The month of December is a busy one. Decorating, shopping, wrapping, and cooking are just a few of the activities that take over. December also brings National Human Rights month. This month, everyone in the United States is encouraged to come together and stand up for equality, justice, and the dignity of all humans. This is a time where we join one another in standing up for all the rights and freedoms that a person is entitled to.
Each person is entitled to various rights and freedoms including the freedom to make your own choices and the freedom to be in a safe relationship. This is a great time to talk with your children and explain that all people have these rights and freedoms, and to remind them how important it is to treat others with kindness, respect, and dignity. The way we treat others should not depend on their race, gender, age, or social status. It is important to teach our youth that every person has their own story and even if you do not agree with others there are ways to kindly disagree and still be respectful.
Violence, physical or mental, is never the answer. It is important to teach acceptable communication skills and model these behaviors for our children. Taking the time to listen to others and try to understand their story is one way, as adults, we can help our children become better humans. These skills begin at home. While you may not always understand or agree with others around you, it is still important to treat others with respect and kindness.
Everyone is entitled to simple human rights and this month of December is our nation’s time to bring awareness to all of these rights and freedoms.
If you or anyone you know is struggling with domestic violence please contact The Safe Place at 501-354-1884. You can also contact The Crisis Line at 1-888-554-2501. The Safe Place also has a location in Perryville at 501-889-2030. We are here to help.
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