How to Teach Kids to Connect with Older People

By Trish Allison

All books in the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Parent Guidebooks series are written for parents (and caregivers) of elementary school kids. This guidebook focuses on the value of older people by providing instructions for parents to teach kids how to connect with them successfully. Whether it's a grandparent, a neighbor, or a f

• Language: English
• Publisher: DEI for Parents Media
• Release date: May 19, 2023
• ISBN: 9798986155975

Book preview

Introduction

Instead of focusing on ageist stereotypes, the emphasis of this guidebook is to help your child forge (or strengthen) a positive relationship with an older person. We filled each page with practical ideas and step-by-step instructions, so you can send your child out into the world equipped with the skills needed to treat older people with the kindness and respect they deserve.

Chapter 1 starts things off with suggestions for getting a ‘read’ on what your child already knows about ageist stereotypes and the value of older people. The rest of the chapters offer instructions for explaining aging basics, encouraging friendships with older people, questions your child can and should ask an older person, and finally, ideas for cultivating a positive attitude about older people at home.

Here are a few logistics to keep in mind as you're reading:

Sporadic, Casual Conversations. Most important, and worth saying right away, is that none of the steps in this guidebook are intended to be completed on a single, dictatorial occasion. The intent is to communicate the values described here on a casual, consistent basis over a period of time.

Age Group. Tips are written for parents of elementary-school kids, but we fully understand there’s a wide spectrum of maturity at every age. Some six-year-olds are mature way beyond their years and some ten-year-olds are learning at a different pace than their peers. That said, you know your child best for deciding what is and isn’t appropriate.

Book Layout. The chapters are organized linearly, meaning it's best to read chapter 1 first and chapter 5 last. If you have an immediate concern, however, feel free to read whichever chapter is the most pertinent at the time.

Solid Relationship. Many of the tips assume that you and your child already share a fairly solid connection. The tips are doable without this foundation, but they'll be much harder to implement successfully without it.

Compliments. It's so important to praise kids when they do something that's aligned with whatever you taught them. Be specific with your praise and look them in the eyes when you say it. Your approval means more to them than you think.

Unique Situations. We’re aware that not all older people are good influences on