When I was little, growing up and going to school in Sint-Niklaas, the world looked quite different from today. Back then, there were only a couple of children in my class from other countries. We spoke the same language, celebrated the same holidays, and grew up with similar traditions. We were all different and unique, but somehow, the same.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text text_direction=”default”]\n
Today, when I walk into my kids\u2019 classroom, or when they talk about their friends, it feels like a whole new world. You hear so many languages, see different skin tones, and learn about traditions from all over. It is beautiful! But it can also be challenging\u2026<\/p>\n
Some children might not yet speak the local language. Some may behave differently, or even act out, not because they are \u201cnaughty,\u201d but because they have gone through things we can hardly even imagine. Some have had to leave their homes and loved ones behind because of war or danger. Others are simply trying to find their place in a new world where every word sounds strange, where even buying a simple loaf of bread feels overwhelming.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][image_with_animation image_url=”51810″ image_size=”full” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text text_direction=”default”]\n
I often think back to the years we lived in South Africa, where I became a mother for the first time. Between my husband\u2019s work, my own job, and later as a new mom adjusting in a completely different country and community, I learned firsthand what it means to feel like an outsider. But I also remember very good the warmth of people who welcomed us, who showed patience while we found our place, and who taught me that kindness and openness can bridge even the biggest cultural gaps. Those years changed us deeply, they made us realize how connection grows strongest when we dare to listen, learn from each other, and care beyond what is familiar.<\/p>\n
Now those moments when our children come home saying, \u201cMama, that boy does not listen,\u201d or \u201cShe does not understand what I said,\u201d are the perfect opportunities to talk about tolerance. To explain that sometimes, what looks like misbehavior is sadness, fear, or even confusion. That kindness is the bridge that helps another child feel safe, because when a child feels safe, they are able to learn.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text text_direction=”default”]\n
And when we talk about language: oh, what a beautiful opportunity that is! Learning to play with someone who does not speak the same words teaches so much about creativity and connection. A smile, a gesture, or a helping hand often says more than a hundred words could. It is a wonderful way for children to learn that communication goes far beyond language.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text text_direction=”default”]\n
At home, we try to talk about what our children see and feel at school. When someone feels left out, we talk about empathy. When they feel frustrated because a classmate \u201cdoes not understand,\u201d we remind them how it might feel to be the one who\u2019s new, lost, or different.<\/p>\n
One day, our kids might be the ones in a foreign country, maybe for work, maybe for love, maybe just for adventure. Who knows? And then they will understand exactly how it feels to be the \u201cdifferent one.\u201d<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][image_with_animation image_url=”58437″ image_size=”full” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text text_direction=”default”]\n
Tolerance is for us not about agreeing with everything or everyone. It is about seeing beyond the surface, about understanding that every person carries a story we might not yet know. So at least it is good to show respect, and compassion.<\/p>\n
And that is something we can start teaching at home to build together a better world and a more conscious, open-minded, more tolerant next generation.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Lots of love,<\/p>\n
Sarah[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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