5 Practical Ways to Instil Values of Equality in Everyday Life
Instilling values of equality in our children is essential for building a just society. It is something close to my heart and something I feel very passionate about. This was also my job for 9 years. Here are five practical ways to incorporate these values into everyday life, helping your children grow to be empathetic and aware individuals.
1. Lead by Example
Children learn by observing their parents. Show respect and kindness to everyone, regardless of differences. Your actions set a powerful example for your children to follow, so be mindful of how you treat others in your everyday interactions. Whether it’s being polite to a cashier or helping a neighbour, your children are watching and learning.
2. Embrace Diversity
Expose your children to diverse cultures through books, movies, and community events. Encourage them to learn about different traditions and perspectives. You might read stories from different cultures at bedtime, discussing the unique aspects of each story. This exposure broadens their worldview and helps them appreciate the richness of diversity.
3. Encourage Empathy
Teach your children to consider others’ feelings. Use scenarios or stories that illustrate different perspectives. Ask questions like, “How would you feel if that happened to you?” This fosters compassion and understanding, helping them connect with others on a deeper level. You might even role-play different situations to help them explore various viewpoints.
4. Discuss Current Events
Age-appropriate discussions about news and events can help children understand real-world issues of equality. Encourage them to express their thoughts and feelings about what they hear. You might say, “What do you think about that news story? How does it make you feel?” This encourages critical thinking and awareness of societal issues.
5. Volunteer Together
Engage in community service as a family. Helping those in need reinforces the value of equality and shows children the importance of giving back. Whether it’s volunteering at a local shelter or participating in community clean-up days, these experiences create lasting memories and instil a sense of responsibility in your children.
By making equality a part of daily life, we help children grow into empathetic, respectful adults who value fairness for all. Together, let’s create a world where everyone is treated with dignity and respect!
About Esther, The Author
I knew I wanted him to grow up understanding that both girls and boys could achieve anything that they set their minds to, but I couldn’t find any books that featured a female lead character (a human one, not an animal one!) that really represented the message I wanted to teach him. So I thought, if I can’t find the story I want to tell, I’d better write it myself.