We teach boys this behaviour towards girls is what boys We teach girls ‘just do’. to accept it, and probably did it because he tell them ‘it’s ok, he likes you’. Over time, boys and girls start to believe that disrespect is a normal part of growing up. Together we can help stop the cycle of violence against women As parents, family members, teachers, coaches, employers, Elders and role models, we can have a positive influence on our kids and ok show them what’s and not, right from the start. what’s We can be more aware of the excuses we make, and how these excuses influence our kids. We can start talking about respect with our kids. We can it at the and help prevent violence against women and girls. ‘stop start’ How to use UNDERSTANDING OUR EXCUSES How we talk to our kids the words we use, influences what our think is ok – kids’ and what is not. But our words can have hidden meanings. The things we say in front of our kids can be taken in the wrong way. Without meaning to, we can say things or use words that excuse disrespectful behaviour towards women. You can use Understanding our Excuses to avoid words and phrases that might be taken the wrong way by our kids and, without us knowing it, give them the wrong message about respect. Playing down disrespect toward girls This is when we try to lessen the seriousness of disrespect and aggression. Have you ever thought or said What young people might think … on you because he Girl get upset when he “He picks I shouldn’t likes insults me. you” Boy to do it if you like them. It’s okay it seriously, he Girl making a fuss about nothing. “Don’t take didn’t I’m mean it like that” Boy She overreacted. a bit of Girl it so seriously. “It’s only fun” I shouldn’t take Boy I can get away with this. just a Girl I get upset about this. “It’s joke” shouldn’t
We teach boys this behaviour towards girls is ‘just what boys do’. We teach girls to accept it, and tell them ‘it’s ok, he probably did it because he likes you’. Over time, boys and girls start to believe that disrespect is a normal part of growing up. Together we can help stop the cycle of violence against women As parents, family members, teachers, coaches, employers, Elders and role models, we can have a positive influence on our kids and show them what’s ok and what’s not, right from the start. We can be more aware of the excuses we make, and how these excuses influence our kids. We can start talking about respect with our kids. We can ‘stop it at the start’ and help prevent violence against women and girls. How to use UNDERSTANDING OUR EXCUSES How we talk to our kids – the words we use, influences what our kids’ think is ok and what is not. But our words can have hidden meanings. The things we say in front of our kids can be taken in the wrong way. Without meaning to, we can say things or use words that excuse disrespectful behaviour towards women. You can use Understanding our Excuses to avoid words and phrases that might be taken the wrong way by our kids and, without us knowing it, give them the wrong message about respect. Playing down disrespect toward girls This is when we try to lessen the seriousness of disrespect and aggression. Have you ever thought or said … What young people might think “He picks on you because he likes you” Girl I shouldn’t get upset when he insults me. Boy It’s okay to do it if you like them. “Don’t take it seriously, he didn’t mean it like that” Girl I’m making a fuss about nothing. Boy She overreacted. “It’s only a bit of fun” Girl I shouldn’t take it so seriously. Boy I can get away with this. “It’s just a joke” Girl I shouldn’t get upset about this.
excuse_interpreter.docx