During the election, messages of hate, fear and intolerance were propagated across different media and into communities.
And the messages continue.
This post originally appeared onThe Conversation.
These messages, no matter their voice, were designed and intended to target adults.
As parents, caretakers and citizens, we have the power to turn this tide.
Hate and intolerance touted in the media is no different.
Another response can be love.
Developmental Stages: A Lens for Media Messages
Childrens actions may depend heavily on their developmentalstage.
Emotions like hate, fear and intolerance are complex.
This distress may be associated with concerning behaviors such aswithdrawal, anger, anxiety and conduct problems.
This effect was seen increasingly in families with lower socioeconomic status and lower income.
Our Path Forward
The strongest change you could make is in your own home.
Both of these sites include developmentally appropriate stories and games to discuss racial and cultural differences with your child.
Talk to your child about responding with kindness:Even offhand statements can be felt as hateful to others.
Creating a culture of kindness in your home can have ripple effects.
Remember, tolerance does not mean tolerating hateful behavior.
It means everyone deserves to be respected and should respect others.
For example, if your child hears someone saying something intolerant, encourage them to speak up against it.
Become active in your community, volunteer locally, nationally or globally.
Take your child along and get them involved.
Even easier, show them how you respond to intolerant acts and explain to them why.
Conversely, kids with higher self-esteem may bolster others around them.
Emphasize your childs own strengths and encourage them to explore their interests.
Teach them about their own cultural background and instill a sense of cultural pride in your family.
And remember, children are listening.
Danielle Erkoboni is a National Clinician Scholar and General Pediatrician,University of Pennsylvania.
