Humility: Recognizing that there is always more for us to learn about ourselves, other people, and life.

How Humility relates to Gender Equity.

Humility keeps us open to learning about other people’s experiences, ideas and wishes—as well as how our behavior impacts them. By staying humble, we remain introspective, can look more honestly at our unearned privilege, and are more able to change. The assumptions, fear and hubris that feed sexism are weakened.

Examples of what Humility looks like in an adult.

• Someone who provides space for others to talk in a conversation, and then listens attentively.
• An adult who actively uses their privilege and power to make the world better for everyone, not just the group they are affiliated with.
• Someone who can communicate their needs without tearing others down.
• An adult who values collaboration more than competition.
• Someone who strives to improve, and considers others’ ideas and feedback.
• An adult who seeks out viewpoints from others, particularly from those who will be impacted by a decision.
• Someone who can accept when they are wrong or have made a mistake, and learn from it.
• An adult who can tolerate when their mistake is pointed out by someone else.
• Someone who can be understanding when others admit to making mistakes or being wrong.

Examples of how we can teach Humility to our child.

• Role model all of the above.
• Share when we’ve appreciated hearing someone else’s perspective and what we’ve learned from it.
• Talk about our mistakes. Include how we know mistakes are a natural part of being a person, what we learned from them, how we will make amends (as needed in relationships) and what we will do next time.
• Listen attentively and respectfully to our child’s viewpoints even when they are different from our own. When appropriate, expect our child to listen to our perspectives as well.
• Read about different people’s life experience so kids learn that people are born into different circumstances, cultural norms and privileges.
• When we express an opinion, make it clear that it is our opinion and not the only right opinion possible. When we believe strongly in our opinion, explain our reasons and still give room for others to express their opinions.
• Ask questions that encourage empathy. How would it feel to be that person? What kind of help would you want if you were in that situation?

*I am using “they/their/theirs/them/themselves” as singular pronouns.

Back to Guiding Principles for
Developing Whole Children

Self Awareness | Reciprocity | Full Personhood | Equality | Physical Ownership | Verbal Conflict Resolution | Emotional Wellness | Advocacy | Humility | Authenticity | Contribution | Resiliency | Joy | Gratitude | Community | Critical Thinking