How can parents help create a more peaceful world for their children to inherit?

No matter how unbiased we believe ourselves to be, every one of us has inherited biased beliefs from our upbringing and our community. Our personal prejudices affect what we teach and do not teach our children about others and how to solve social problems.

1.To start - reflect on your own biases - ask yourself
What was I taught about people who are different from me?
What biased situations have I experienced? What did I do? How did I feel?
What people do I feel most comfortable with? ...least comfortable?

2. Challenge myths about people who are different with facts - be honest when answering children's questions about differences. Don't try to ignore the person in a wheelchair or the toddler's question about why someone has a different color skin.

3. Confront prejudiced remarks - Ask "what made you say that?" then explain why the comment was unacceptable.

4. Watch television together - If you see violence being used to solve problems, discuss with your children other things the characters could have done.

5. Expand your circle of friends - introduce your children to people from a wide range of backgrounds.

6. Be an activist role model - participate in activities that help others or combat war.