Editor’s Note: Welcome to the Violence-free Schools and Communities column! This summer we are running a series of articles designed specifically for parents. At The Guidance Channel Zine, we believe that kids who have a good sense of self-respect and respect for others are less likely to develop hatred towards others. We also know that kids who have good critical thinking and communication skills are less likely to become involved with violence. We hope you will find some good ideas and information here that will help you help the children and teens in your life to resist hatred and avoid violence.

Five Things Role Models SHOULD Do In Front of Kids

Think out loud.

Let students hear how you evaluate arguments, challenge your own and others` ideas, and formulate worthy conclusions about your world.

Practice the rule of two.

Always note two distinct traits about a person, never just one (Jane is smart and beautiful) to steer students away from stereotyping.

Call people names - their own names.

Learn and use the names of people you regularly interact with (cashiers, clerks, postal carriers, etc.) to remind students of the value of every individual.

Cultivate your curiosity.

Explore new places and cultures. Reach out to meet new people. Do not be afraid to ask questions. Assumptions based on ignorance hurt; questions that seek to uncover truth always help.

Replace "them" with "us."

When faced with an issue or situation that normally inspires you to say "Well, they should…" or "Well, those people always…" substitute we/us for them. “What can we do to solve this?" "What have we done to contribute to this problem?" Not only is such thinking empowering, but also it reminds people of all ages of a profound truth: no matter how different people may seem, we are all people whose shared humanity unites "us" above and beyond all differences.

Be sure to check back next month for How Hate Takes Hold.