Davis said well-rounded individuals accept blame and responsibility when appropriate. We need to admit it if we do something wrong, and do what we can to change it, but at the same time we need to make sure we don't constantly take blame for the actions of others. Children who learn a high tolerance survive the school years better. Families do their children a great service when they show commitment to and affection for each other. Modeling these habits is very important in the home, but Davis said teachers can also create a classroom environment where everyone is accepted.
Open communication is another key to developing children who accept themselves and each other.
Children must know they can go to their parents and talk to them about whatever is on their mind. Families that talk together and are committed to each other exhibit a tight family cohesion, which is very healthy for children, Davis said. Children in such families learn flexible family roles and support each other and help out whenever there is a need. Children tend to act on what they see modeled, so if parents allow these negative things into the home, the child will be more likely to exhibit these behaviors later. Even when parents do what they can to prepare their children, problems will surface.