Collaborative post
With the events that have been taking place in the US recently with public displays of racism, it is more important than ever to make sure our children are aware of the diverse world we live in. By teaching children from a young age that we are all equal and should be treated as such despite race, religion, age, gender or social status we can work together for them to live in a more accepting world.
When children go to school they’ll more than likely mix with a range of children from different cultural backgrounds. With that in mind, it is important that we as parents teach them to respect diversity. For us to be able to achieve this we need to help them understand different cultures and their traditions. Part of the work is done for us with schools looking at various cultures in class. But, such education also needs to come from home too.
I’ve collaborated with a senior school in Hertfordshire to bring you tips to assist parents in teaching children to teach them how to respect other cultures.
Teach Children about Diversity
A great place to start is with a world map. Show your child that people live in each of the different countries and they may speak another language, have a different skin colour, eat different types of foods, wear different types of clothes and have varying religious beliefs. Explain that, sometimes people move around the world and begin life in another country, bringing their views and traditions along with them; just as English people sometimes move to other countries too. You may even have relatives that have moved from one country to another that you can tell them about.
It’s likely that your child will have some questions and you should try and answer these to the best of your knowledge. If you don’t know the answer, the two of you can do some research together to find out. The aim of this activity is to show your child that the world is much bigger than the bubble they are used to, and within the world there are billions of people who are all unique in their own ways. Despite our differences, none of these other people are less important than we are.
Traditions and Celebrations
The next step is to start to teach them about different traditions and celebrations. Perhaps you could invest in a calendar and jot down all of the religious festivals you can think of, including Diwali, Hanukkah, Eid, Christmas, etc. Then, your family could celebrate some of these at home. Do some research first to find out what traditionally happens on each of the days, including the types of food that is eaten, what clothes are worn and what music is listened to. Not only is this highly educational and eye opening, it is also lots of fun.
Try Different Foods
One way to discover and learn about different cultures is to sample their foods. Why not let your child help you prepare a meal from a different country. You’ll find plenty of recipes online to choose from. Another great even easier way to do this is to get a takeaway from a restaurant that serves foreign foods. It’s a great way to discover new dishes from different cuisines.
Teaching a Foreign Language
A great way to teach children about different cultures is to teach them a different language. Even covering the basics can be a useful teaching tool and where possible following this up by visiting the country. There are so many online videos that can teach you useful words and phrases that’ll help you get by. You’ll also find websites that have free games in various languages to add more fun to learning.
Reading
There are lots of books your child can read, both fiction and non-fiction, that will help expand their cultural awareness. Activity books can be a fun way for children to explore other countries. Young children love most things that are interactive. Try to use books that have puzzles, quizzes, sections to colour or alternatively create your own appropriate activities.
Most Importantly
It falls to us as parents to be a good role model for our child by always being respectful about and towards people with different cultural backgrounds. Children will often emulate parents so it is in our hands to help create a more caring and accepting world for them and their peers.
What ways would you suggest can work well to help teach children to be more accepting and respectful of other cultures?
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I love this post. So very important to teach children about different cultures, diversity etc.
Thanks Georgina. It is important for them especially with the mix of children they will encounter in schools.
These are excellent tips and a great way to expand all minds, especially children, getting them familiar with customs and food is such an easy but great way too, excellent post.
Thanks Liam. I’m glad you enjoyed the post.
This is so important that our children understand respect, luckily mine have always been around other cultures and seen us friends so have never seen racism through us.
It is important but unfortunately, not all parents will do this. Good to hear you haven’t had problems x
Some great tips here. My Aunt is from Ghana and my kids love questioning her about the country she was born in and their traditions
That’s good to hear that they enjoy finding out about other cultures.
This is something we must teach our kids early on in life. Embrace each others’ uniqueness. Love yourself and be confident in your own skin. Spread kindness! Children do not deserve to grow up in a world full of chaos.
That’s great to hear. If only all parents did this. The world would be a better place.
I think just immersing them in different cultures is such a great way to teach them about the differences in people. What you said about teaching kids is so important as it’s not just we may look different and speak another language but it’s religion, beliefs, clothes etc x
It can help to look at the differences but also similarities.
So important for children to learn about all cultures, understanding their beliefs and morals
I totally agree and from a young age.
With everthing thats going on in the world this is top priority – some ignorance and blame !
It’s not news that respect to all people should be regardless of all differences: racial or cultural. This is the first thing that parents have to teach their kids. Also, kids should be taught to respect themselves. Without being confident of their own features kids will not be able to see the good in other people and respect them. Talks about respect should not be boring.