Teach Your Kids To Defy Ageism

As parents, it’s our job to teach our kids about the world around them and to help them develop a sense of empathy and understanding for others. One important way we can do this is by helping them recognize and appreciate the values and experiences of older people. By doing so, we can help our kids defy ageism – the prejudice and discrimination against people based on their age – and instead, embrace and value the diversity of experiences and perspectives that different ages bring.

Here are a few ways you can help your kids recognize values in older people:

1. Introduce them to older people:?One of the most effective ways to help your kids recognize values in older people is to simply introduce them to older people. This could involve spending time with older family members, friends, or neighbors, or volunteering with older people in your community. By interacting with and getting to know older people, your kids will have the opportunity to learn from and appreciate their unique experiences and perspectives.
2. Talk about ageism:?Another important way to help your kids recognize values in older people is to talk about ageism and why it’s wrong. Discuss with your kids how ageism is a form of prejudice and discrimination, and how it can be harmful and hurtful to older people. Help your kids understand that everyone has something valuable to contribute, regardless of their age.
3. Model respect and kindness:?As parents, it’s important to model respect and kindness towards older people for our kids. This could involve showing appreciation for the contributions and experiences of older people, or simply being patient and understanding when interacting with them. By demonstrating respect and kindness towards older people, we can help our kids do the same.
4. Encourage them to listen and learn:?Another important way to help your kids recognize values in older people is to encourage them to listen and learn from older people. Encourage your kids to ask questions and listen to the stories and experiences of older people, and to consider the wisdom and lessons they have to offer. By actively listening and learning from older people, your kids can better appreciate their values and experiences.
5. Teach them about intergenerational friendships:?Encourage your kids to develop intergenerational friendships with older people. These friendships can be incredibly rewarding and enriching for both your kids and the older people they interact with. By building relationships with older people, your kids can learn firsthand about the values and experiences of people of different ages.
6. Help them find ways to get involved:?Encourage your kids to find ways to get involved with older people in your community. This could involve volunteering at a local senior center, helping out an older neighbor, or participating in intergenerational activities. By getting involved and helping out, your kids can learn firsthand about the value and worth of older people

By helping our kids recognize values in older people and defy ageism, we can teach them to appreciate the diversity of experiences and perspectives that different ages bring. By doing so, we can help them develop a sense of empathy and understanding for others, and encourage them to be kind and respectful towards people of all ages.