In our daily interactions, we create an atmosphere of inclusion, not by the breadth of our knowledge, but by how we deal with the many inevitable gaps in our knowledge.
When we make a mistake or don’t know something, when we say something then realize or learn we should not have done so, we can acknowledge it. This communicates that we are open to learning and open to what parents and caregivers may bring us.
Saying it
- At the elementary level: “I just learned from your son that he has two moms. I know that last month, your son brought home a Fathers’ Day card he made in class. I wanted to let you know that I’m sorry that happened. I was wondering if we could talk about ways I can make sure your family feels included in our classroom activities in the future.”
- At the secondary level: “As we’ve been speaking I’ve been referring to ‘You and your wife’. You just mentioned that your spouse is a man. I’m sorry I’ve been making such a big assumption.”
