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hildren often hold tightly to their first conclusions—it’s natural. But when you model curiosity about other perspectives, they learn that disagreement can be a path to understanding. A family conversation can become a workshop for empathy, where differing views are not threats, but doorways into deeper thought.

One evening, my son came home frustrated after clashing with a friend. Instead of jumping to solve it, I asked, “What do you think he was trying to say?” He hesitated, then offered a guess—and softened in the process. That small shift in framing helped him see disagreement not as opposition, but as an invitation to consider. He now brings that habit to group projects, where reflection matters as much as quick thinking.

Help your child explore this kind of openness by wondering aloud with them. When a strong opinion appears in a story or conversation, pause and ask what another person might believe or feel. These moments train their mind to expand before reacting—to ask, listen, and weigh. With practice, they’ll learn that openness doesn’t weaken conviction; it deepens it.

TIPS

• Model listening to others’ views without judgment.
• Ask “What’s another way to see this?” to spark empathy.
• Praise their efforts to understand others.

ACTIVITIES

• Friend Talk: After school, ask, “What idea did a friend share?” Discuss for 10 minutes to encourage empathy.
• Other Talk: At dinner, ask, “What is a different perspective on this?” Discuss for 15 minutes to foster openness.