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I don’t know about you, but from a very early age, I was told “don’t stare!” at pretty much everyone who crossed my path. That advice came from my older siblings and especially from my parents.

I was told it was impolite and rude, and that if I did it again…well, I tried not to do it again so I wouldn’t pay the price.

But this mom is taking a different approach. She believes that maybe that old advice many of us grew up on is outdated and that we should teach kids about different kinds of people instead of teaching them to ignore everything.

Jenna Gines is a mom of two boys and this is what she had to say…

Please stop teaching your children not to stare! What are we teaching them when we say that? Don’t look at someone that is different then you. Don’t be curious or want to learn about something you’ve never seen before. Stay away from things that are different.

Instead, let them stare. Let them ask questions, talk about it. What is it that they see? What is it that they’re curious about? What is different? What is the same? If it’s someone using a wheelchair, say hi. If it’s someone that looks or acts different, say hi. If it’s someone of short stature, say hi.

Teach your child about differences. It’s okay to be different. It’s okay to notice it & to talk about it. It’s even better to make a new friend. It’s not okay to ignore, look away, or act like a person who is different isn’t there.

Let’s embrace different. Let’s talk about differences & be the change we want to see in this world.

Here’s her original post…

Gines’ post went viral and other Facebook users weighed in with their reactions.

Because people need to ask questions!

Photo Credit: Facebook

And that means in any situation where there’s genuine curiosity…

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Because it has really positive effects…

Photo Credit: Facebook

Others don’t necessarily agree, and give reasons why…

Photo Credit: Facebook

And some more food for thought…

Photo Credit: Facebook

What do YOU think? Should kids be taught from a young age to be allowed to stare or should they avert their eyes and simply ignore the situation?

Tell us in the comments!