Rebecca Wilson Macsovits, the granddaughter of Kemmons Wilson, the midcentury entrepreneur who founded the quintessential hotel brand, Holiday Inn. Just like Rebecca’s grandfather changed the way American families road trip, so does Rebecca, in her own way, want to continue promoting change in American families by teaching young children and parents the act of acceptance and kindness, no matter our differences. She’s doing this through a children’s book she authored that has now morphed into a school curriculum.
When Rebecca learned that her first born child, Guion, had Down Syndrome, she set out to help the world understand that our differences should be celebrated, and we should be kind and encouraging to each other. She authored a children’s book called Guion The Lion, inspired by and lovingly named after her son. Through the colorful adventures of this imaginative little lion, the book creates an opportunity to have the conversation with children and remind parents that how you choose to see the world can shift your perspective, teaching us that our differences can bring us together. How apropos right now with the spiciest election around the corner! Serendipitously, Jeremy Renner was so moved by Guion after a fateful meeting that he lent his voice for the audio book version.
After the book gained popularity and Rebecca saw the impact that it was having on both children and parents, she created Curious B.E.I.N.G.s, a curriculum that is being launched in schools and organizations across the country. At the heart of Curious B.E.I.N.G.s continues the profound message, shared with the book. B.E.I.N.G.s stands for Be kind. Encourage compassion. Inspire creativity. Nurture courage. Grow your mind. The program is designed to equip educators with the tools and resources needed to cultivate empathy and understanding in young minds, empowering them to embrace differences and celebrate the beauty of diversity.
I had a chance to learn more in this interview.
Can you share a little bit about why you wrote this book?
The birth of my son, Guion, who has Down syndrome, profoundly transformed my outlook on life. Initially, learning of his diagnosis was daunting and a bit scary, as it was a condition unfamiliar to me. However, his presence in our lives has been an incredible journey of learning about expectations, potential, and the biases we might unknowingly harbor.
This experience led me to write "Guion The Lion," a children’s book initially aimed at sharing the beautiful diversity and potential in every individual. As the impact of the book grew, we evolved our efforts into Curious B.E.I.N.G.s, an educational resource platform dedicated to teaching empathy and inclusion. "Guion The Lion" now serves as the cornerstone of our lesson plans and educational materials, reflecting our commitment to an inclusive learning environment.
Our family’s principle that "opportunity must precede ability" has been a guiding light in both raising Guion and developing Curious B.E.I.N.G.s. Our platform aims to ensure that every individual, regardless of their abilities, is recognized and valued, offering them every opportunity to excel. By integrating "Guion The Lion" into a broader educational context, we strive to teach children the importance of seeing and appreciating everyone's rightful place in the world. We firmly believe that fostering this understanding and empathy from a young age is crucial, as it encourages a future where everyone is seen, valued, and given the chance to thrive. This is what we hope to impart to others: a commitment to ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their abilities, are seen and given the chance to shine.
How can books encourage kids (and their families) to celebrate differences?
Books, particularly picture books, are a wonderful resource for engaging young minds and encouraging families to celebrate differences. They offer a direct, impactful way to reach children at a crucial stage in their development when they are most receptive and still forming their opinions about the world. The aim is to impress upon them the importance of remaining open-minded and listening to others' perspectives.
By integrating engaging narratives and beautiful illustrations, these books capture the imagination of children, drawing them into adventures that subtly teach valuable lessons about diversity and acceptance. For instance, in our own book, Guion The Lion, our character's unique experiences and viewpoints help children see the world through different lenses, encouraging empathy and understanding.
Also, the shared experience of reading these stories provides a dual benefit. Not only do children learn from the tales, but parents also engage with the content, often learning or reinforcing these lessons alongside their children. This shared learning experience fosters an environment where discussions about diversity and acceptance can happen naturally at home.
The feedback we’ve received has been incredibly positive, indicating that both children and adults can relate to the diverse characters and the messages they convey. This interaction confirms that picture books are not just tools for entertainment but powerful mediums for education and social development, helping us extend the reach and impact of our message as Curious B.E.I.N.G.s.
Why is empathy such a necessary skill for kids to develop?
Empathy is a crucial skill for children to develop because it lays the foundation for kindness, generosity, and understanding in their interactions with others. It’s a skill we can actively nurture in our kids, helping them become more attuned to the feelings and perspectives of others around them. When children learn to empathize, they're not just observing emotions; they're engaging with the world in a more connected and meaningful way.
Take, for example, Rae from our book series. If Rae hadn’t made the effort to understand and embrace Guion’s perspective, she would have missed out on seeing the world as something truly magical. It was only by seeing through Guion’s eyes that she could experience wonders like the T-rex or the carnival. These experiences aren’t just about imagination; they’re about understanding that viewing the world from someone else's viewpoint can transform our own reality, making it richer and more vibrant.
This ability to empathize and see the world through another’s eyes is not just a magical skill in stories—it’s a powerful tool in real life. It teaches kids to be less egocentric and more aware of the diversity of human experiences and emotions. Developing empathy helps them navigate social situations more effectively and fosters an environment where compassion and understanding are paramount.
How can families encourage empathy and compassion in their kids, especially around people that may look, think, or act differently than they do?
In teaching our kids empathy and compassion, it’s crucial to celebrate diversity and recognize that those who may seem different offer us valuable perspectives. Encouraging curiosity in our young explorers helps them appreciate the unique ways people think and act, presenting opportunities for growth and a broader understanding of the world.
Kindness is key. It's important to remind our kids that everyone deserves kindness and respect, no matter their differences. Even something as simple as a smile can make a significant difference in someone’s day, spreading joy and positivity.
When we talk about using inclusive language, it's about seeing the person first, not just the label. For example, saying “a person with Down syndrome” instead of “a Down syndrome person” emphasizes that the label is just that—a label. It doesn’t describe the person’s qualities, abilities, or interests. This person-first language encourages us to focus on who the individual is, rather than defining them by their condition.
Finding common ground shows children that, despite our differences, we all share interests, hobbies, and emotions. This helps them build new friendships and feel connected to others. Viewing the world from someone else’s perspective isn’t just a valuable skill—it shifts our focus and enriches our understanding, allowing us to be more aware of others and learn from them. Let’s make learning about and from each other's differences an exciting adventure for our young learners!
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