My family is different to yours: Helping children embrace diversity

In this episode host Alicia Ranford welcomes back psychologist Rachel Samson to discuss the importance of teaching children about diverse family structures and fostering inclusivity.  

Rachel offers insights into how families can support children and young people to embrace the beauty of difference and encourage empathy, respect and curiosity. Rachel also discusses the important role parents play in supporting their children’s emotional intelligence and how parental modelling can help to build empathy in children. Finally, she looks at ways to respond when children struggle to understand or accept differences in others.  

In this episode you will hear: 

• Rachel share why it is important for children to learn about different family structures [00:01:53].
•  The signs a child is struggling to accept others and how parents can respond  [00:4:00].
•  The role media and negative stereotypes play, and how parents can use these as opportunities for conversations with their children [00:6:22].
•  How modeling empathy at home can help children to show empathy in their everyday lives and peer relationships [00:17:24]. 

Further information and resources:  

In focus: Understanding children’s emotions and behaviour 

Getting through tough times: Shame and stigma 

Why are connection and belonging important? 

Understanding and addressing your child’s bullying behaviour 

Supporting emotional development and empathy in boys