Just For Parents (Part II): Five Things Role Models SHOULD Not Do In Front of Students
Editor’s Note: Welcome to the Violence-free Schools and Communities column! Last month this column began a focus on information just for parents, Modeling Respect. 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 your students resist hatred and avoid violence.
Five Things Role Models Should Not Do In Front of the Students
Great role models avoid making these common mistakes with kids.
Stereotyping a student`s peers
Resist the temptation to think in terms of "good kids" and "bad kids." Try not to fall into the kind of clique-driven thinking students are surrounded by at school-avoid terms like "nerd" or "preppie."
Scapegoating a student`s behavior
Try not to "protect" a student by blaming their behavior on a peer, a school policy, or popular culture. Such tactics by adults not only teach a student how to scapegoat, but also damage a student`s sense of self-respect by making them feel powerless.
Labeling people instead of actions
Hitting is bad; Mike is not. By providing students with commentary on actions (instead of actors) you will help them avoid fear of "the other" throughout their lives.
Clinging to your clique
You are not in high school anymore, so be sure that your network of friends is not as confining as a high school clique. Get to know people with careers, cultures, and interests unique from your own. Bring together friends from diverse backgrounds to create a richly textured network of people.
Staying Silent
No matter how disapproving you may be on the inside, your outward silence in the face of a hateful comment or joke tells a student that you approve.
Be sure to check back next month for Five Things Role Models SHOULD Do In Front of the Students.