Today's Tip for Families

[En español]

06-27-2022

Treat Children as Individuals

"It's not fair!" Any parent with more than one child has heard this complaint. At home and at school, kids must learn that treating people equitably doesn't necessarily mean treating them alike.

The best way to help kids understand this lesson is by talking about different ways to achieve the same results.

For example, your family has a rule that there must be a regular study time. If one child is most alert right after school and chooses to do assignments then, and another child works best after playing outside and blowing off some steam, there’s nothing unfair about letting each child do what suits him or her.

People have different strengths and weaknesses, advantages and needs. It’s important to teach your children to honor the differences among family members—and among others in the community. These differences are what make people unique and special.

Remind your kids the next time one complains, "I love you equally. I'll treat everyone fairly, but that doesn't mean I'm going to treat everyone the same."


Brought to you by:

Jackson County Schools

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