The biggest thing to demonstrate and teach your children is how to respect other opinions even when you disagree. Respect does not mean you have to agree with someone. It means treating each other well, with dignity and kindness.

It can be hard to show respect when anger, frustration, or other strong emotions take hold. Practicing mindfulness boosts our mental health. It can also help us through tough conversations. Parents and teachers can pass along these strategies: 

• Pause when needed. If you notice you are frustrated, take a deep breath and give yourself space to calm down. Help your child or student do the same.

• Try a mantra. Repeating a word or phrase is proven to quiet the mind. Examples: “Peace,” “This will pass,” “Stay neutral,” “I can handle feeling uncomfortable,” “I am in control of how I feel.”

• Engage your senses. To be fully aware in the moment, notice what your senses bring in. What do you see, smell, hear, feel, or even taste? List them in your head.

• Don’t match others’ emotions. Avoid absorbing negativity from others by imagining yourself surrounded by a clear bubble that shields you from their reactions. 

• Accept your own emotions. Acknowledge your feelings and accept them. Emotions are not permanent, thoughts are not always true or helpful, and they don’t control our response. Find relief from these emotions by accepting them, not ignoring them, or reacting from them.

• Have compassion toward others. This means paying attention to their well-being. Are they smiling or excited? Are they upset or hurt? Aim not to hurt others but understand them.