Inclusivity is at the forefront of so many discussions these days. As it turns out, it’s not just us grown-ups who have to enlighten ourselves and adjust. Our children, too, need to learn about and cherish diversity. Of course, their understanding of such a concept often comes down to us, their parents, who have to teach them about it.
We’re lucky to live in a country where we live alongside people of all different backgrounds, which makes the beauty of diversity easy to explain to our kids. We just have to choose a method for doing so — here are five ideas.
1. Foster Their Friendships
Your child can learn about diversity first-hand through a friend who comes from a different background. Even interacting with a child of the opposite sex will be a benefit to your child. So when your little one tells you about a classmate or neighbor they want to play with, ensure that the playdate happens by planning it properly. Then, step back and let them play as they wish — they’re bonding and learning about one another organically.
You can set an example in this department too. If your child sees you hanging out with friends from different backgrounds, they’ll do the same. Be sure to introduce all of your pals to your kids, and they’ll be more open to making friends with everyone.
2. Encourage Kindness
Let’s face it: Kids can be mean to each other sometimes. In trying to fit in, some kids succumb to the pressure of leaving others out. With the right encouragement, you can help your child break out of this cycle. We must all try and do so.
The playground provides children the chance to socialize, which facilitates their development at every stage. For instance, children with autism may prefer to watch as other kids play, while others will jump right in and join the party. Either way, the playground meets them where they are — our little ones can do the same.
Any time you notice that your little one has made an inclusive choice, be sure to praise them for their actions. First of all, tell them how proud you are to have seen them be so kind. Next, mention how happy the other child felt to be a part of the group. Understanding another person’s feelings helps to build empathy in your child, one of the best traits to have — especially when it comes to learning about diversity.
3. Purchase Diverse Toys
How many of your child’s toys look exactly like them? It’s fun to buy dolls and action figures that resemble our kids, but our children can learn so much when they’re playing with toys that look different from them. Imagine your son or daughter cuddling up to a doll with a different skin color and hair shade than they have. In doing so, they’ll realize that they can and should embrace those who look different from them. Everyone is worthy of our love, regardless of what they look like — a toy can teach that lesson to a child.
You might want to also bulk up your home library with children’s books that celebrate diversity. There are countless titles, and they cover everything from religion to family styles to immigration. Each story sheds light on a lesson your kids should learn.
4. Travel
With little ones, you might not want to travel the world. But as your kids grow up, they should see as much of the world as you can manage. Even if it means trekking to a different neighborhood in your city for a cultural festival, for example, you should go. Immersing children in a different culture allows them to see it and understand it firsthand. They’ll try new foods, see new customs and realize that not everyone on earth looks, thinks and acts like them. The sooner they learn this lesson, the better.
Most big cities will have celebrations for important cultural events — for example, the Chinese New Year. Watching the parade and seeing the costumes will give your child a better understanding of another culture, which is what diversity and inclusion are all about.
5. Be an Example
None of this will work unless you stand as an example of the person you want your children to become. We touched on this earlier when we noted the importance of having diverse friends yourself. If you model tolerant and inclusive behaviors, your child will act the same way. On the other hand, expressing intolerant opinions on a particular religion or race, for instance, will imbue similar beliefs in your brood.
Chances are, if you’re reading this, you don’t have such negative thoughts to express. You realize that diversity is something we should cherish, and you want to pass that on to your children. And you can do just that with the above five tips. Spread the tenants of inclusivity to your children, and their openness and empathy will change the world.
Jennifer Landis is the woman behind Mindfulness Mama, where you will find a combination of articles on all of the things I know and enjoy like healthy food, yoga, exercise, and parenting. Follow her on Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook, and About.Me.