Beyond the Golden Rule is a free, powerful guide created to help parents talk to their children about prejudice, racism, discrimination, and respect for diversity. Published by Teaching Tolerance, this resource supports families in building understanding across race, religion, gender, disability, and identity.
Using real-life examples, expert advice, and age-based strategies, the guide walks parents through how to recognise bias, challenge stereotypes, and raise children who value fairness, inclusion, and kindness.
What Is Inside This Parent’s Guide to Preventing and Responding to Prejudice?
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Age-specific sections – Covers practical guidance for parents of preschoolers (ages 2–5), primary school children (6–12), and teenagers (13–17).
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Real stories from families – Honest examples of how parents responded to everyday situations involving racism, name-calling, exclusion, or bias.
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Tips for different stages – Simple advice to help children understand and respect differences, build empathy, and speak up when something is unfair.
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Expert interviews – Clear guidance from psychologists, educators, and diversity specialists to support parents in difficult conversations.
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Activities for self-reflection – Encourages parents to explore their own beliefs and how these may affect the messages they pass on to their kids.
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Inclusive and relatable language – Discusses race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, disability, and culture in a way that is respectful and accessible.
How Can the Resource Be Used Practically?
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At home with children – Parents can use it to start important conversations, answer tough questions, and respond thoughtfully to things their child sees or hears.
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By foster carers, educators, and social workers – A valuable tool to help children who have experienced or witnessed bias talk about their feelings in a safe way.
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As part of equality and inclusion work – Supports professionals and families committed to anti-racism, disability awareness, and LGBTQ+ inclusion.
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During key moments – Useful when a child says something hurtful, hears a stereotype, or experiences unfair treatment.
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For personal growth – Helps adults reflect on their own attitudes and learn how to better model acceptance and fairness in everyday life.
This guide on talking to children about prejudice is ideal for parents, foster carers, and professionals working with children of all ages. It provides real tools and language to support inclusive conversations and raise children who understand fairness, embrace difference, and know how to stand up for what is right.
