to want to teach your children valuable life skills that will serve them well as adults. One important skill that can be particularly impactful is the ability to be an “Includer” – someone who actively seeks to include others and make them feel welcome in various social situations. This can be particularly important for kids who may feel left out or isolated, and it’s a skill that can help children develop empathy, kindness, and a sense of community.
So how can you teach your children to be Includers? Here are some tips to consider:
Set a Good Example: As adults, we often serve as role models for our children, whether we realize it or not. So, if you want to raise children who are caring and inclusive, it’s important to model those behaviors yourself. This means being proactive about inviting others to join you or your child in activities, engaging in conversations with people who may be new or unfamiliar to you, and generally making an effort to be welcoming and inclusive.
Observe Your Children’s Interactions: Another way to help your children develop an inclusive attitude is to pay attention to how they interact with others. If you see your child playing with a group and not including someone, this can be a teachable moment. Use it as an opportunity to gently remind your child that playing is often more fun when everyone is included, and that it feels good to make others feel welcomed.
Provide Opportunities for Socialization: Kids need opportunities to practice and develop their social skills, and one way to do this is by providing a variety of social activities and events for them to participate in. This can be especially important for children who may be shy or hesitant to approach others. At Stride schools, we understand the importance of helping children feel included, which is why we offer a variety of social opportunities for our students to participate in outside of their academics.
Be a Supportive Parent: Finally, it’s important to be a supportive parent and to help your children navigate social situations. This can mean offering guidance and advice when your child is trying to include someone new in a group, or simply being available to listen and offer support if your child is feeling left out or isolated.
Raising inclusive children is all about setting a good example, observing and guiding your children’s interactions with others, providing opportunities for socialization, and being a supportive parent. By focusing on these things, you can help your children develop a caring and inclusive attitude that will serve them well throughout their lives.
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