Teaching Our Kids Genuine Cultural Tolerance

The world we live in today is a melting pot of various cultures, religions and nationalities. In almost every city in the world, you will find diverse groups of people living side by side, working together and merging each other’s traditions with their own. It’s not surprising for people to speak more than one language or find young kids eating food from a different ethnic cuisine from their own.

Unfortunately there are still some people and even children who frown upon customs they are unfamiliar with or people of different color or race. Some clichés and stereotyping still exist in most parts of the civilized world. Children who are more open-minded about other cultures usually have parents who are likewise tolerant and exposed to a diverse society.

We may teach our children about being tolerant to immigrants from other nations and treating them as equals but if they hear us make snide remarks that stereotype their culture or religion, a mental impression may stick instinctively. Children carry these impressions till adulthood without even remembering how or why they have certain feelings, such as superiority or suspicion, towards people from a particular race or religion. This perpetuates a cycle of hate and distrust concerning other people.

Because our communities are becoming more diverse, our children’s future relationships, careers and success depend on how they are able to understand and work hand-in-hand with people from different backgrounds. Tolerance is the ability to understand and respect customs, religion, culture, sexuality and even physical and mental disability of other people. Of course not all aspects need to be accepted like stealing, bullying and other negative characteristics.

Children discover values from watching their parents and other adults who are influential in their upbringing such as teachers, counsellors, religious leaders and political figures. Teaching tolerance starts with exposure and then guidance. Show your kids how to appreciate food from other cultures and expose them to friends from various ethnic backgrounds and religions.

Most of us work with people of different backgrounds, invite them to your home for a BBQ so that your kids can meet them. Your children will observe your attitude towards your foreign guests, how you treat them, speak to them and respect their individuality. Children imitate your examples and mirror your values. They will soon discover that it’s easier and much more fun to get along rather than to fight each other. People who get along share what they have like money, opportunities, assets and resources.

Footed Pajamas, Onesies And Bodysuits – What’s the difference?

Girl's Footed Pajamas

Some of the most popular boy and girl pajamas are footed pajamas and onesies. It is easy to confuse the two types of baby sleepwear and they are often mistaken as the same kind of pajamas. They have common characteristics which make them confusing for some people.

Both types of sleepwear are made of a single piece of clothing. Both cover up majority of your child’s body. They are both sleepwear and even look alike in photographs. Some people also confuse the bodysuit with the two outfits. Bodysuits can be used for sleeping and outdoor wear.

Bodysuits are actually easily distinguishable from the two because bodysuits do not cover the legs. But these three baby outfits are the most popular for newborn infants till they turn around 1 year old. Of the boy and girl pajamas, footed pajamas are the most popular for families that live in colder climates.

Footed PJs can keep a baby warmer because they cover the feet which are highly sensitive to changes in temperature. If there is a part of the body that can feel cold quickly, they are the feet and then the hands. Footies can provide warmth for babies even without socks or blankets.

Onesies cover a baby from the neck down to the ankles. They do not cover the feet or hands. All footies cover the feet and some have optional flipping hand covers to protect the hands. Hands can get cold too if your babies do not wear mittens. The hand covers on some footed pajamas can also prevent your baby from scratching his or her face.

The onesie is a popular choice of many parents who live in temperate climates. Footies can become very warm for children who live in warmer places. To keep your infant cooler during warm summer months, boy or girl pajamas without foot covering might be more comfortable for your baby.

Bodysuits are also preferred clothing for children who live in warm states. Body suits are also easier to handle when it’s time to change nappies because they can be easily opened in the nappy region. Bodysuits have snaps that go over the nappies which can be opened in a split second.

Footed pajamas can be difficult to use if your child relieves himself a lot during sleep. These days, more footies come with a flap in the back for easier nappy changing. Make sure there is a flap at the back when you purchase footed boy or girl pajamas.

Footed PJs are ideal sleepwear for those who live in colder climates because you will never have to worry if your baby is warm enough. There are footies made of fleece and other warm fabrics if you live in arctic weather. You can also cut down on using and washing socks and blankets if your child uses footies.

Bamboo Footed Pajamas

You can always switch to onesies in the spring. If it gets extremely warm during summer, consider clothing you baby in short bodysuits. You can use a bodysuit and let your baby wear thin socks at night for extra precaution.

Footed pajamas are also great for home use and not just for sleeping. It will keep your infant or young toddler warm all day. Your child can crawl and roll around the floor freely because he will be completely protected with clothing.

Even older toddlers enjoy using footies at home because it keeps their feet clean without the need to use slippers or socks. Footies also create a barrier between your child’s feet and the cold floor. The next time you need to buy boy or girl pajamas, consider these points before making a final purchase.

Online Competitions – What’s In It For The Kids?

There are online competitions that you or your child can join for free. Aside from being free, you also get a chance to win prizes such as an all expenses paid luxury holiday or electronic devices like iPads. Some contests give away cash prices. There are also competitions that are meant for children.

Typically competitions for kids are categorized by age aside from the kind of contest. There are contests for kids below 12 years old and competitions for older kids in their teens. The categories vary from writing, to drawing, and paintings. Under the writing category, children can join contests for poetry or short novels. There are also amateur photography contests for older kids.

Your child can join these free contests by signing up on a website for online competitions. Contests for kids may limit or restrict parents from getting involved with their child’s competition entry. If your child is joining a competition, think twice before helping him out.

Make sure that your child is eligible to join and that he is joining a contest that he is skilled in. If your child is a gifted painter, then he will have better chances of winning in an art competition than one for writing. If your kid loves to write short stories, then give him a shot at an online writing contest.

Before allowing or encouraging your child to join a contest, read the fine print and rules very well. Companies that sponsor the contest may require your child’s winning work to be featured in their promotional campaigns. Your child may also be asked to be a spokesperson for one of their brands or products.

It is important to know these details before you let your child join competitions. Find out what the prizes are and if the contest requires more from your child after he wins the contest.  Some online competitions award scholarships, school supplies and cash prizes.