.4 Supporting Emerging Lifestyles

The third thrust is the support for alternative and emerging lifestyles. This is really controversial. Not all alternative lifestyles are lifestyles that we personally respect or encourage, but, none the less, teachers have to have an appreciation for different lifestyles that they wouldn't pursue themselves. For example, (and I always get in trouble here) one of the emerging lifestyles which I certainly don't support is that of the single parent. Let me say that I concede that there are circumstances that force parents to be single - abusive relationships are one - which I don't deny. But, without questioning the judgment used (judgment that is often excellent) that lead a parent to be single, I still think that a child is better off with two parents than with one. I appreciate and admire the single parent, but don't tell me that their situation is ideal. It isn't. Therefore, as a teacher of members of single parent families, I have to be aware of them and support them, even though I do not approve of their circumstances. You may not share my opinion, but without apology I will give it to you and invite you to challenge it if you so choose.

We have to find ways to support the lifestyles of kids that wouldn't be lifestyles we would choose. Even though I don't encourage the lifestyle, or I don't think it is desirable to be a single parent, I will still do everything possible, personally speaking, to support the single parent.

	What is another aspect of multiculturalism that teachers must respect?	Answer Here
	Mrs. Wilson is a teacher in an inner-city high school where many of her students come from single-parent households in which the parent has to work all of the time to make ends meet. This is the situation for one of her students in particular, James Ricks. His father left the family when he was young, and his mother has seven other children to take care of. Therefore, James has been forced to work for food rather than extra money for himself and his family. How can Mrs. Wilson support James and his family even though she does not personally feel that this is the best arrangement for his family?	Answer Here