It is important to realize that your child may be hearing
about violent situations from sources other than you. This makes it extremely
important that the issue be discussed.
We have lived by a totally non-violent philosophy and shared
that with the children in our care.
Here are some guidelines that have worked for us.
Do
1. Acknowledge that there are some people in the world who do
mean or hurtful things. This is because they have not learned to resolve their
differences with other people by using their words like your child should be
encouraged to do.
2. Share the names of some of individuals or groups i.e.
police, firemen, rescue workers, doctors, nurses, family members and friends
who help people all the time.
3. Identify some of the ways you always check to make sure
everyone is safe.
Do not
1. Ever allow your child to watch the news or any violent form
of entertainment.
2. Automatically assume that a G rated movie or video is
appropriate for your child.
3. Provide violent details if they inquire about the meaning of
some actions they have overheard.
I am hoping that with all the violence and hatred we are
exposed to right now that we, as parents, make a commitment to creating a more
positive, caring, embracing world for our children.
Additional thoughts
1. The most successful way to achieve that goal is to raise our
children with a non-violent philosophy!
2. Our children are not bad or good. They break a rule or
follow a rule. They may listen or not listen. They may be empathetic or non-caring.
Focus on the action without labeling their character.
3 .They must be given the skills to resolve their issues or
communicate their needs verbally.
4. There are no violent toys allowed. They should not make guns
out of other objects, hit a friend, call them an unkind name or make shooting
sounds while pointing their finger. Shooting hurts people, it cannot be part of
a game.
5. Encourage and expect your child to be more creative in their
games. We play family roles, create villages, open restaurants, go on trips and
build museums for examples of good play. Children become amazingly creative
when we outline clear expectations.
Let’s make a commitment to creating a better world for our
children.
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