Kids enjoy the Zoo. Rarely do they realize that it's not the best way for the animals to live. Free and egalitarian living for all creatures under the Sun is not a difficult thing to understand, but it's hard thing to wrap one's head around if no one speaks about it. It's okay to talk about things which might not all be simple and cute.
Most kids can be remarkably good at understanding things we might think are much beyond their comprehension. Try this. When kids are playing with their pet or even if they are playing virtual pet games, talk about pets, animals kept in captivity, the animals in the sanctuaries and wilderness and other kind of situations. Such conversations help kids understand the world around them. As they grow, such conversations helps them form opinions, develop empathy, understand problems and it gives them the ability to solve them.
Difficult topics to talk about
Talking about prejudices and biases is difficult. Biases are of all kinds. Kids can feel it when there is bias against them. Humans have the in built ability to 'feel the bias'. It's for us to teach kids to deal with it, when its happening to them and also when they see it happening around them. Then they can how they want to deal with it. One of the first steps is to start a conversation about such things. Kids can spot differences between themselves, but this does not naturally make them bigots or haters of all the people unlike themselves.
Prejudice based on color, creed, financial strength, superior abilities, language, country of origin etc.; these are just to name a few. Kids who grow up with prejudices might be emotionally stunted. We have to help them develop a well rounded view of the world. Once parents too get used to talking about difficult subjects, they also send the child a message that they are open to discussions. If at a juncture in life a child is in a difficult position, it's not hard for them to approach the parent for some advice.
What not to talk
Kids are always listening, even if they appear to be engrossed in other things. They may not react to what we talk, but you can be sure that it's being absorbed. This must make us careful about how we talk. We must be careful about our choice of words. If we speak without empathy for a fellow human or creature, kids learn that. When we hear our kids speak carelessly or see them do something with little or no care, we might be caught by surprise. We should always lead by example. A good example.
Research has shown that kids are reacting to their environment right from when they are in their mother's womb, Good parenting is all about being around for your kids. As parents, we want our kids to grow up to be well rounded individuals, and the onus is upon us to talk about a variety of things to bring up well rounded and well informed kids.
