Teaching Children about Diversity
The best way to teach your child about cultural diversity is to let them see you’re accepting and tolerant. Children act the way they do because of what they see their parents do. If you’re open to other people, and make an effort to learn more about different cultures, your child will want to do the same.
Parents can teach tolerance in other ways, too. Talking together about tolerance and respect helps kids learn more about the values you want them to have. Giving them opportunities to play and work with others is important as well. This lets children learn firsthand that everyone has something to contribute and it’s fun to experience differences and similarities.
Things parents can do to help kids learn tolerance include:
- Remember that children are always listening. Be aware of the way you talk about others and don’t make jokes that perpetuate stereotypes. Although some of these might seem like harmless fun, they can undo your efforts to raise culturally sensitive and respectful children.
- Select books, toys, music, art, and videos carefully. Keep in mind the powerful effect the media and pop culture have on shaping attitudes.
- Point out and talk about unfair stereotypes that may be portrayed in media.
- Answer questions about differences honestly and respectfully. This teaches children that it’s okay to notice and discuss differences as long as it’s done with respect.
- Remember that tolerance doesn’t mean tolerating unacceptable behaviour. It means that everyone deserves to be treated with respect — and we should treat others with respect as well.
- Help your children feel good about themselves. Kids who feel badly about themselves often treat others badly. Kids with good self-esteem value and respect themselves and are more likely to treat others with respect too.
- Give kids opportunities to work and play with others who are different from them. When choosing a school, day camp, or child-care facility for your child, find one with a diverse population.
- Learn together about different holiday and religious celebrations.
Again, the most powerful tool you have is your own behaviour. Children model their parent’s actions and attitudes, so be the person you want your children to be.
