Religious Tolerance refers to the ability to appreciate spiritual values, beliefs, and practices which are different from your own. In a world where people struggle to be nice to each other, I think it is one of those teach by example things.
1. Tolerance begins at home
It all starts with how you approach other religions at home. Kids pick up how you speak about other people and biases you may not realise you had will be much louder when “coming out of the mouths of babes” – as they say.
2. Avoid sharing a “we are right” mindset
One of my personal gripes with organised religion has always been the, “we are right they are wrong” messages that are shared. Teaching your children that other people are wrong/bad/stupid for how they practice their religious and cultural practices, sets them up for being biased.
3. Simply speak to your child
Explain your beliefs to your child and why you hold them. Then share factual, non-derogatory information about other religious beliefs. Help your child develop acceptance by describing the beliefs of relatives and friends with different views from your own.
4. Ask for help
Speak to people from other religions or go online to find resources so you know that you are sharing factual information and not stereotypes. You can even have friends or family members speak to your child and teach them their religions and cultures (be sure the adult knows that this is a exercise in education and not indoctrination)
5. Confront biased behavior
When someone says something intolerant (especially infront of your child be sure to speak up). A phrase like, let’s say: “you know how rude the Christians/Muslims/Jews/Rastafarians are ” Needs to be met with a response such as…”I agree that that person was rude but it doesn’t reflect on their religion, one persons actions can’t reflect a whole religion”
6. Find child friendly resources
Litchi Apple has an amazing little Ramadan resource for kids out called, The Little Muslim Kit. It explains the pillars of the religion through fun activities and easy-to-understand notes. Keep an eye on their page as they branch out to include other religions and have a looks at Aidan and me unboxing the kit below:
