2025 Global Social Work Midterm
Imagine you want to raise children or help parents who want to raise children who will:
a. never murder,
b. not regard persons experiencing poverty as inferior or causing their own problems,
c. understand individuals need to be able to disagree and respect their disagreements and also see themselves as inherently interdependent with their cultural community.
What four key guidelines from our readings and discussions would you use to accomplish that goal?
Question 1.
ReplyDelete1. Every Person is Unique and Equally Valuable – Each individual possesses unique strengths and abilities, and no one is inherently superior to another. Emphasizing the value of diversity fosters mutual respect and appreciation. Incorporating proverbs and wisdom from various cultures, such as the Kenyan saying, "A donkey’s thank you is a kick"(Tedma, 2013), can provide meaningful lessons on human interactions from an early age. In educational settings, integrating activities that encourage cooperation and recognizing peers' talents can help build an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
2. Self-Determination and Well-Being as a Collective Responsibility – As highlighted in Ewalt’s (1995) study on Pacific nations, self-determination should be viewed through a communal lens. Individual well-being is deeply connected to the well-being of one's community—whether that be family, classmates, or colleagues. Every decision we make has a ripple effect on those around us, making it essential to cultivate mindfulness and empathy. One way to instill this value in children is by promoting acts of kindness, such as encouraging them to assist their peers with assignments rather than competing to finish first.
3. The Crucial Role of Parental Responsiveness – Meeting a child’s emotional needs from an early age is essential for healthy development. When a baby cries, attentive responses from parents and caregivers help foster a sense of security. Conversely, consistently ignoring a crying infant can lead to heightened anxiety and long-term effects on the nervous system. Rubin (1997) notes that while some mothers of inhibited children display warmth and affection, they often fail to respond appropriately to their children's cues and needs (Chen, 1998). Ensuring that children feel heard and supported is fundamental to their emotional well-being.
4. The Impact of Marital Conflict on Child Behavior – Marital conflict can significantly contribute to aggression in children. Hart (1998) emphasizes that maintaining a harmonious marital relationship can help reduce aggressive tendencies in young children. Encouraging peaceful communication and teaching constructive conflict resolution strategies can foster a more stable and supportive family environment, ultimately benefiting a child’s emotional and social development.
I really enjoyed reading your four guidelines and being able to hear your passion through the screen! I also feel strongly about incorporating both community and individual care along with highlighting how important family dynamics are. I firsthand know how impactful it may be to constantly live between marital conflicts. This is why I also mentioned it as one of my guidelines as well. In addition, I remember talking about the donkey proverb in class that showed how we should be more open and understanding of diverse ways of expression. This could be applied to things beyond expression as well and I liked how you mentioned it as a way to explain that everyone is unique and still very valuable. I appreciated and enjoyed seeing the proverb from that perspective!
DeleteHello! I also remember talking about the donkey proverb in my breakout group and hearing everyone’s thoughts about this proverb. One of my group members mentioned that this was her favorite proverb, and her reasoning was very insightful as she spoke from a social worker’s perspective. Some of my other group members shared their favorite proverb and connected it to their culture, which I found very interesting. I agree that teachers should include more cultural teachings within their lessons as it can build an inclusive and supportive learning environment. I also mentioned something similar in my blog post of exposing children to a wide range of cultural identities. Additionally, I really liked how you mentioned the crucial role of parental responsiveness, which is crucial for a child’s development. Your ideas are things that I am learning in my child developmental social work class. In my class, we talked about how and why kids with secure attachment to caregivers tend to have better emotional regulation, social skills, and resilience.
DeleteFebruary 24, 2025 at 3:52 PM comment form Elvialuz
ReplyDelete1. Progressive Childrearing Attitudes. When raising children, it’s important to consider the parenting style that’s used amongst different cultures. As highlighted in Bornstein, Putnick, and Lansford’s article “Parenting Attributions and Attitudes in Cross-Cultural Perspective”, their studies exhibited how “country differences in progressive and authoritarian attitudes articulate with societal encouragement of child agency. Parents who hold more authoritarian attitudes may encourage less agency in their children than parents who hold more progressive attitudes. The effects of different parenting styles on children have been shown to vary within and across culture.” (Bornstein et al., 2011). Due to this variation of parenting styles amongst cultures around the world, it’s important for social workers to educate parents on the impact of different types of parent attributions to children, and how these attributions can affect how future generations interact with people who are a) impoverished & underserved, and b) hold different views than them.
ReplyDelete2. Emotional Regulation of Children. One aspect of parenting that’s important to prioritize is helping your children regulate their emotions, especially when they’re young. This practice is important to start earlier in the child’s development due to the potential transpiring of aggressive, prejudiced attitudes towards others in their environment. Hart and colleagues illustrate this phenomenon in their article “Overt and Relational Aggression in Russian Nursery School-Age Children: Parenting Style and Marital Linkages” where they found that “higher levels of maternal coercion and lack of paternal responsiveness are the two most important contributors to relational and overt aggression in Russian nursery-school-age-children” (Hart et al., 1998). Thus, by contributing to the child’s emotional well-being will children be better able to interact with not just their parents, but those who they will have conflict with within their environment (peers, teachers, etc.). By doing so, children will also be less likely to perceive others as inferior to them, especially those facing poverty or other marginalized individuals.
3. Promoting a Cooperative, Peaceful Environment. Bruce Bonta’s article “Cooperation and Competition in Peaceful Societies” highlights the significance in educating children on a non-violent, peaceful society. For instance, he mentions how social scientists have defined this education through many facets, including “students' attitudes toward teachers and their schools are more positive in cooperative environments; (e) students have more positive attitude toward their classmates, including members of the opposite gender, other ethnic groups, social groups, and people with differing abilities, in cooperative environments” (Bronta, 1997). In light of these findings, it’s critical that instilling a peaceful environment within a child’s various systems can prevent violent actions from ensuing as these children get older.
4. Positive Determination of an Individual. As a child identifies who they are throughout their early development, it’s important that not only they have a positive sense of self, but that these children attribute these sentiments to others in their environment. In Markova and colleagues’ article “Social Representations of the Individual: a Post-Communist Perspective” they highlight the importance of verbally communicating the determination of the individual, stating that “language itself is an object of social representations. It not only enacts, maintains and changes representations but the representations, too, shape what speakers say” (Markova, 1998). In this light, identifying ways that American society specifically can change the language surrounding impoverished individuals, for example, offers much ground for change and social justice for these communities. In addition, determining an individual in a positive way is another step we can take to ensure that future generations are less keen to harm others for the sake of their own self-interest.
1. Empathy is fundamental in fostering a nonviolent mindset. Encourage children to recognize the inherent dignity of every individual, regardless of their bachround or circumstances. Teaching to understand the emotional experiences of others, especially those, who are suffering or marginalized, will help the build compassion and resist harmful stereotypes (Bonca, Bruce, 1997). For example, children can be taught to actively listen and put themselves in the soes of those who are in difficult situations like people living in poverty. Provide opportunities for children to volunteer, learn abou social justice issues or interact with diverse groups which will help the develop a sense of shared humanity.
ReplyDelete2. Understanding that justice is eesential for healing and social cohesion is crucial. Teach children that justice does not mean vengeance but accountability, healing and restoration. This understanding will deter violent behaviors and promote peaceful conflict resolution. Additionally, framing justice as the right of every individual, no matter their social standin, can help children grow into adults who will never regard individuals in poverty as inferior or undeserving respect (Pham, Phuong N. et.al., 2004). Engage children in conversation about fairness and the importance of seeing the humanity in all people regardless of their economic status or background.
3. It is essential to teach children that disagreement is a normal and healthy part of human interaction and that it is possible to respect someone even when their opinions differ from are own. By fostering an understanding of the diversity of opinions, experiences and beliefs, children can be prepared to engage in constructive dialogue rather than resort to violence or disrespect in the face of disagreement (Markova et al., 1998). Teach children to disagree respectfully and listen actively to others.
4. Children need to understand that their actions affect others and they are affected by the actions of others. This interdependence encourages a sense of responsibility and collective well being, which can deter harmful behavior like violence. Children who understand the interconnectedness of their community are less likely to see others as “others” or unworthy of their care and respect (Weigert, Kathleen Maas, 2004). Encourage activities that build community, through family bonding, neighborhood involvement or global citizenship education. Teaching children athe valui of their role helps nurture a sense of shared responsibility.
These guidelines encourage the development of well rounded, socially responsible individuals capable of making thoughtful, compassionate choices in a diverse world.
The way I could build a child on a positive way as address in the question is firstly to see the answer to this question in the light of Sen’s perspective of positive which he calls substantial (Sen,1999), he explains it has valuable thing that can be divided up and delivered to human being.
ReplyDeleteUsing this article is to firstly establish that every human has his/her own dignity which I term as dignity of Manhood. The first thing I will establish is that everyone has a life they value and capacity to achieve their full potentials.
Everything plays a sensitive role in building up a child.
FOUR KEY QUIDELINE AS DISCUSSED.
1. Empathy- this is one of the ways in which one could understand perspective and a way in which action is validated has to be with a child and trying to see things from their own point of view. For example, when a child lost his or her toy, a way of showing empathy is when you emphasize with the child by lamenting and saying, it can be frustrating when we lost something special, let us find it together. This value creates a sense of concern to a child to value humanity over things.
2. Self Determination- according to class discussion, and Ewalt (1995) it was established that self-determination is the birthrights of every person and that this is in each person, and a standard with which to evaluate a child development. so there is a need to respect a child cognition and intentions i.e a child should have the ability to think autonomously about oneself and one’s world, a child needs to understand positive value and a space for choices of positive perspectives should be made because this will establish a stable of and action to advance justice fair and equitable treatment for all.
3. Supportive environment-One of the principles we discussed in class is safe space and brave space which is capable of given the child a sense of belonging and help the child to realize that everyone has right to make his own opinion which must also be respected which is an essential part of what I will emphasize in bringing up a child.
4. Compassionate-This is the ability to show concern and care when a child makes mistake. Or the ability to show critical concern before making judgement, from the story shared by Prof Tyson in Class about her little girl who was judge wrongly but Prof analyzed the matter critically and everything became normalized. This is a art of compassion that gave the child a good space to live in. teaching the child to be kind towards themselves when they make mistake makes a lot of good
REFERENCE:
DeleteSANDRA KWAŚNIEWSKA-PASZTA1- Society Register 2021 cejsh.icm.edu.pl
Your response provides insightful perspectives on positive child development, emphasizing empathy, self-determination, a supportive environment, and compassion. By drawing on Sen’s (1999) concept of substantial well-being and classroom discussions, you highlight the importance of recognizing a child's dignity and potential. The examples you provide, such as showing empathy when a child loses a toy or fostering a safe space for expression, effectively illustrate these principles. However, refining sentence structure, ensuring clarity, and improving logical flow would enhance the overall impact of your argument. Strengthening coherence between ideas and simplifying complex sentences will make your response more compelling and easier to understand.
DeleteNurturing a child who reflects values like non-violence, compassion for the underprivileged, and respect for diverse viewpoints is an intricate and demanding endeavor for parents. Nevertheless, adhering to four essential principles can assist parents in molding their child into a considerate and accountable individual.
ReplyDeletePrimarily, it is crucial for parents to cultivate a solid ethical foundation within their child from an early stage. By imparting the significance of life and the necessity for empathy towards others, parents can discourage their child from engaging in violent behaviors, including acts of murder. By highlighting the importance of life's sanctity and advocating for peaceful methods of resolving disputes, parents can foster in their child a profound distaste for violence.
In addition, parents ought to actively address any feelings of entitlement or superiority in their child by instilling respect and empathy for individuals from diverse backgrounds. By introducing their child to a variety of perspectives and experiences, parents can nurture an understanding and compassion for those who may be less privileged. Promoting kindness and generosity towards everyone, regardless of their social or economic situation, can help instill a sense of equality and compassion within the child.
Moreover, parents should emphasize the value of respectful disagreement and open-mindedness to their child. By demonstrating effective communication and conflict resolution techniques, parents can illustrate that it is possible to have differing opinions while still preserving respect and courtesy. Encouraging the child to consider various viewpoints, participate in constructive discussions, and reflect on alternative perspectives can equip them with the skills to manage disagreements with poise and understanding.
Finally, parents should focus on teaching their child critical thinking abilities along with the capacity to question and assess information on their own. By nurturing a spirit of curiosity and a desire for knowledge in the child, parents can aid them in developing a nuanced grasp of complex topics and forming their own reasoned opinions based on evidence. Motivating the child to think deeply, critically analyze information, and form their own views can help them evolve into independent thinkers who can respect and engage with differing perspectives.
In summary, nurturing a child who embodies principles such as non-violence, empathy, and respect for diverse opinions demands a dedicated approach from parents. By adhering to the four essential guidelines discussed, parents can contribute to molding their child into a responsible and compassionate individual capable of adeptly navigating the intricate realities of the world.
I would want to raise children who never murder, do not regard people experiencing poverty as inferior or causing their problems, and understand that individuals need to be able to disagree and respect their disagreements but also see themselves as interdependent with their cultural community. For me, the four key guidelines from both our readings and discussions that would accomplish this are:
ReplyDeleteOpen your heart and mind - On our first day of class, we were told to pick an African proverb from Prospera Tedam’s article that we enjoyed. I was quickly drawn to the Kenyan proverb, “A donkey’s thank you is a kick” (Tedam, 2013, p. 26). This proverb shows the immense diversity there is all around us. Things come to have different meanings but that should just allow you to have an open heart and mind because you never know the true meaning behind things.
Community - One should be taught that community is strong when we show up for it. We should always want to help those around us because being united is better than being divided. In Maria Idalí Torres’s article, she highlights “Ten Commitments for Community Health Education” including the second commitment, “Recognize and build on community strengths” (Torres, 2005, p. 9). As the residents of Vieques were leading the organization and decision-making for the rescue of their island, they built on their community strengths. Working together and getting back on their feet through collaborations with residents and others who saw their community shine through the daunting moments (Torres, 2005). Social relations were brought back through their strong initiatives.
Children Learn at Home - Growing up, children take in so much if not everything that they see and hear around them. In the Hart et al. article, we learned that “when marital conflict is verbally aggressive, unresolved, and includes parental disagreements over child-rearing, it may emotionally upset and threaten children” (Hart et al., 1998, p. 690). In Russian culture and any culture, marital conflict can have immense negative effects on children growing up. Maintaining a peaceful marital relationship may reduce the negative emotional and aggressive tendencies of the children. Instead, cultivating a safe environment that encourages communication will help foster healthy emotional and social development for the child.
We are all human - Gender norms have been ingrained in our minds as a whole society but also slightly different within cultures. Yet, we do not treat each other as all human beings, for example, in the Bianco et al. article we see that, “Gender ideologies were manifested in the forms of interrelated structural barriers that restricted women entrepreneurs’ access to resources” (Bianco et al., 2017, p. 338). While entrepreneurship did seem to give some positive change to gender equality, many negatives were still brought to the surface. One needs to teach that we are all human and should have the ability to achieve our goals without our gender stopping us. The more we raise this upon the new generations the easier it will be to stop this structural bias.
Katie Fritsche Reply to Evelyn Garcia:
DeleteEvelyn,
One of the great principles I liked here that you brought up about rearing children with the required values of the assignment is that we need to teach parents to raise their children to have an open heart and a mind. In my response to the Midterm question two I talked about considering the cost, and I think we should implore parents to consider the cost of what would happen if they didnt raise their children with an open heart and a mind. So much great evil has occurred throughout the centuries in terms of murder, violence, and misunderstanding simply because individuals have not been taught how to have an open heart and mind towards other people. Whilst I admit it is a unique challenge to have an open heart and mind about everything for children today, it is better that parents should insist upon it and model it throughout their daily actions in terms of how they treat people, because parents are role models as well. In all, I really liked your post and look forward to seeing more of your thoughts in future assignments.
a) Encouraging Personal Responsibility and Empathy
ReplyDeleteAccording to Markova et al. (1998), the Soviet system fostered dependence on the government, which hindered individuals from taking personal responsibility. To ensure children grow up to be non-violent and tolerant, it is essential to teach them personal accountability from an early age. They must understand that their actions have consequences and that violence, bullying, and belittling others are unacceptable ways to resolve conflicts. Furthermore, fostering empathy by teaching children to recognize and respect the feelings of others can help prevent violent behavior.
b) Promoting Cooperation and Emotional Regulation
Bonta (1997) discusses strategies for raising children in peaceful societies, emphasizing the role of cooperative relationships in preventing violence. Encouraging children to engage in cooperative interactions helps them develop social skills, problem-solving abilities, and non-violent conflict resolution methods. Additionally, teaching emotional regulation is crucial—parents should guide children in managing their emotions and developing tolerance toward others, which can reduce aggressive tendencies.
c) Creating a Supportive and Respectful Environment
Post (2005) highlights the significant influence of social environments and radical ideologies on a child's development. A child raised in an environment characterized by aggression and intolerance is more likely to adopt violent behaviors. To prevent this, it is essential to cultivate a home and community atmosphere that fosters respect, open-mindedness, and peaceful interactions. Modeling and reinforcing respectful behavior toward others will help children internalize these values.
d) Encouraging Critical Thinking and Constructive Expression
By synthesizing the ideas of the above-mentioned authors, it becomes clear that raising children with strong critical thinking skills, empathy, and positive outlets for self-expression is essential. Encouraging children to question stereotypes, challenge prejudices, and express themselves in constructive ways can help them develop into compassionate and socially responsible individuals. Additionally, fostering a home environment free from hatred—one that promotes patience, understanding, and problem-solving—will support their emotional and moral growth.
By implementing these principles, parents and caregivers can raise children who are non-violent, empathetic, and socially responsible members of their communities.
ReplyDelete1. Teach children cooperation, not competition. In the reading Cooperation and Competition in Peaceful Societies, Bonta explains the importance of creating societies that value cooperation and not competition. One study found that 40 societies that depended on cooperation were associated with more peace. Additionally, these societies stand firm in their opposition to instilling a competitive mindset within children. Furthermore, Bonta shows the positive effects of raising children in a cooperative environment. Firstly, students are more intrinsically motivated to learn in a cooperative setting than in a competitive or individualistic one. Secondly, students have a more positive and respectful attitude to their peers and classmates, including members of the opposite gender, other ethnic groups, social groups, and people with differing abilities" (Bonta, 1997)). Therefore, this emphasis on raising children in a cooperative society is significant. Children with a more cooperative mindset are likelier to show respect to others and have a reduced inclination toward violence or committing murder.
2. Expose children to wide range of cultural identities. Exposing children to a wide range of cultural communities different from their own can increase their cultural competency. Exposing children to different cultures will educate them on cultural differences. For example, Loyola's Global Social Work class is an excellent example for people of all ages to understand different cultures by connecting and talking to people from different countries on a wide range of topics. Furthermore, one of our required readings, What can social workers learn from African proverbs? helped me understand different philosophies, teachings, and learnings that I can incorporate into my career. I also got to learn how other people interpret and relate to the proverbs from their own cultural experience. Therefore, children can develop cultural understanding if teachers incorporate diverse cultural teachings like books, movies, and activities within their lessons.
3. Teach children to avoid labeling. Teaching children not to label and treat others differently based on socioeconomic status helps them overcome stereotypes. In the reading, To Count for Nothing: Poverty Beyond the Statistics, Lister explains the "Poverty-Shame Nexus," which is often shaped by the dominant discourse of labeling, especially among researchers. These researchers are often not poor and can subconsciously create negative labels and stereotypes through their work; however, if children are taught at a young age to avoid labeling, this would help children not regard people experiencing poverty as inferior and blame them. As one of the African proverbs says, “What the child says, he has heard at home (Nigerian proverb)” (Prospera Tedam, 2013). This proverb demonstrates how much influence parents have on raising their kids, which will help teach their children to recognize the harm of labeling others.
4. Teach Conflict Resolution. It is important to teach children conflict resolution, no matter how big or small the conflict. For example, the art intervention project Dancing in Jaffa showed one way to do it. The project brings Jewish and Palestinian children with deeply ingrained societal conflicts and divisions together to find common ground through dancing. It encouraged the children to collaborate and mutually respect each other's differences. I would recommend parents to have their children participate in these peace-building projects to help develop their conflict resolution skills.
Hi Maddie!! I think you bring up a really interesting point about conflict resolution. I think it is really important to emphasize conflict resolution to children because it will impact their relationships in every stage of life. Resolving tension in relationships is huge for emotional maturity. Teaching children that taking responsibility to resolve problems makes for accountable people later in life. Every relationship you have in life is impacted in some form by conflict, and knowing how to resolve and move past difficulty is important for preserving and maintaining important relationships.
Delete1. Exposure to diversity - Regarding people experiencing poverty as inferior stems from lack of education and lack of experience. As someone who personally grew up in poverty with a single mother, I was exposed very early to the harsh reality of how people treat you when they deem you “poor”. I was fortunate enough to live in a house, but many of my friends lived in the trailer park near our high school. I watched as they were made fun of for things derived from poverty - they were teased for smelling bad, but smelled bad because their parents were chainsmokers. Their hygiene was bad because they didn’t always have running water. Their teeth were dirty because they didn’t have health insurance and couldn’t afford the dentist. No child should have to be made fun of for something they cannot control. Exposing a child to the reality of how other people live makes them more tolerant. Children inherently think that things they’re unfamiliar with are odd, and familiarizing them with how different groups of people live their lives makes them less likely to be intolerant.
ReplyDelete2. Lead by example - children observe and copy your behavior. “Do as I say, not as I do” does not apply when rearing children. If you are behaving in a way that you do not want your children to behave, change your behavior. Providing your children strong examples of how to act with others leads to them building empathy and understanding others. Being exemplary for your children is important to be able to teach them what you’re aiming to teach them, because children pay attention to everything you do.
3. Rejection desensitization - An increasingly common pattern that is visible in teenage years and emerging adulthood is individuals inability to be told no. Instilling within children that they will not always get their way, there will be people who disagree with them, there will be times when they are in the wrong, and there will be times when even though they are in the right and they will still not get the outcome they desire. Allowing children to experience rejection during their formative years means they will not take rejection so harshly later. Their reactions will be more subdued, as compared to a person who has been told “yes” for their entire lives. Experiencing rejection is awful for everybody - but we can make it easier by learning from it. Experiencing rejection would make for your childrens’ ability to disagree and respect their disagreements.
4. Teach tolerance through education - I learned in my social psychology class that when education rates go up, empathy and tolerance rates go up along with it. If you want empathetic, kind children, educating them on the differences between cultures, ethnic groups, races, sexualities, genders, financial status, political standing, etc. is important to stress. Allowing your children to develop their own positions and opinions on topics will help their independence, but providing the basis they need to form their own opinions through education means they will be more empathetic and tolerant in their decisions.
A) Starting at Home. Children will truly copy your every move and word, even when you think they are not. Model the behaviors and reactions you want to see from your children. The Nigerian proverb from Prospera Tedam (2013) says, “What the child says, he heard at home”. If you show kindness, empathy, and grace, your children will follow. However, if children see hatred, discrimination, and anger at home, your child will display these same traits. Additionally, provide a safe and welcoming space for your children to be curious and ask questions about the world as they see it.
ReplyDeleteB) Fostering Critical Thinking. Building from starting kind, empathetic practices at home, teaching your children critical thinking and encouraging them to use it is critical to raise children that will be kind and empathetic. Allowing your children to figure out certain problems will help them in the future to think before they speak or act.
C) Creating a “village”. I have always heard the idea that raising children takes a village. In the United States, outside of the parents’ families, this seems to be disappearing. It is yet another idea that is being replaced with an individualized perspective. Applying the idea that Ewalt and Mokuau (1993) introduce helps to see a comparison. The authors note that self-determination in Western culture is focused on an individual, whereas in other cultures, this applies to the whole group. The authors explain that in Samoan culture, each member of the family works for the well-being of the entire extended family. I believe this can be applied to friends and neighbors as well.
D) Diversity! Exposing children to diversity of people, cultures, and ideas early on is so important. It can teach them to appreciate what others find important to them. It will also allow children to be more accepting of those with different backgrounds from themselves and see those that are different on the same playing field.
Hi Mackenna,
DeleteI really like that your introduced the idea of creating a village. This notion reminded me of a video I watched in one of my Spanish classes this semester (I will link the video below). Yokoi Kenji is a Colombian-Japanese social worker and lecturer. His multi-cultural/global perspective provides an interesting look to raising children. During this talk, Kenji provided an interesting idea. Kenji told a story of the first time he took his kids to visit Japan. During the trip, Kenji came across a little kid who was acting out and he told him "behave" to which the kid replied "Yes sir, sorry sir." Kenji's kids were shocked and they began to ask their dad "do you know him?" "how did you get him to listen to you?". Kenji's kids, born and raised in Colombia, couldn't understand how the boy acted with such respect to a stranger. The social worker explained that in Japan, there are different social expectations than in Colombia. He turned it into a joke, explaining how he can't get his own kids to listen and respect him but in Japan kids are taught differently. Kenji told this story to the audience to depict the message you wrote "It take a village to raise a child". Here's the link to the YouTube video for anyone interested (it's in Spanish, but there are subtitles): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1SZM0-Hreg
If I were to help raise children to not murder, be open-minded, respectful, and understanding, the four guidelines I would use would be self-determination, diversity, education and empathy. Self-determination encourages individuals to take control of their own lives. However, my idea of self-determination is greatly inspired by the Pacific cultural perspective which takes into account the well-being of the collective. From the Pacific lens, self-determination still involves autonomy, but also considers how a person is contributing to relationships with others (Ewalt & Mokuau, 1995). In this way, individuals can identify strengths in themselves that contribute to the collective and also see how different contributions are just as important. Additionally, diversity and education are also important in providing children with the framework to be open-minded. As mentioned by Castro and Farmer (2005), education is a powerful tool in reducing stigma. I think it is even more important to hear the narratives and experiences of diverse populations from the people who are living these experiences. This allows for ideas to not only be humanized, but also eliminates the singular narrative that might be told about a specific group. The appreciation of people’s unique contributions, diversity and education allow for empathy to flourish. Even without a personal understanding, children can learn to put themselves into other people’s shoes.
ReplyDeleteThe four key guidelines we discussed in class that would help me (or another) raise a child who will never murder, not regard people experiencing poverty as it being “their own problem” and understand the nature of respectful disagreement include compassion, self determination, advocacy and cultural competence.
ReplyDeleteThe guideline of compassion is essential to implement to a child to make sure they are raised to be peaceful and incapable of committing a crime such as murder. A good article that we touched on in class that really demonstrates how compassion leads to fostering children who have a deep respect for life outside of their own is from “What can Social Workers learn from African Proverbs.” In this article, it demonstrates African proverbs such as, “What the child says, he has heard at home,” (Tedam, 24). I believe this Nigerian proverb demonstrates that as well as what children say, how they behave begins at home. Compassion is learned during childhood and has the potential to play a big part in the child's future actions being compassionate or lacking.
Teaching self determination is the next guideline I was suggesting for anyone trying to raise a well rounded child. In class, we discussed what self determination means to us within our cultures. For me, self determination meant freedom which many people do not have. Teaching a child about self determination will result in the understanding that many people do not have the freedom, resources or ability (structurally) to get themselves out of poverty. Additionally, many individuals did not have a hand in landing in poverty themselves. In A Capability Approach assessment of poverty in the sociopolitical history of South Africa/KwaZuluNatal, it describes factors such as political systems and historical inequalities as a cause for poverty, (Onwuegbuchulam, 288). It is crucial to teach children these realities so they grow up to be understanding adults that don’t victim blame vulnerable populations and individuals.
I would suggest the third guideline being advocacy. Teaching a child the importance of advocacy will put them in situations where they will need to understand individuals need to be able to disagree and respect their disagreements and also see themselves as inherently interdependent with their cultural community. By teaching advocacy, they will learn the importance of working with others and respecting disagreements as well as learn that their space in the world connects deeply with the community around them.
The final guideline I would say would be to teach cultural competence, humility and appreciation. These three aspects are crucial for raising a child to be compassionate (not violent), understanding of others circumstances and standing up for others regardless of disagreements. In class, we come together, from all over the world, and discuss how our cultures and countries are different from one another. We appreciate each other's differences and are able to talk about a variety of topics with the understanding that everyone's culture and lived experience is different. Raising a child and exposing them to different people would greatly benefit all three of these goals in the prompt.
Hi Michelle!
DeleteYou’ve effectively presented the key guidelines for raising a child to be compassionate and respectful. I agree that compassion is essential - it first develops at home, as the African proverb “What the child says, he has heard at home” suggests. Self-determination helps children understand that not everyone has equal opportunities, and that poverty is often not a personal fault. Advocacy teaches how to resolve conflicts respectfully and work with others, while cultural competense allows childrens to appreciate different cultures and understand diverse life circumstances. These guidelines would definitely help raise conscious and compassionate individuals.
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ReplyDeleteRaising children to be nonviolent, compassionate, and socially responsible, requires intentional guidance rooted in a number of key principles. Empathy, critical thinking, conflict resolution, and community interdependence are just a few essential guidelines. These work together to instill moral awareness, challenge harmful biases, teach peaceful engagement, and promote cooperation. All of these guidelines start with a Nigerian proverb that stood out to me during week one: “If one imitates the upright, one becomes upright; if one imitates the crooked, one becomes crooked” (Tedam, 2013, p. 21). Without modeling the guidelines and values, and creating meaningful learning opportunities, efforts to teach children may be ineffective. Children learn not only from what they are taught, but from what they observe. Additional research supports this idea with Hart et al. (1998) emphasizing the strong link between family dynamics and behaviors such as aggression. Chen et al. (1998) further highlights that parental beliefs and cultural norms shape children’s development, making it critical for caregivers to embody the principles they wish to instill. However, it is important to note there is no way to guarantee that an upbringing alone can accomplish the goal to raise a child that will never murder; not regard persons experiencing poverty as inferior or causing their own problems; and understand individuals need to be able to disagree and respect their disagreements and also see themselves as inherently independent with their cultural community.
ReplyDeleteEmpathy is one foundational guideline. When children learn to recognize and respect others’ experiences, they are less likely to dehumanize or harm others. Encouraging empathy allows children to understand the emotional impact of their actions, fostering compassion and reinforcing the importance of treating others with dignity. A second guideline is that of critical thinking. Critical thinking helps to break down harmful stereotypes. This could be the stereotypes surrounding poverty. By teaching children to analyze the root causes of issues or behaviors, rather than attributing them to one’s personal failure, they can develop a more just perspective. The third crucial guideline is conflict resolution. Helping children navigate disagreements with respect and open communication is a valuable skill. Teaching nonviolent communication and active listening reinforces the idea that disagreements are natural and do not need to lead to hostility or division, helping children understand that differences in opinion can coexist with mutual respect. The fourth guideline, community interdependence, further strengthens this perspective by instilling a sense of collective responsibility. When children see themselves as a part of an interconnected society, they may be more likely to prioritize cooperation and the well-being of others over harmful actions. Bonta (1997) further supports this, noting that nonviolent societies prioritize cooperation over competition, reinforcing the significance of community interdependence.
By emphasizing those four guidelines, while ensuring they are consistently modeled, children have a higher likelihood of growing into individuals who reject violence, approach social issues with understanding, and contribute to a just and peaceful society.
Sources:
DeleteBonta, B. (1997). Cooperation and competition in peaceful societies. Psychological Bulletin, 121(2), 299-320. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.121.2.299
Chen, X., Hastings, P., Rubin, K., Chen, H., Cen, G., & Stewart, S. (1998). Child-rearing attitudes and behavioral inhibition in Chinese and Canadian toddlers: A cross-cultural study. Developmental Psychology, 34(4), 677-686. https://doi.org/10.1037//0012-1649.34.4.677
Dibbets, A., & Eijkman, Q. (2018). Translators, advocates or practitioners? Social workers and human rights localization. Journal of Human Rights Practice, 10(2), 212–228. https://doi.org/10.1093/jhuman/huy018
Grodofsky, M. M. (2007). The contribution of law and social work to interdisciplinary community development and peace building in the Middle East. Journal of Community Practice, 15(1–2), 45–65. https://doi.org/10.1300/j125v15n01_03
Hart, C., Nelson, D., Robinson, C., Olsen, S., & McNeilly-Choque, M. (1998). Overt and relational aggression in Russian nursery-school-age children: Parenting style and marital linkages. Developmental Psychology, 34(4), 687-697. https://doi.org/10.1037/0012-1649.34.4.687
IFC Films. (2014). Dancing in Jaffa. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TTp6Wm9znM
Prison Arts Collective. (n.d.). About. https://www.prisonartscollective.com/about
Tedam, P. (2013). What can social workers learn from African proverbs? The Journal of Practice Teaching and Learning, 12(1), 6-21. https://doi.org/10.1921/4802120105
Raising children with values that promote nonviolence, equity, and respect for diversity and community requires intentional parenting and socialization. Based on the course readings, I would follow these four key guidelines:
ReplyDelete1. Fostering nonviolence through early socialization and cooperative child rearing
Research on peaceful societies (Bonta, 1997) shows that nonviolent communities raise children through cooperative parenting and emphasize interdependence rather than competition. This is reinforced by structured environments where children learn to resolve conflicts peacefully rather than through aggression (Lectures slides, week 5). In Lithuania, early childhood education already integrates cooperative play models that reduce aggression, but we lack stronger emphasis on peer mediation and nonviolent communication training in schools.
2. Challenging economic inequality narratives and promoting empathy
Studies on social constructs of poverty highlight the dangers of internalized blame for economic hardship (Marková et al., 1998). To raise children who do not see poverty as an individual failure, it is crucial to educate them about systemic factors like historical inequalities and policy failures. This aligns with the Lithuanian social work approach, which increasingly addresses poverty through systemic interventions rather than individualistic blame (Aidukaite & Navicke, 2022). In Lithuania, we also have "Social-civic activities programme" (Socialinės-pilietinės veiklos organizavimas, 2023), that enables all schoolchildren to participate in social justice activities (i.e. volunteering). Every child is required to gather a specific amount of hours during school year and this number increases with age. This programme further develops empathy, helps them seamlessly create a habit of helping while also engaging children into civic society.
3. Teaching critical thinking and respectful disagreement
Zimbardo’s Lucifer Effect (2007) and Post’s (2005) research on terrorist recruitment emphasize the dangers of environments where questioning authority is discouraged. Children must be taught how to critically evaluate ideas and respectfully disagree with others. This is particularly relevant in Lithuania, where historical experiences with Soviet occupation fostered a culture where dissent was suppressed. We do try to counteract this via education system - by integrating critical thinking, debate programs and respectful dialogue skills into the curriculum from the very early ages.
4. Instilling a sense of community and interdependence
Research on resilience in children affected by political violence (Dibbets et al., 2018) shows that a strong sense of belonging and interdependence within a cultural community fosters emotional stability. In Lithuania, we have many traditional festivals and communal events, from ones like Joninės (Midsummer Festival) that reach traditions of Pagan times and are celebrated in local communities; to the ones like Dainų šventė (National Song and Dance Festival), that gather Lithuanian children from all over the world to sing together. UNESCO recognised the tradition and symbolism of the Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian Song and dance festivals as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (Lithuanian National Commission for UNESCO, 2008). These events provide an opportunity to reinforce collective identity. What I would like to be added to this, are programs that connect children with their cultural roots while embracing modern inclusivity and diversity (i.e. national minorities). For example, Dainų šventė might include songs in minorities languages as well.
References:
Delete1. Aidukaite, J., & Navicke, J. (2022). "Chapter 10: The evolution of social policy research in Central and Eastern Europe". In Social Policy in Changing European Societies. Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar Publishing. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.4337/9781802201710.00018
2. Bonta, B. D. (1997). Cooperation and competition in peaceful societies. Psychological Bulletin, 121(2), 299-320.
3. Lecture slides, Week 5. Cultural and familial transmission of aggression, competition, and cooperation [PowerPoint slides].
4. Marková, I., Moodie, E., Farr, R. M., & Drozd-Senkowska, E. (1998). Social representations of the individual: A post-Communist perspective. European Journal of Social Psychology, 28(5), 797-829.
5. Post, J. M. (2005). The new face of terrorism: Socio-cultural foundations of contemporary terrorism. Behavioral Sciences and the Law, 23(4), 451-465.
6. Socialinės-pilietinės veiklos organizavimas (2023). 2023–2024 ir 2024–2025 mokslo metų pradinio, pagrindinio ir vidurinio ugdymo programų bendrųjų ugdymo planų 9 priedas. Retrieved from https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/rs/lasupplement/TAP/4d01e201199311ee9f8efaacc26fd687/e005f2edcd9eb790316520948649c84c/format/ISO_PDF/
7. The Baltic Song and Dance Celebrations (2008). Lithuanian National Commission for UNESCO. Retrieved from https://www.unesco.lt/intangible-cultural-heritage/the-baltic-song-and-dance-celebrations
8. Zimbardo, P. (2007). The Lucifer effect: Understanding how good people turn evil. Random House.
Google document Katie Fritsche Midterm answers: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1a8o0fg-X7kAL-PjMU08rdXjne6osY_Lp5_vlBBjH7zY/edit?usp=sharing
ReplyDeleteRaising children is not an easy task, that carries a lot of responsibility for whomever is the parent. It comes naturally that we seek to raise a successful and confident individual, who is well integrated into their community. However, finding a recipe to do such, provides to be a difficult matter. Nevertheless, I will try and provide four guidelines that may help us raise ethical, empathetic, respectful and well-grounded children.
ReplyDeleteFirst, we need to teach children empathy, as it is the base to understanding and respecting others. When children learn empathy and how to cooperate with others it oftentimes reduces aggressive or violent behavior (Bonta, 1997). We can do that by encouraging our child to talk about their own feelings and then help them reflect on the feelings the counterpart might have felt. Another option would be through stories. When reading stories with the children, we may also try and think about the potential feelings that character in the book had.
The second aspect is teaching the child critical thinking in regard of our society and its norms. One example would be poverty, which is the result of structural issues such as limited access to education, discrimination, etc. (Lister, 2015). We have a responsibility as parents to explain to our children the value of fairness and opportunity and how different people, have different opportunities, which may result in poverty. Engaging with people in need, may be the best method to support this critical thinking. This can be done by participating in charities, not ignoring people in need also in our day-to-day life, and much more.
The third guideline, that I find important, is teaching children the beauty of diversity and how to respect the differences that come within. A great example if the African philosophy of Ubuntu, which stresses the importance of respect in building strong communities, and how individuals are actually connected through their relationships with others (Awoh & Nkwi, 2017). Again, to ensure such value communication is the key. If I listen to my child, what it has to say and respect its opinion, even though it may be different, I can practically teach my child to respect others and the differences. Adding exposure to different cultures, which may involve trying new foods, traveling, reading books from other cultures, etc., allows the child to gain a broader view and create an open mind.
The last and most important aspect in my opinion is teaching children how to resolve conflict peacefully, without resorting to violence. A great example is the Gacaca courts in Ruanda, which promoted dialogue, forgiveness and mutual understanding to resolve issues (Pham et al., 2004). Those values can be promoted in everyday life as well. When parents help their children resolve day-to-day conflicts constructively and calmy, we are creating a skillset that allows the child to express their thoughts and feelings on a matter, as well as listen to the other person as well. Another skill to develop, may be an understanding for the need of compromise at some times.
Summarizing, there are many ways how we can introduce values and skills to our children's life's. However, in the end, probably our example as parents has the biggest influence on the way they act and see the world.
Resources:
Awoh, E. L., & Nkwi, W. G. (2017). South Africa and Rwanda: Truth and Reconciliation Commissions, Peacebuilding, Religious and Local African Authorities in Conflict Situations. Conflict Studies Quarterly, 20, 20–33. https://doi.org/10.24193/csq.20.2
Bonta, B. D. (1997). Cooperation and competition in peaceful societies. Psychological Bulletin, 121(2), 299–320. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.121.2.299
Lister, R. (2015). ‘To count for nothing’: Poverty beyond the statistics. British Academy Lecture, 3–139. https://doi.org/10.5871/jba/003.139
Pham, P. N., Weinstein, H. M., Longman, T., Payson (2004). Trauma and PTSD symptoms in Rwanda: Implications for attitudes toward justice and reconciliation. 292(5), 602–612.
Raising children in today’s society is something to not be taken lightly. If I were to raise a child my goal would be that they would never act of violence, regard those in poverty as inferior or causing their own problems, acknowledge and respect the need for disagreements while also see themself as inherently interdependent within their cultural community. After going through our readings for the class, there are four key guidelines necessary to accomplish this goal: empathy and collaborative working, emphasis on diversity, community, and conflict resolution with cooperation.
ReplyDelete1. Empathy and Collaborative Working
In order to foster a safe and respectful environment for a child to thrive the demonstration and teaching of empathy is needed. Empathy teaches children to understand and share the feelings of other people. Empathy allows for an individual to observe something from someone else's perspective, ultimately leading to share within that persons emotions or feelings. To me, the teaching of empathy is important as it will lead to the child’s eventual comprehension of compassion. Once a child learns to see things from another’s perspective, that child will feel more inclined to lend a helping hand. During week one, our class discussed themes of collaborative working demonstrated in article covering African proverbs. The Nigerian proverb from Prospera Tedam (2013) states “When the right hand washes the left hand and the left hand washes the right hand, both hands become clean”. This proverb depicts both collaborative working that stems from teachings of empathy. The right hand washing the left hand is comparable to one child helping another child. This Nigerian teaching is a great example for prospective parents to follow when raising a child.
2. Diversity
Exposing your child to many different cultural backgrounds fosters within them respect for others. Another Nigerian proverb in Prospera Tedam’s article (2013) captures the theme of diversity well: “It is not only the fox; even the snail arrives at its destination”. By emphasizing the importance and value of diversity in our world, parents may create mutual respect for others. By bringing your child into a diverse group of people they will gain the experience to appreciate everyone around them and what each of them bring to the table, regardless of the color of their skin. The appreciation of individuals from diverse cultural communities will lead the child to value their own culture more. In other words, the interdependence of the child within their own cultural community will grow as result of their respect and appreciation for those different then them. This exposure to diverse groups of people will also teach children to not deem anyone inferior for something they can’t control, i.e. poverty.
3. Community
Building community for a child is everything. Parents should do everything in their power to engage in community activities with their child. If I were a parent I’d do my very best to have my child involved in different sports and educational opportunities at school. Outside of their school atmosphere, it would be important for me to make connections with my neighbors in the hopes that my child might make a friend who lives close to home. Community involvement is crucial for a child to feel secure and brave in their living environment. Growing up, I was fortunate enough to make a best friend who lived around the corner form my house. Looking back, this friendship was so important for me and my growing independence. The two of us would walk our dogs in the park everyday after school. I learned a lot from a friend of course, but the convenience of having a best friend so close in my community is something I would want for my child to build confidence in themself.
4. Conflict Resolution with Cooperation
ReplyDeleteOne of the more important goals in raising a child is the prevention of violence. In the article “Cooperation and Competition in Peaceful Societies”, Bruce D. Bonta emphasizes the importance of cooperation in an effort to sustain a peaceful community. Cooperative relationships prioritized over themes of competition bring about interdependence for the whole community. When raising a child, I would define cooperation as an understanding of differing opinions, experiences, traditions or beliefs. In doing so, my child would understand the importance of accepting all people and the need to work together. Additionally and as supported by Bonta, by promoting cooperation over competition children will respect and accept the need for disagreement and participate in conflict resolution. Cooperation as defined above will promote thoughtful discussions, active listening, respectful disagreement, all the while shutting down acts of violence.
As a social worker, I understand that raising children is a complex and very important process. The process involves shaping children's moral values, social awareness and teaching them how to build healthy relationships with themselves and others. It is important to take parenting into account in the development of responsible, empathetic people, to teach conflict resolution techniques, understanding of violence, inequality and opinions. In this way, we develop children who become responsible members of society and who are able to respect human beings and their lives, taking into account the relationship of justice with their environment.
ReplyDeletea. It is important to encourage children to see things from different perspectives, to help them understand the emotions and difficulties people experience, and to understand the mechanisms in place to prevent violence. Bonta (1997) stresses that in a non-violent environment, children are educated through clearly understood social norms and conflict resolution. Research shows that children who are taught from an early age to understand the feelings of others are less likely to be aggressive. Parents should encourage children to empathise with others' experiences through stories and personal examples. Children learn behaviour patterns by observing adults. Bonta (1997) argues that peaceful societies are characterised by low levels of violence in everyday life, so children do not adopt aggressive behaviour as an acceptable way of solving problems. As an example, if there is no physical punishment, no display of cruel behaviour from adults, children will not adopt such behaviour. And teaching children to express their feelings and to resolve disagreements appropriately can also prevent aggression. Also in Castro and Farmer (2005) it can be seen that AIDS-related stigma in Haiti shows how cultural beliefs can create discrimination and dehumanisation. It is therefore necessary to explain to children how stereotypes and prejudices can lead to misjudgement of others. Raising empathetic children can reduce stigmatising attitudes towards vulnerable groups.
b. It is important to teach children that poverty is not a personal failing, but is often a consequence of economic, political and social structures (Lister, 2015). This can be taught through discussions, films, books, analyses of social problems and volunteering. Post (2015) argues that stereotypes about poverty are prevalent in society and often misrepresent it as a personal choice or a consequence of laziness. Thus, it is important to explain to children that poverty can be caused by personal crises, illness, disability, wars or other causes. I saw a video a few years ago on the Tik Tok social networking platform that answers this question very well. The video showed two situations. In the first situation, a mother and her son are walking down the street and they see a homeless person and the mother tells her son that if you don't study, if you don't work, if you are bad and so on and so forth, this will happen to you. And in the second situation, the mother and her son pass a homeless person and explain to her son that this could have happened to the man for various reasons, illness, the economy, and that the son should study, work, so that he can help people like the man on the street. So in the first situation the tactic chosen is one of intimidation, in the second of education and empathy.
c. Developing children's communication skills, empathy and critical thinking are essential to help them understand that people can have different opinions and respect disagreements, as well as to understand their connection to the cultural community. Markova (1998) stresses that mutual understanding and respect are essential for social relations. Children should be encouraged to listen to others' points of view, even if they differ from their own. Children should be encouraged to ask questions, analyse different opinions and learn to debate without aggression, which is what Poat (2015) refers to when she talks about fostering democratic values and creating dialogue. Accepting another's opinion on cultural issues can be a challenge. Thus, the child needs to be taught that understanding the other requires asking questions, empathising with the other person's experience and cultural context. And if one disagrees with another's opinions and statements, it is important to remain respectful.
ReplyDeleted. To raise a child who is empathetic, understanding of poverty, respectful of different opinions and non-violent, it is important to develop four basic skills. Firstly, teaching peaceful conflict resolution, as suggested by Bonta (1997), so that the child is able to resolve disagreements without aggression. Second, according to Lister (2015), it is important to explain that poverty is not caused by personal mistakes, but by societal structures, and to promote empathy through real examples. Thirdly, according to Markova (1998), it is necessary to strengthen the sense of community by encouraging the child to participate in social activities. Finally, Post (2015) stresses that the child should be able to respect different opinions and learn to debate respectfully. By applying these principles, the child will grow up conscious, responsible and able to understand others.
Literatūra (References)
Bonta, B. (1997). Cooperation and competition in peaceful societies. Psychological Bulletin, 121(3), 299-320.
Castro, A., & Farmer, P. (2005). Understanding and addressing AIDS-related stigma: From anthropological theory to clinical practice in Haiti. American Journal of Public Health, 95(1), 53-59.
Lister, R. (2015). ‘To count for nothing’: Poverty beyond the statistics. Journal of the British Academy, 3, 139-165.
Markova, I., et al. (1998). Social representations of the individual: A post-Communist perspective. European Journal of Social Psychology, 28(6), 797-829.
Post, J. (2005). The new face of terrorism: Socio-cultural foundations of contemporary terrorism. Behavioral Sciences and Law, 23(4), 451-465.
1. Early socialization of empathy and compassion. It is necessary to develop children's empathy, emotional intelligence, it is important for children to learn to understand others. Children's empathy can be developed by introducing children to stories that encourage empathy; using role-playing games.
ReplyDelete“Social Work Practice” by L. H. Eronen et al. (2020) discusses how early intervention programs in Finland have shown good results in developing empathy and reducing aggressive behavior in children. The programs include activities that encourage children to recognize and express emotions, and group discussions about various experiences.
2.Promoting conflict resolution. A study in the Journal of Family Social Work (Hartman et al., 2017) examined conflict resolution techniques in child and family therapy. The research found that using conflict resolution techniques in family dynamics encouraged children to express their opinions without provoking aggression from the children. This is related to the concept of “active listening” and the use of nonviolent communication in resolving conflicts.
3.Promote community. Group activities, such as art projects, are used to develop children's sense of belonging and collective responsibility.
4.Critical reflection on social and economic inequality P. L. de Vries’s (2018) “Critical awareness in social work education” focuses on how social workers in the Netherlands are incorporating critical awareness training into their curricula to help future practitioners understand systemic inequalities such as poverty. The study highlights how this approach enables students to understand that poverty is not just an individual failure but is often the result of systemic social structures. It also argues that early education about social justice can foster more equitable attitudes in children when practiced at home or in schools.
Your ideas about developing empathy in children and ways to resolve conflicts seem very relevant, and I would like to complement them from the perspective of psychology and developmental theory. Developing empathy in children: I completely agree with your position that it is important to develop empathy and emotional intelligence in children. In addition to your opinion about introducing stories and role-playing games, we can draw attention to the theory of cognitive development of Jean Piaget, who emphasizes that children go through an important stage in their development when their egocentric thinking gradually gives way to the ability to consider the perspectives of others. According to him, children move from egocentrism (when they cannot understand the point of view of another) to a more operant and social perception of the world (Piaget, 1962). It is at this age that it is important to ask questions like "What do you feel?", "Why do you think that?" so that children begin to recognize their emotions and the feelings of others. This allows children to develop skills for resolving social and self-identify conflicts and strengthening mutual understanding.
DeleteConflict Resolution: When it comes to hyperactive children, the "active listening" method may not always be effective. Hyperactive children often have an increased need to move and may have difficulty concentrating, which makes it difficult to use classic active listening techniques. It is important to create an appropriate environment for such children to normalize their physical and mental activity. As Baweja, R (2018) rightly noted, children with hyperactivity may adapt better through activities that give them an "output" for their energy. This may include trying out different hobbies (such as sports, art, or music) so that the child can choose what suits him or her.
Awareness of Economic Inequality: "Visual demonstration" through active parental actions is an effective way to teach children an awareness of social justice. As an addition, I would like to note that research shows that such practices help children not only to be aware, but also to form an internal responsibility for others. Сhildrens whose parents show increased responsiveness to expressions of fear in others develop higher social values and a better understanding of the importance of social justice and solidarity (Rajhans, P. et all, 2016)
References of this answer:
1. Piaget, J. (1962). Play, dreams, and imitation in childhood. W.W. Norton & Company.
2. Baweja, R., Soutullo, C. A., & Waxmonsky, J. G. (2021). Review of barriers and interventions to promote treatment engagement for pediatric attention deficit hyperactivity disorder care. World Journal of Psychiatry, 11(12), 1206–1227. https://doi.org/10.5498/wjp.v11.i12.1206
3. Rajhans, P., Altvater-Mackensen, N., Vaish, A., & Grossmann, T. (2016). Children’s altruistic behavior in context: The role of emotional responsiveness and culture. Scientific Reports, 6(1).
https://doi.org/10.1038/srep24089
1. Cultivate Empathy as a Foundation for Nonviolence and Compassion
ReplyDeleteEmpathy emerges as a cornerstone across many responses. Teaching children to understand and share others’ feelings helps them value all human life. It also counters stereotypes about poverty by fostering compassion for those in different circumstances. To implement this, parents can model empathy at home—responding to a child’s emotions with care and creating safety. The Nigerian proverb “What the child says, he has heard at home” underscores that empathy starts with parental example.
2. Promote Critical Thinking to Challenge Stereotypes and Understand Systemic Issues
Critical thinking is vital for children to see poverty as a structural issue rather than a personal flaw. It also equips them to question harmful norms and engage thoughtfully with differing opinions. Parents can foster this by discussing social issues—like why poverty exists—through age-appropriate conversations, media, or volunteering. This builds a mindset that respects evidence over assumptions and values fairness.
3. Teach Conflict Resolution Through Cooperation, Not Competition
For children to respect disagreements and not react with hostility, they need skills in peaceful conflict resolution. Bonta's research shows that promoting cooperation instead of competition reduces aggression and fosters mutual respect. Parents can develop these skills by teaching children to resolve conflicts—such as disputes between siblings—through active listening and compromise rather than punishment or competition. Programs like Dancing in Jaffa demonstrate that shared creative activities can bring children together and help make cooperation a habit.
4. Instill a Sense of Community Interdependence
Children should see themselves as part of a cultural community where their well-being is connected to the well-being of others (Ewalt & Mokuau, 1995). This reduces violence by emphasizing collective responsibility and counters elitism toward the poor by valuing everyone’s contribution. Parents can nurture this by involving children in community activities—sports, cultural celebrations, or volunteering—showing them that personal strength comes from supporting and helping others.
Raising children means to prepare them for society. To be empathetic, understanding and respectful towards themselves and others. For that to be successful I would say that the key guidelines are:
ReplyDelete- primary socialization: primary socialization is fundamental for proper physical and mental development of children, where they learn basic norms, values and behavior. It is on parents to teach empathy and compassion. For that, I find it important that parents consciously teach their children what is kindness, how to be kind and how to be respectful – best way to teach them that is by treating them with respect and kindness first.
- promoting community: to teach children values and respect it is necessary to promote community. Volunteering is a great way to grow sympathy and understanding.
- education: knowledge is power. It is important to continuously educate ourselves as parents and to transfer that knowledge on children. It is even more crucial to encourage them to go educate themselves, on their own. It encourages critical thinking and compassion.
- responsibility: parenthood is preparing children for adult life. It means teaching them how to be responsible, how to take accountability for their actions and be constructive. It teaches them their actions have consequences and that they have control over their choices.
First, children must be taught to respect the inherent dignity of every human being. They should understand that all people, regardless of their background, wealth, or social status, deserve to be treated with fairness and compassion. This includes recognizing that a person’s value is not determined by their economic situation but by their shared humanity. Teaching respect for human dignity helps children develop empathy and discourages the tendency to dehumanize or harm others. Lister (2015) highlights that poverty is not simply about financial hardship but also about restricted opportunities and rights. If children grow up understanding that everyone deserves respect and that no one’s worth is defined by their circumstances, they are less likely to develop harmful biases or resort to violence.
ReplyDeleteSecond, children need to develop an awareness of systemic and structural inequalities that contribute to poverty and social divisions. Instead of seeing poverty as a personal failure, they should recognize it as a result of broader social and economic factors that limit opportunities for some while benefiting others. Additionally, it is crucial to raise children with an awareness of the dangers of “othering,” as described by Lister (2015), who explains that dividing society into “us” and “them” creates social distance and justifies exclusion. By explicitly addressing and challenging these stereotypes, children can develop a more just and compassionate worldview. Engaging them in discussions, exposing them to diverse perspectives through books and media, and involving them in community activities can help them understand that poverty results from structural inequalities rather than personal shortcomings.
Third, it is essential to teach children how to engage in respectful disagreements and resolve conflicts peacefully. Instead of reacting with aggression or shutting down opposing views, they should learn to communicate effectively and seek understanding. Marková et al. (1998) emphasize that people’s attitudes and beliefs are shaped through social interaction, meaning that fostering open dialogue helps children develop tolerance and critical thinking. Encouraging activities such as structured debates, ethical dilemma discussions, and storytelling exercises helps children appreciate multiple perspectives while maintaining respect for others. This foundation prepares them to handle disagreements constructively rather than resorting to hostility or exclusion.
Finally, children should have opportunities to engage in cooperative and empathy-building experiences. Meaningful interactions with people from diverse backgrounds—such as group projects, cultural exchanges, and collaborative artistic activities—help them recognize their shared humanity. A compelling example of this is Pierre Dulaine’s Dancing in Jaffa initiative, where dance became a bridge for Jewish and Palestinian children to develop trust and understanding despite historical conflicts. When children experience firsthand the value of cooperation and interdependence, they are more likely to embrace inclusivity and peaceful coexistence in their own lives.
Lister, R. (2015). ‘To count for nothing’: Poverty beyond the statistics. Journal of the British Academy, 3, 139-165.
Markova, I., et al. (1998). Social representations of the individual: A post-Communist perspective. European Journal of Social Psychology, 28(6), 797-829.
Post, J. (2005). The new face of terrorism: Socio-cultural foundations of contemporary terrorism. Behavioral Sciences and Law, 23(4), 451-465.
From an African perspective, raising children well-mannered children determines the future. A bright future will come from children that are respectful, empathetic, emotionally intelligent and caring for one another and those around them. In the African culture, raising children is also considered a collective effort as alluded by the proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Everyone in the family participates especially the older children, aunts and uncles, grandparents and also the wider community like neighbours and friends.
ReplyDeleteStructural violence refers to societal systems that cause harm by denying people basic needs, dignity, or opportunity. Galtung (1980) states that in structural violence social structures and institutions can inflict harm on individuals or hinder their advancement in subtle yet pervasive ways, constituting a form of violence often disguised by its very normalcy. In Lee’s (2019) perspective, unlike other forms of violence, structural violence is not the result of individual actions but stems from the inherent organisation of society. A society that we raise our children will determine the adults that they will become in the future. A virtuous social cycle ensures fairness and wellbeing for all. To raise children that will not be murderers in the future it is important to teach them that violence often comes from oppression, inequality, and lack of support. That violence does not solve problems but adds fuel to a fire. Encourage them to see conflict as something to solve through dialogue, not force. Children should be taught not to regard persons experiencing poverty as inferior or causing their own problems. This can be done by helping them understand that poverty is not an individual failure but a structural issue for example lack of fair wages or access to education. Show that helping others is not charity but justice because everyone deserves dignity. According to Universal Declaration of Human Rights (United Nations, 1948), in Article one all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood. An essential phenomenon which should be passed to all generations.
a) Develop the child's self-esteem and awareness that he is special and unique. Through this awareness, understanding is promoted that other people, just like him, are unique and unrepeatable. Respect shown to a child from a young age encourages him to internalize the values instilled and accept them as an indisputable truth that applies to everyone without exception and without any additional conditions or reservations.
ReplyDeleteb) The example of togetherness shown in the family is the main condition that determines the child's awareness of responsibility and division of duties, community and participation in it. Constant communication, minimal use of technology, elimination of screens from life, replacing all this with social activities - joint trips, outings, games, etc. promotes the child's socialization. Local identity, identification with one's locality, community, nationality also play a significant role. The perception of one's belonging to the community can be conveyed at different levels - family - community - nation. In any case, the example is received in the family and it is the main condition for socialization.
c) Communication, which has already been mentioned, creates the prerequisites for tolerance, mutual understanding and the development of the ability to discuss and solve problems in a non-conflict manner. Constructive problem solving, argumentation, the ability to express one's thoughts and feelings, to listen and understand others, to hear them This is also learned in the family. Therefore, first of all, it is necessary for parents to realize that they are the truest mirror in which children look when perceiving themselves and the world, and also themselves in the world and society.
d) A close emotional connection between parents, parents and children, a demonstrated example of communication creates the prerequisites for the implementation of all the above-mentioned moral and ethical provisions and the introduction of a value model in the child's worldview. Support and example are the main elements that a family can give a child, shaping the nature of their interaction with the world.
In Lithuania, for a good decade now, Parenting Skills programs have been implemented, which can strengthen Parenting Skills. Most are project activities that are free of charge. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child states that every child must be prepared for independent life and raised on the basis of high moral values. The primary duty and responsibility for raising a child lies with his parents.
First of all, teaching children critical thinking skills is essential in today’s world, where they are constantly exposed to vast amounts of information, both accurate and misleading. Parents play a crucial role in fostering these abilities by encouraging curiosity, open discussions, and independent problem-solving. Critical thinking prepares children for the real world challenges, encourages independence, give some problem solving skills.
ReplyDeleteIt is crucial to teach children that disagreement is a natural and healthy aspect of human interaction, and that it’s possible to maintain respect for others even when opinions difference. Sometimes children who have different opinions than others are often bullied or feel misunderstood. To stop this, it is necessary to help the child understand the importance of differences of opinion in society, that everyone's opinion is important, but it does not always have to be the same. Also helping children understand the variety of perspectives, experiences, and beliefs, they will be better equipped to engage in constructive conversations rather than resorting to violence or disrespect when faced with differing views (Markova et al., 1998).
Empathy is important skill for children as it shapes their emotional and social development, promotes healthy relationships, and contributes to positive behavior. Teaching children empathy enables them to understand and respond to the feelings of others, fostering compassion and reducing the likelihood of harmful behaviors like aggression or bullying Empathy helping children form positive relationships with peers and adults. They noted that children who show empathy are more likely to engage in cooperative play and help others, which are indicators of emotional and social competence (Eisenberg and Lennon, 1983).
Also emotional regulation is important thing for parents raising their childrens. Teaching children emotional regulation is critical for their overall development, as it helps them manage their emotions, build resilience, and foster healthy relationships. Emotional regulation enables children to navigate challenges in a calm, constructive manner, which is essential for personal well-being, social competence, and academic success. Emotion regulation refers to the processes by which individuals influence the type, intensity, and duration of their emotional experiences. In children, this involves managing emotions in a way that is appropriate for the social context and that contributes to adaptive functioning (Eisenberg, Spinrad, Smith, 2004).
To raise children with strong ethical value and social awareness, the guidance is very important. Four key guidelines are based on our readings:
ReplyDelete1. The teaching of the cooperation over competition and the conferment of children’s ability to peacefully resolve conflicts – all these are associated with less probability of violence (Bonta, 1997). Children tend to mirror the things they observe. If they grow up in an environment that reinforces dialogue as a preferred method of relationship over aggression, they will be more likely to learn that as they set out for their own lives.
2. Fighting against deep poverty related biases and prejudices (Lister, 2015) by humanising the stories of those who are poor and focusing on systemic causes not individual blame. Misinformation supplies the stereotypes about poverty. If one is to teach children about the structural reasons behind poverty, one will help build a more compassionate society.
3. Promoting critical thinking and respectful disagreement (Markova et al., 1996) – to teach children about dissimilar views and reliance on cultural interdependency helps develop egality and community affirmation. The teaching of children to think critically in a world of misinformation is important. But they have to ask questions to what information they should also debate, engage in a respectful debate, appreciate different perspectives.
4. Storytelling (Tedam, 2013), using cultural proverbs and narratives to develop moral imagination, ethics by others through ethical reasoning and respect of others. Everything begins with stories from our childhood. Stories about people who have just, generosity, and bravery become part of a child’s life and then they internalize that value in their lives.
Raising children is a complex and responsible process that requires a lot of patience, love, and consistency. To raise children who are responsible, empathetic, respectful of others, and contribute to the well-being of the community, it is important to follow several key principles:
ReplyDelete1. Encourage cooperation over competition: Children in a cooperative environment are less likely to engage in aggressive or violent behavior. Cooperation promotes respect, teamwork, and conflict resolution, thereby reducing the likelihood of violence.
2. Foster empathy and human dignity: Children are taught to empathize with others and value each person regardless of their social or economic status. This helps combat prejudice and encourages kindness, particularly toward those experiencing poverty.
3. Promote constructive conflict resolution and non-aggressive disagreement: Children are taught how to resolve conflicts respectfully and without aggression. This skill helps them handle disagreements peacefully and constructively.
4. Encourage collective responsibility and community values: Children learn that their well-being is directly linked to the well-being of the community. This fosters a sense of responsibility for others and reinforces the importance of collective well-being.
References: Bonta, B. (1997). Cooperation and competition in peaceful societies. Psychological Bulletin, 121(3), 299-320.
Question 3
ReplyDeleteMy goal is to explore how we can assist parents in raising children who embody respect for human rights, social justice, and mutual respect. It is crucial to nurture children who can discern justice and empathy, respect others' opinions, and appreciate cultural differences.
In light of current societal challenges, especially those affecting the most vulnerable groups, it is imperative to strengthen both parents' and children's perspectives on human rights and respect for every individual. Children's core values are shaped by observing their immediate environment; therefore, parents must serve not only as educators but also as living examples of how to respect others, embrace diversity, and foster communities free from discrimination, marginalization, or bullying.
Educating society equates to investing in a brighter future. Through consistent education, open dialogue, and an inclusive mindset, we can cultivate a generation that values human dignity and rights, understanding the importance of social justice. Parents, as their children's primary role models, should strive to exemplify best practices from which children learn empathy, respect, and responsibility. By endeavoring to improve ourselves, we can hope that future generations will build an equitable, open, and humane society.
ReplyDeleteThere are many different morals that I think are important to raise children with. Rejecting stereotypes, upholding ethical values, empowering others, and respecting when others have differing opinions. All of which I feel like land under the principles of social work. I think that it is also really important to teach kids how to regulate their emotions, as well as how to resolve conflict in non violent ways. They need to be able to process feelings of anger and frustration without just resorting to conflict. I think that for this, it’s important to have restorative justice programs within schools to teach these kids how to navigate a disagreement in a more peaceful way, as well as how to have and develop empathy, and to understand the possible long term impact of harm. When a child does have all these skills, or is working to use and understand them, they are able to have more emotional regulation and intelligence within situations from an early age which can allow them to respect humans in all different kinds of contexts.
I also think that it’s important to teach kids the whole structural understanding of poverty and inequality, rather than blaming it on themselves. There is not enough attribution to systemic failure in environments causing disparities. There is so much self blame there, that is why there needs to be an emphasis on educating them on history, policy, and systemic racism, because this can set up the child to advocate for better treatment, rather than looking down on those who may “fall” into that category. There should also be more community engagement for children, so that they can see how connected social systems and responsibility play together. This work can also again help implement more advocating for those within those systems. I think that it is also important to push children to challenge harmful social narratives, this not only allows them to develop their own well informed opinion, but also allows them to possibly have beneficial productive conversations on social justice.
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ReplyDeleteRaising children who will never commit acts of violence, who respect individuals experiencing poverty, and who can engage in respectful disagreements while valuing their interdependence with society requires thoughtful parenting and education. By emphasizing emotional intelligence, social responsibility, and ethical reasoning, parents and caregivers can shape children into individuals who contribute positively to their communities. The following four principles serve as a guide to this goal.
ReplyDelete1. Fostering Emotional Intelligence to Prevent Harmful Actions
Emotional intelligence is a fundamental skill that helps children navigate conflicts without resorting to violence. Hart et al. (1998) found that children raised in environments with coercive parenting styles and a lack of emotional guidance are more likely to exhibit aggression. Teaching children to identify, express, and regulate their emotions enables them to develop self-control and empathy, reducing their likelihood of harming others.
Parents and educators can cultivate emotional intelligence by encouraging children to verbalize their feelings, model healthy emotional regulation, and use storytelling or role-playing to explore emotions. When children learn to manage frustration, disappointment, and anger in constructive ways, they are less likely to engage in violent behaviors and more likely to treat others with kindness and respect.
2. Challenging Social Stigmas to Promote Economic Justice
Children’s perceptions of poverty are shaped by societal narratives, and without guidance, they may internalize biases that blame individuals for their hardships. Research by Bornstein, Putnick, and Lansford (2011) highlights that different parenting styles influence how children perceive social responsibility and fairness. By teaching children that poverty results from structural factors rather than personal failings, parents can help them develop a sense of justice and compassion.
Encouraging exposure to diverse perspectives—through literature, discussions, and direct engagement with underserved communities—can help children understand the complexities of economic disparity. Teaching them about social systems and policies that impact poverty also nurtures a sense of responsibility to advocate for fairness and equality rather than viewing people in poverty as inferior.
3. Encouraging Open Dialogue and Respectful Disagreement
Disagreement is inevitable, but how children learn to handle it determines their ability to contribute to a democratic and inclusive society. Markova et al. (1998) argue that language shapes social perceptions and influences how individuals navigate differences. Children must be taught that engaging in respectful debate is a strength, not a threat, and that differing perspectives can coexist without hostility.
Practicing open discussions at home and in classrooms—where children are encouraged to voice their opinions while listening actively—builds their capacity for critical thinking and conflict resolution. By modeling respectful discourse and exposing children to differing viewpoints, parents help them develop tolerance, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for diversity.
4. Instilling a Sense of Collective Responsibility and Community Engagement
A child’s moral development is deeply tied to their sense of belonging within a community. Weigert (2004) emphasizes that understanding interdependence fosters social cohesion and prevents the "us vs. them" mentality that can lead to discrimination or exclusion. When children recognize their responsibility toward others, they are more likely to engage in acts of kindness and social justice.
Parents can encourage this mindset by involving children in community service, cooperative activities, and discussions about the interconnectedness of society. Teaching children that their actions have an impact on others—and that collective well-being is essential for societal progress—ensures they grow into adults who value empathy, fairness, and mutual support.
Connect self-determination to collective responsibility: Ewalt & Mokuau (1995) describe how in Pacific nations, self-determination “is defined by values of collective affiliation rather than by individualism”. Similarly, individuals define their identity through their relationships with others with a shared history, identity, and practices. These individuals see their needs as not being separate from or above the needs of the group. Group well-being extends to ensure the well-being of all the members of the group, who share a collective responsibility to the group and other members. Individuals make decisions with the well-being of the group in mind, since it is the group that enables them to have the freedom to make those decisions. Therefore, what is best for the group is also what is best for the individual. Children can be raised to understand that they are part of a system of interconnected individuals who depend on one another, and the decisions they make that impact on others will eventually reflect back on them. This can encourage them to look out for the needs of others and have interactions based on respect and kindness.
ReplyDeletePromote cooperation and discourage competition: Bonta (1997) describes how many peaceful societies discourage competitive goal structures where “people attain their goals only if other participants do not” in favor of cooperative goal structures where “people attain their goals only when other participants do also”. Cooperation between individuals in these societies benefits everyone and maintains group harmony. Children are socialized from a young age to see the value of cooperation and understand that competitive behavior will not be rewarded; they must cooperate to survive. One way this is done is by ignoring children’s demands for attention so they understand they are not more important than anyone else. Children also play games that are based on cooperation and learn in cooperative environments. As a result, children grow up to understand that they have a role to play in a cooperative society that works together rather than believing they must compete to survive.
Promote nonviolent values: Many of the societies mentioned by Bonta (1997) also raise children to internalize nonviolent values. One of the ways this is done is by encouraging cooperation, since members believe competition leads to aggression. In certain societies children are encouraged to participate in aggressive games that contain conflicting messages and cause feelings of doubt and fear. This causes the child to strengthen their commitment to nonviolent values in order to not jeopardize their security in that society. Children are also made aware of the potential for violence in the outside world so that they understand the importance of nonviolent values and will not take them for granted. In these cases, the societies have strong social controls where children already know what is expected of them and are wary of the consequences of acting contrarily to those expectations. This leads to the creation of psychological structures that will encourage the children to adhere to nonviolent values as they grow up and throughout their lifetime.
Expose children to multiple stories: In Adichie’s (2009) TED Talk, she discusses the danger of a single story, which can lead to prejudice and discrimination. She describes a particular scene from her childhood where she visited the home of their house boy and was surprised to discover his mother weaved beautiful baskets. She had assumed that since they were poor, they could not create anything. The single story she had of them being poor meant they could never be anything else. When raising children, they should be exposed to multiple perspectives and stories so they do not develop a single idea of what any person can be. This will encourage them to see the dignity and potential that is present in all human beings, and to gain an awareness of the environmental forces that can sometimes impact a person’s life through no fault of their own.
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ReplyDelete1. According to Cooperation and competition in peaceful societies by Bruce Bonta (1997), in many nonviolent societies in the world, children are raised with caution and awareness about the intentions of other people, ensuring that they don’t take peacefulness for granted. The children in affiliative societies are loved as babies, but very quickly the society they live in devalues their achievements, erasing any feeling of superiority over others. Since competition and aggressiveness often lead to violence, the key is to educate children in opposition to competition. This way, cooperative, harmonious behaviors and beliefs are reinforced.
ReplyDelete2. Another important point is the nonviolent resolution of conflicts. In our breakout room during the lecture, we discussed that children’s education plays a crucial role in fostering nonviolent behavior, which is one of key aspects of Bonta’s research. Dialogue and mutual understanding should be encouraged, and children must be taught to find peaceful solutions to conflicts, rather than using physical or verbal aggression. By doing so, peaceful and cooperative values become internalized, so that in the future psychological structures of the children will accord with their beliefs in nonviolence.
3. Teaching children to treat everyone equally is crucial. It is very important to emphasize that everyone should be treated with respect, regardless of their status. Children should understand that it is not a personal failure, but rather a systemic issue which that causes marginalization of some groups of people.
4. It is essential to teach children about the significance of community, involving them in helping others. Cultivating respect for diverse opinions, broaden children’s horizons by traveling and meeting people from other cultures (especially in case of more homogeneous societies).
Raising children is a responsible and challenging process, in which we aim to raise successful, self-confident individuals who are well-integrated into their community. To achieve this, it is important to follow several key guidelines:
ReplyDeleteEmpathy and socialization: First, parents should teach their children empathy and compassion, so they learn to respect and understand others. This is important not only for building good interpersonal relationships but also for forming children’s understanding of the world. For example, by encouraging children to talk about their feelings and consider what others might be feeling, we can ensure that they learn to be sensitive to those around them.
Critical thinking and social responsibility: Parents must teach children to think critically about society and its issues, such as poverty, discrimination, and inequality. This involves not only theoretical understanding but also active participation in community life, such as volunteering or helping those in need.
Appreciating diversity and community: Children must understand and appreciate the diverse world in which we live. Parents need to teach them to accept and respect differences by encouraging openness to various cultures, ideas, and lifestyles. This can be done through everyday conversations, traveling, exploring cultures, and fostering tolerance.
peaceful conflict resolution: Children must learn to resolve conflicts peacefully and constructively. By teaching children how to manage their emotions and seek compromises, parents help them develop the skills needed to maintain relationships without violence or aggression.
The most important factor is that parents' example and behavior have a tremendous impact on children's actions and worldview. If parents practice what they teach, children will notice and adopt it as the correct way of life.
To raise children who will never resort to violence, who respect individuals experiencing poverty, and who engage in constructive disagreement while valuing their cultural community, parents and educators must be intentional in shaping their moral and social development. Drawing from psychological and sociological research, the following four guidelines provide a foundation for fostering empathy, justice, respectful dialogue, and a sense of interdependence.
ReplyDelete1. Developing Empathy as a Tool for Nonviolence and Social Understanding
Empathy plays a crucial role in preventing violence and fostering respect for all individuals, regardless of background or circumstances. Research by Bonta (1997) suggests that societies that emphasize cooperation and emotional understanding have lower rates of aggression. Teaching children to recognize and validate the emotions of others—especially marginalized individuals—can reduce dehumanization and foster compassion.
2. Framing Justice as Restoration Rather Than Punishment
A just society requires individuals who understand that justice is not about revenge but about accountability, healing, and restoration. Pham et al. (2004) argue that restorative justice fosters long-term social cohesion by prioritizing reconciliation over retribution. Teaching children that fairness is about ensuring dignity and equity for all—rather than punishment—can deter violent behaviors and encourage peaceful conflict resolution.
Engaging children in discussions about fairness, systemic inequality, and human dignity helps them develop a sense of justice that extends beyond their personal experiences. When children view justice as a tool for societal improvement rather than a means of retribution, they are more likely to respect those experiencing poverty rather than blame them for their circumstances (Weigert, 2004).
3. Teaching Constructive Disagreement and Respect for Diverse Perspectives
Disagreements are inevitable in human interactions, but teaching children how to engage respectfully with differing viewpoints is essential for fostering social harmony. Markova et al. (1998) emphasize that language plays a crucial role in shaping social perceptions. Encouraging children to express their opinions while listening actively to others promotes both intellectual and emotional growth.
Children should be taught that disagreement does not equate to hostility and that diverse perspectives enrich communities. Role-playing exercises, classroom debates, and family discussions can provide safe spaces for practicing respectful discourse. By normalizing respectful disagreement, children learn that differences in opinion do not justify violence or discrimination.
4. Instilling a Sense of Interdependence and Collective Responsibility
Children must understand that they are both shaped by and responsible for their communities. When individuals see themselves as part of an interconnected social fabric, they are less likely to engage in harmful behaviors such as violence or social exclusion (Weigert, 2004). Teaching children about their role in society encourages them to act with responsibility and compassion toward others.
References
Bonta, B. D. (1997). Cooperation and competition in peaceful societies. Psychological Bulletin, 121(2), 299-320.
Eisenberg, N., Spinrad, T. L., & Morris, A. S. (2006). Empathy-related responding in children. Annual Review of Psychology, 57, 517-543.
Markova, I. (1998). Social representations of the individual: A post-communist perspective. Culture & Psychology, 4(4), 455-472.
Pham, P. N., Vinck, P., & Stover, E. (2004). The justice and reconciliation process in Rwanda: An analysis of the Gacaca proceedings. Journal of International Criminal Justice, 3(4), 879-895.
Weigert, K. M. (2004). Social justice and social movements: An introduction. Pearson.
1.Enhancing cooperation, which also means fostering mutual support and solidarity. For example : from little teaching my children that it’s crucial in life to be okay to ask for help, when you need one. To share things that matter with other, to celebrate things with other people, to show up for each other when they are in pain. And the straight way to do it, its by living it through yourself, setting up an example. To show your kids that life it’s not just you In the bubble, its all of us together, building up and showing up for each other. Also I would love to have some time in the family going volunteering together, so it’s not just that we build connections and empathy towards the people we choose to like or be together. But it’s about accepting and standing there in different realities of the people, meeting the people outside your own “safe” bubble.
ReplyDelete2. Creating rituals that reinforce feeling of belonging in the communities – so its some traditions, in families where kid would have a feeling of belonging, practicing same shared values. For example, sharing one good thing and one hard that happened with each of us through the day at the dinner. This would be the space to share not only feelings, but our observations, thoughts. Or also celebrating and honouring culture traditions, some important history days, that also brings a sense of belonging, and connecting with others.
3. People are doing the best they can - this one I read in one of the Brene Brown books, that stuck with me, and I do think its very common for this question. Its teaching the children that everyone is doing the best they can, with what they have now, and its their best. I do believe that this principle helps to show respect and accept different people in our lives, and helps not to judge. Not to feel more right or good than other, it erases the competition who is better, as we are all doing best. And also it doesn’t amplify to accept any kind of action, there are still boundaries and limits we follow, but this helps to see the human next to you, and respect it, no matter what he have done.
4. Emotional education and non-violent communication - teaching child to accept, feel and show their emotions in constructive way. Which is essential also in building relationships with yourself and other people. When we know and we can express the thoughts, feelings in a respectful and non- harmful way it helps to avoid violence.
Justina Tamošiūnaitė
ReplyDeleteQUESTION #3
Shortly:
I would explain that like in a football team - everyone has their own role and if there would be only goalkeepers in the team, we would loose the game. So, If there would be only same minded people - there would be no progress. Every role should be respected, and when we're in the game there are no classes, no economical boundaries, nothing that would devide us us left.
a) I would explain my kid that human life is the highest vertybė (value) and everyone has a right to it. I would show examples from nature - how long it takes a plant to grow, how a baby is formed and what a miracle is a beggining of a human life. I would go through a personal example - according to the kids age I would explain the process of how my kid was born - that firstly, there were millions of possibilities of feminine and masculine pieces to get united and how unique each person is.
b) I would try to give examples and to show that every person has its own journey and we will never fully understand why a person is in a certain situation in his or hers life, why they have a certain character and so on. So, we can never judge and always try to understand others because we would expect the same regarding ourselves - that other people would try to know our reasons before making up their minds about us.
There is a saying that "Jeigu nemyli kito žmogaus, reiškia, per mažai jį pažįsti" ("If you don't love other it means you know him too little"). So, I would teach the kid with experience - we would go together and talk with people, go volunteering and to see human life and personal stories.
c) I would teach them that each person has his right to belief.
That you can not force anyone to see the things as you do.
So, I would teach my kid to be respectful and firstly, admit and validate others feelings, without thinking that what they are feeling is right or wrong.
In general, I would teach my kid to behave with others in the way he would like that others would behave with him and vice versus.
Because, If my kid will learn how to validate his own feeling and don't judge himself, then it will be easier to have misericordia for others and understand that people usually live in communities, surrounded by other people. So, If you want that your society would perish, you need to learn how to live kindly with others and let others have their own space in it.
Q3 Сhild rearing
ReplyDeletea) Recognizing the uniqueness and equal value of each person
Everyone has unique abilities and value, and no one is superior to anyone else (Tedma, 2013). Fostering respect for diversity and understanding that poverty is a social issue rather than a personal fault will help children avoid seeing vulnerable people as “guilty” of their difficulties. In the educational environment, it is important to encourage cooperation and mutual assistance rather than competition so that children learn to support each other.
b) Developing empathy and awareness of collective responsibility
The concept of self-determination should be viewed through the lens of community (Ewalt, 1995). A person does not exist in isolation, their well-being is linked to others. It is important to foster in children the ability to consider the impact of their decisions on others in order to prevent violence. For example, they can be taught practices of peaceful conflict resolution, learn to show kindness and help others.
c) The formation of personality begins in early childhood. Children whose emotional needs are ignored may experience anxiety and problems with emotion regulation, which may lead to aggression in the future (Rubin, 1997; Chen, 1998). Parents should not only show love, but also be sensitive to the child's signals, helping him or her to develop the ability to empathize and respect other opinions.
Parenting through a model of peaceful interaction and social inclusion
Conflicts in the family, especially between parents, directly affect children's behavior (Hart, 1998). Resolving disputes calmly and demonstrating respect for different views will help children understand that disagreements are a natural part of life, but they can be resolved constructively. In addition, it is important to include children in socially significant initiatives, such as volunteer programs, helping vulnerable groups (e.g. refugees or the elderly), thereby cultivating a sense of solidarity and social responsibility.
If parents want to achieve an ideal result, it is important to include children in socially significant initiatives, for example, to participate in volunteer programs, to help vulnerable groups (for example, refugees or the elderly), thereby nurturing a sense of solidarity and social responsibility. But there is one risk here, children can copy the example of incompetent help, so it is critically important to either guide children in this process, or to select a qualified social worker for this, so that he would correspond and observe human rights, and not the rights of financial success.