Talking About Acceptance

Similarities and Differences

make early observations of racial cues form basic concepts about other people

engage in conceptual differentiation through action

recognize the permanency of characteristics (cues remain constant - skin color will not change)

understand group concepts elaborate group concepts

From ages 2 through 5 or 6, children . . .

Developmental Tasks

children are learning the appropriate use of the gender labels (girl, boy) and learning color names, which they begin to apply to skin color

By age 2 . . .

notice gender and racial differences influenced by societal norms and biases may exhibit "pre-prejudice" toward others

gender race being differently-abled.

By age 3 . . .

Will I always be a girl or boy?If I like to climb trees, do I become a boy?If I like to play with dolls, do I become a girl?What gives me my skin color?Can I change it?If I interact with a child who has a physical disability,

will I get it?Will I always need a prosthesis in place of my arm?

Children try to figure out aspects of self that remain constant. They wonder:

Between 3 and 5 years of age. . .

By 4 or 5 years of age . . .

engage in gender-specific behavior reinforce that behavior among themselves use racial reasons for refusing to interactexhibit discomfort and rejection of

differently-abled people.

Five-year olds . . .

have established sex identity and constancymay no have accurate information about

gender anatomy. learned the societal embarrassment about

gender anatomy, try to see or play with each others' genitalia.

Five-year olds . . .

are curious and want information about how babies are born.

Parents Can Help Children Deal With Differences

Respond promptly Give simple answers Use the right words

Parents Can Help Children Deal With Differences

Model respectful behavior, both verbally and nonverbally

Acknowledge children's fears Introduce differences through books

Parents Can Help Children Deal With Differences

Be sensitive to the unasked questions Actions speak louder than words

Questions or Comments?