Embracing the world: Introducing cultural diversity to your kids
Many families feel that teaching children about different cultures and traditions is more important now than ever before. Cities, communities, schools, and neighborhoods are becoming more and more diverse, which creates lots of opportunities to embark with your children on a journey to explore the kaleidoscope of cultures that make our world so wonderful.
It’s common for caregivers to wonder how and when to approach cultural differences with their kiddos. Children can be very observant and are quite good at spotting differences at a young age. The key is to recognize that embracing these differences can enrich their worldview and contribute to their personal growth.
In this blog, you will find a list of ideas and fun ways to teach kids about cultures and celebrating diversity.
IN THIS ARTICLE:
Why cultural diversity matters for kids
Festivals and celebrations for young minds
Culinary adventures for little chefs
Arts and crafts across cultures for kids
Creating a cultural home for your children
Cultural diversity for kids FAQ
Why cultural diversity matters for kids
Embracing diversity at home is important because it gives children the social skills necessary to thrive in a community environment [1]. Learning about other people’s differences helps children build tolerance, respect, and empathy.
Discussing differences as a family is also a great way to help children understand that it is OK to be different and that it is appropriate to talk about what makes us different. Acknowledging differences and promoting an environment of inclusiveness also helps children build self-esteem.
Festivals and celebrations for young minds
Every culture has its unique celebrations, and with so many cultures around the world, there are ongoing celebrations year-round.
Make plans with your family to participate in parades or festivals in your community that celebrate important holidays from around the world, like Diwali, Dia de los Muertos, or the Lunar New Year. Highlight the fun aspects, colorful traditions, and exciting celebrations that make each festival unique.
Culinary adventures for little chefs
Food is one of the most fun and tasty ways to learn about a new culture. Choose a day of the week when the menu is designed to not only introduce your family to a new cuisine but also to learn about where the dish comes from, the culture, and the traditions around it.
Arts and crafts across cultures for kids
Learning through play and art is a great way to teach children about different cultural traditions. A quick online search can give you ideas on fun and easy crafts you can make at home with your kids to encourage them to learn about different cultures. If you have museums or cultural centers near your area, these usually host special events and activities for kids geared around seasonal traditions.
Language discovery for kids
Exposing children to different languages at an early age has proven to give them many advantages [2], especially when it comes to cognitive development. Find bilingual books in your local library or bookstore or use your designated screen time to expose your child to a different language by selecting the main audio in a language other than your family’s primary language! Exposing your child to a second language at home is not only good for them, but good for you as well. Exposure to a different language helps broaden your perspective of the world plus you can pick up on basic words and phrases to help you communicate with others. An additional benefit is that learning a new language can help improve exposure to learning others [3].
You could also teach basic words or phrases in a way that feels like an exciting game. Some examples include:
Language scavenger hunt: Create a list of words in different languages and have your kids find them around the house.
Language memory game: Create a memory game using words in different languages with flashcards.
Global adventures in stories
Books and storytelling can be a great part of your bedtime routine, and it's the perfect opportunity to share multicultural stories and folktales with your kids. Diverse literature helps children understand others better [4]. Many folktales have important teachings about values, so let them embark on imaginary journeys that teach valuable lessons about diversity and understanding.
Creating a cultural home for your children
As your children grow, involve them in the planning of family theme nights, where you can dive into different cuisines, visit restaurants, or listen to music from various cultures. If they have classmates or friends who belong to different cultures, inviting their families over for playdates or dinner is also a great way to embrace diversity and create a cultural home.
Takeaway
Our children are growing up in a “super-diverse world” and it is our responsibility to show them how fun and exciting learning about different cultures can be. Just like any other skill, children learn best through play and example, so remember to always use games, crafts, books, and activities to instill the love of diversity and to foster curiosity and appreciation for the rich tapestry of our global community.
Cultural diversity for kids FAQ
Q: Why is it important to introduce cultural diversity to my children?
A:
Introducing cultural diversity to your children is important because it provides them with the social skills necessary to be part of a diverse and inclusive community. When children learn about diversity from their caregivers, they can practice respect and empathy at a young age.
Q: How can I make learning about other cultures fun for my kids?
A:
Children learn through play and social interactions! Remember that the key to making learning about other cultures fun is to keep it interactive, hands-on, and enjoyable for your children. Tailor your approach to their interests and age, and be open to their questions and discussions about what they learn.
Q: At what age can I start teaching my kids about cultural diversity?
A:
Children notice cultural and racial differences at a young age [5]. During the preschool age, children are the most receptive to these conversations, so this is a great age to start introducing them to different cuisines and friends from different cultural backgrounds and to use storytelling and play to teach them about diversity.
Q: How can I address potential challenges or questions my child may have about cultural differences?
A:
Honesty and age-appropriate communication is always the best way to approach hard questions. If you are unsure about an answer, be honest with your child and research the answer together by going to the local library, searching online, or asking a person from that culture directly.
Q: Can introducing cultural diversity help my child become more open-minded and accepting of others?
A:
Yes! Having open conversations with your children about differences in the way we look, the way we dress, or even the language we speak can help them be more tolerant and accepting of others and themselves.
Q: How can I ensure that my child's understanding of cultural diversity goes beyond surface-level knowledge?
A:
Leading by example! Children whose parents are culturally sensitive, respectful, and aware of other people’s differences are the best way to ensure that a child is genuinely interested in embracing cultural diversity in meaningful ways.
Note: The content on this site is for informational purposes only and should not replace medical advice from your doctor, pediatrician, or medical professional. If you have questions or concerns, you should contact a medical professional.
5 Sources
Son Holoien, D. (2013). DO DIFFERENCES MAKE A DIFFERENCE? The Effects of Diversity on Learning, Intergroup Outcomes, and Civic Engagement . https://inclusive.princeton.edu/sites/g/files/toruqf1831/files/pu-report-diversity-outcomes.pdf
Byers-Heinlein, K., & Lew-Williams, C. (2013). Bilingualism in the Early Years: What the Science Says. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6168212/
Bice, K., & Kroll, J. F. (2019). English only? Monolinguals in linguistically diverse contexts have an edge in language learning. Brain and Language. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0093934X18303274
Dietrich, D. & Raph, K. (1995). Crossing borders: Multicultural literature in the classroom. https://fliphtml5.com/jygr/lnmm/basic
Lingras, K. (2021). Talking With Children About Race and Racism. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s42843-021-00027-4
