Lead by example. Familiarize children with a tolerant attitude by modeling appropriate behavior in social situations. If the child lives with you, make the household an environment of diversity. Invite kids to be part of social gatherings, where they will witness a courteous exchange of ideas between you and your friends.
Listen to a child's own ideas with enthusiasm. A child who feels that others don't listen to and respect his ideas will have no motivation to accept the ideas of others. Pay special attention to a child's input, and treat him as an intellectual equal. When kids understand how empowering it is to be heard, they will emulate this positive behavior in social situations.
Use entertainment as a teaching tool. Many toys, books and movies highlight the importance of cooperation and acceptance. Roger Hargreaves' "Little Miss" and "Mr. Men" book series present the dangers of irresponsible and inconsiderate attitudes. In particular, "Little Miss Star" and "Little Miss Stubborn" demonstrate the downsides of not listening to or considering others. In Disney movies like "The Land Before Time" and "Beauty and the Beast," characters learn about accepting those of different backgrounds and appearances.
Introduce new ideas frequently with an attitude of intellectual curiosity. Children who are aware that diverse and even conflicting ideas exist in the world will be more accepting of differing beliefs. Teach kids about different religious traditions, help them interpret ideologies within a news story, and ask them to consider the other side of an argument.
Encourage empathy in difficult situations. Every child will be exposed to conflict in the form of a stressful group project, a school bully or a falling-out with a best friend. If a child comes to you with a problem, press them to identify the motivations behind others' behavior. Regardless of who appears to be "in the right," ask thoughtful questions: "What might your friend have been thinking when he said that?" or, "How do you think she felt in that situation?" Knowing how to interpret differences of opinion will help kids get to the bottom of a conflict.