Each day at The Children's Museum, we're reminded of the power of children to make a difference-from the history-making impact of Ryan White, Ruby Bridges, and Anne Frank, to the inspiring efforts of dozens of Power of Children Award winners over the past decade.
The Children's Museum is a place where all children and families, no matter our differences, can learn together and from one another. Now, more than ever, is a time to build understanding and unity. If you have been challenged to find ways to discuss recent current events with the children in your life, we offer this list of resources as a starting point for discussion.
PBS Learning Media provides an article listing the "
5 Habits to Heal the Heart of Democracy," by educator Parker Palmer, reiterating the importance of our country's tradition of a peaceful transfer of power. These five habits include:
- An understanding that we are all in this together.
- An appreciation for valuing our differences.
- An understanding that disagreements can be channeled productively.
- A sense of personal voice and ability to take action.
- A capacity to create community.
The Peace Learning Center in Indianapolis has these suggestions for moving forward:
- Start from a place of empathy. Show your child how to build empathy with these 7 tips.
- Remind your child that they have many potential choices. This infographic can help.
- Learn how to talk to your child about being an upstander, not a bystander. Being brave and finding your voice is a good place to start.
- Help children find ways to handle their own emotions.
- Show your child this video of kindergarteners describing how to cope with emotion through breathing and meditation.
- Help children discover a peaceful place within themselves by creating mind bottles.
- Adults and children can print and color an anti-stress mandala.
- Practice mindfulness as a family through pebble meditation.
