NEVER TEACH YOUR CHILD TO BE PREJUDICED

This is one mistake that I did NOT make. I had the great example from my mother and father, and I handed it down to my children. Every human being on this earth has a purpose and was sent here by God. I don't care what color they are, how old they are, or what they look like. I have always taught my children from an early age to befriend the child in their class that had no one to sit with at lunch. If they were nice to them, then maybe others would follow suit. I have no patience for bullying and have never felt that it comes naturally. Somewhere along the line, these bullies must have witnessed their parents or siblings making fun of someone, or have been bullied themselves. You must teach your children to find the good in everyone they meet. Respect for each other is probably the single most important lesson you can teach your child. If adults had respect for each other, there would be no such thing as road rage and worse. If someone is different from you, that is actually a good thing. How boring would the world be if everyone had the same skin, eye and hair color, and wore the same clothes and all talked the same. Everyone is a unique individual and you will be doing your children a favor by encouraging them to be friends with all kinds of people. When they become adults, they will have a better understanding of different religions and cultures, and be open to different opinions. If you start with them when they are young, maybe our next generation would be more understanding of one another. What a great world this would be if everyone smiled at each other and excused little mistakes? Our children learn from example, so you can't just tell them, you need to show them through your actions. I have to say that I am proud of all my children. Each and every one of them will go out of their way to help someone, and not look for something in return. They all have their own individual style of being nice, and that is ok. The important thing is that I know I raised my children to love each other. Just remember, your children mimic you in many ways. Make sure you are always kind to everyone, and your children will follow your lead.