Exploring Cultural Diversity: Empowering Children to Embrace Differences and Thrive.

Our cultural backgrounds influence everything we think, say, and do, yet we often remain unaware of its impact.

Culture is not explicitly taught but rather through observation, socialization, and interactions with family, passed down through generations. 

It shapes not only our values and beliefs but also our gender roles, family structures, languages, how we dress, what we eat, social norms, attitudes towards disabilities, and even our expectations for how children should behave. 

In today's interconnected world, where borders seem to blur, and diversity thrives, it becomes increasingly important to equip children with the tools they need to navigate and appreciate different cultures. As parents, educators, and guardians, we hold the key to nurturing a generation of global citizens who embrace cultural diversity. By fostering an environment of inclusion, curiosity, and understanding, we can empower children to celebrate the richness of our global tapestry and build bridges of empathy and respect.

In this round table discussion with Afrikindness Trustees, they delved into the importance of cultural inclusiveness in the lives of children and explored how cultural beliefs influence behaviour, the impact of cultural dissonance on challenging behaviours and the significance of acknowledging and respecting cultural diversity in education.  

Neglecting diversity discussions with Children could foster stereotypes and biases.

Children are naturally curious and observant, and without open conversations about diversity, they may draw their conclusions based on what they see around them, from their parents, peers, or even in the media.

When we don’t talk about differences in race, ethnicity, culture, religion, gender, and other aspects of identity, children may inadvertently develop stereotypes that perpetuate biases and reinforce social inequalities. These biases can become deeply ingrained over time and affect their interactions, beliefs, and decision-making as they grow older. 

“Despite 33.5% of the school population in the UK originating from ethnic minority backgrounds, only 7% of all children’s books published in the UK between 2017-2019 contained characters from such cultures, and only 5% contained Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic main characters.”Quote from The University of Manchester 

However, engaging in ongoing and age-appropriate discussions with children allows for their deeper understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity to develop over time. As children grow older, these discussions can become more nuanced, enabling them to recognize the richness and value inherent in diverse cultures.

It is crucial to acknowledge that conversations about diversity should be continuous, adapting the level of complexity and detail to match the cognitive and emotional development of children. By tailoring our discussions to their age and maturity, we can ensure that children's understanding of cultural diversity continues to evolve and deepen as they grow.

Why is it important to teach our kids about Cultural Diversity

Today many of us live in a world where multiculturalism exists. In our day-to-day lives, we co-exist with people from many different backgrounds and cultures. These societies encompass various races, religions, customs, traditions, perspectives, and values.

Educating children about the significance of cultural diversity offers numerous benefits as detailed below:-

• Cultural Awareness and Respect

Learning about different cultures helps children develop an understanding and appreciation for the diversity of human experiences, traditions, and perspectives.

An everyday-life example of how to talk to children about cultural diversity is by making comparisons between people or things that are equally enjoyable. 

For instance, you can explain to children that Christians celebrate Christmas while Muslims celebrate Eid, and although they have different religious beliefs, both holidays are joyous occasions where families come together to celebrate and show love and kindness. You can highlight that just like Christians decorate Christmas trees and exchange gifts, Muslims decorate their homes and give presents during Eid. 

When we emphasize the shared values and activities between these two religious celebrations, children can understand that different cultures may have different ways of expressing their beliefs, but they often share similar values and traditions.

• Inclusion and Empathy 

Engaging in conversations about diversity encourages children to develop empathy and the ability to relate to and understand others. 

For example, when a child witnesses another child being bullied at school, it can be distressing for those who witness it. This can lead to feelings of unease and hostility, causing them to distance themselves from the victim as a defensive mechanism. These prejudices are often based on falsehoods and reinforce negative stereotypes. 

However, by instilling the teachings of cultural diversity in our children, we can sow the seeds of emotional stability and empathy. Instead of resorting to bullying based on our differences, cultural diversity teaches them to embrace and celebrate the uniqueness of all individuals.

• Global Perspective

Multicultural education broadens children's horizons, enabling them to develop a global perspective. They gain a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of our world and the interdependence of different societies. 

Teaching kids about cultural diversity through mapping out the world is a fun and engaging approach. Start by introducing a world map and explaining the continents, countries, and oceans. Then, mark iconic landmarks from different countries, highlighting their cultural significance. Explore diverse traditions by identifying holidays and customs celebrated around the world and marking them on the map. Encourage children to research and learn about specific cultures, their languages, traditional clothing, music, and art forms. You can discuss famous figures from various backgrounds and mark their birthplaces on the map, emphasizing their contributions. Encourage children to reflect on similarities and differences between cultures, fostering appreciation and understanding. 

• Enhanced Communication Skills

Exposure to diverse cultures helps children develop effective communication skills, including active listening, cultural sensitivity, and cross-cultural communication. Watching movies and listening to music is a great way to expose kids to diverse cultures. You can pick movies and documentaries to watch that showcase different, traditions, and perspectives. Encourage them to pay attention to the language, customs, and settings depicted in the films. Afterward, have a conversation about the cultural elements they watched and help them understand the significance behind them. 

• Self-Identity and Self-Esteem

Talking to kids about cultural diversity can begin by exploring and teaching them about their own culture. Start by discussing your family's heritage, traditions, and customs. Share stories from their cultural background, including important events, historical figures, or significant celebrations. Engage them in hands-on activities related to their culture, such as cooking traditional dishes, and learning traditional dances or songs. Encourage them to ask questions about their cultural roots and provide age-appropriate explanations. By instilling a sense of pride and knowledge about their own culture, children develop a foundation of understanding that can serve as a launching pad for exploring and appreciating other cultures. 

• Future Success and Opportunities: 

It is essential to teach children about cultural diversity so that they are prepared to thrive in a diverse workplace as they grow older. In today's globalized world, workplaces are increasingly multicultural and diverse.

According to survey monkey, 85% of CEOs have said that having a diverse workforce has improved their bottom line. 

Learning about cultural diversity from a young age prepares them to work effectively and collaboratively with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Moreover, cultural competence acquired through education about diversity equips children with the ability to navigate cultural differences, communicate effectively, and resolve conflicts in a multicultural setting.

What is the best age to talk to kids about cultural diversity? 

Conversations about cultural diversity can begin from a young age as children are constantly learning and forming attitudes. Their receptive minds make them open to new ideas, allowing us to sow the seeds of understanding and acceptance early on. Introducing the topic during their nursery years seamlessly integrates diverse perspectives into their worldview.

How can you handle it when your child poses challenging or thought-provoking questions?

As your child grows, you will likely encounter a variety of interesting and sometimes challenging questions.

"Why does that man walk funny?"

"Why am I different skin color from my friends?"

"Why do people say mean things to others?"

This is NORMAL. These inquiries should be encouraged and welcomed for two important reasons:-

• Firstly, these questions offer valuable insight into your child's thoughts and understanding. They serve as feedback, indicating the extent to which your child grasps the main points discussed and how they have absorbed the new information. It is not uncommon for children to develop their own interpretations or misconceptions, making it crucial to engage in open discussions to clarify any misunderstandings and provide guidance.
• Secondly, by asking these questions, children are actively filling in knowledge gaps and testing their reasoning skills. Although they may not be consciously aware of it, questioning fosters the development of critical thinking and logical deduction. It encourages children to explore cause-and-effect relationships, analyze different perspectives, and seek a deeper understanding of the world around them.

By embracing and addressing these questions, parents can create an environment that nurtures their child's intellectual growth, encourages curiosity, and helps them become more confident in their ability to think critically.

Written by Joelle Eyeson