Ep 69: 100th Day of School: Are We Teaching Kids to Celebrate Weakness or Embrace Respect for Older Generations?

On today’s episode, we’re diving into the tradition of celebrating the 100th Day of School with a controversial activity: dressing up as "old people." While meant to be fun, could this practice unintentionally teach kids to mock rather than respect older generations? We explore how this tradition may be insensitive to families and staff who have elderly relatives facing aging-related challenges. Dressing up as exaggerated versions of older adults can inadvertently promote negative stereotypes and bias, reinforcing the idea that aging equals weakness. Tune in as we discuss why it’s time to rethink how we celebrate this milestone, and find ways to honor the elderly with dignity and respect instead of caricaturing them. Let’s make sure we’re teaching kids to embrace aging as something to celebrate, not mock.

Key Topics:

1. Why the 100th Day of School may be hurtful to families with older adults or those with disabilities.
2. How these dress-up traditions could inadvertently teach kids to mock instead of celebrate longevity.
3. Addressing age-based biases and fostering positive perceptions of aging in kids.

Join us for this thought-provoking conversation that challenges the status quo and advocates for a more respectful approach to honoring the older generation.