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Sometimes I'll say "gosh! In all the time I've known you, I never realized you have a problem with XX people and I'm surprised to hear you say that." That usually leads to a discussion where they are coming from etc. Or I'll just simply say, "hey, I don't appreciate that kind of talk." My kids are at the age where they listen to other adults speaking and I always be sure to say something so they know it's not okay.
My 6 year old daughter had an incident at school this past year where other peers were saying "white is better than brown" and that led to a whole new realization for me as a parent that I need to step up my role and be sure they understand that in our home, we do not discriminate. I have books about all kinds of people and their differences and we talk about how everyone is different and it's okay. I also talk about the fact that they will meet people who don't think the same way and can be mean and it's okay to disagree with them.
For me, I can only hope that what I teach in the home will override what the kids hear outside the home. I also think my kids see differences a bit better since they have me for a mom who has a disability and are quite protective of that. I think as Liam gets older, he'll also recognize the differences in your own family and will help pave the way in understanding other differences and dealing with people who make remarks like that.
Crick
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