My Classmates Don't Look Like Me!

SNOHOMISH, WA--(Marketwire - December 31, 2008) - The age of the iPod, text messages and Internet chat rooms has cultivated a generation of gadget-hungry kids, homogenizing them. Children just want to fit in with their classmates, and technology permits them anonymity to disguise their individuality. So how can you teach your children to value diversity?

Diversity isn't about political correctness -- it's about fighting hate. The Southern Poverty Law Center reports 190,000 hate crimes annually in the U.S. The punchline? Kids who don't learn about diversity many times grow up harboring prejudices that turn to hate.

Linda Meyer, author of the new children's book, The Kid in My Closet (Book Publishers Network; January 2009 -- www.cottagelanebooks.com), puts a new spin on the old 'there's a monster in my closet' tale. In her book, the young monster is terrified by an 'ugly' little human boy who pops out of his closet. Meyer, also the founder of a shelter for abused and homeless youth, says she wanted to write a story that's meaningful and entertaining, without being preachy.

Meyer offers more fun tips to teach children about diversity:

--  If your neighbors are from a different culture or race, cook a meal
    together. Extend invitations to share each others' holiday celebrations.
    This will show there is more that unites us than divides us.
    
--  When planning family vacations, seek opportunities to experience other
    cultures. For example, find out if there is a Native American reservation
    near your destination and arrange to visit during celebrations or
    festivals.
    
--  Enroll your children into dance classes that teach traditional dance
    from another culture such as Salsa, African, or Irish dance. If they don't
    like dancing, try a foreign language class.
    

"Showing your children that there's more to life than their video games or music downloads helps them acquire a deeper sense of empathy and understanding," says Meyer. "If you allow your children to gravitate toward hatred of other cultures, you will sow conflict. If you teach respect, you will sow peace."

About Linda Meyer

Linda Meyer has been writing and editing books since 1980. In the 1990s, she founded a shelter for abused and homeless youth. Meyer is hopeful that her latest book will encourage children to embrace those from other ethnicities and cultures. www.cottagelanebooks.com

Contact Information: Contact: Rachel Friedman (727) 443-7115 ext. 206 Rachel@newsandexperts.com