August 12, 2020
Let’s embrace our differences, and help our kids do the same.
The world is a melting pot filled with different cultures, ethnicities, religions and all sorts of amazing food. As your kids enter their first years of school it’s important to teach them the beauty of diversity. Here are a few ways to celebrate the differences that make everyone unique:
Diversify Toys and Dolls
When you were growing up, your toys and dolls may have been like your best friends. Maybe you gave them names, organized make-believe tea parties and took your favorites everywhere you went. Often, kids like playing with dolls and toys that resemble themselves. However, providing options that look different can help teach them about diversity at a young age. Dolls with different hair, skin or eye color can help your kids appreciate and love the differences in others. Not to mention, it will make for more interesting conversation over tea.
Try Different Foods
Food is the heart and soul of any culture. If you want to teach your kids about diversity, food is a great way to do it. Exposing your kids to different cuisines can help expand their palate and open their taste buds to a whole new world. If you want to test your cooking skills with something new, watch the Food Network for ideas on authentic dishes from other cultures. Otherwise, pick a day of the week to dine out. Make it a game by writing a different country on a piece of paper, then drawing out of a hat to decide what everyone will try next.
Watch Cultural Movies
Just like Disney’s Aladdin, movies can show us a whole new world from the comfort of our living room. Scroll through your options on Cox Contour and choose movies or TV shows that take place in other regions. Once the credits begin to roll, talk about what you and your kids observed together. Cartoon and other fictional shows may not be the most accurate representation of other cultures, but they can open up a discussion about stereotypes and misconceptions. Teach your kids that it is okay to ask questions about other customs as long as it’s done with curiosity and kindness.
Learn a Foreign Language Together
Learning another language is not only a valuable skill, it’s the best way to connect with people from another country. You can learn and practice conversing with others without leaving your home with the help of wifi. Pick up short phrases and salutations on YouTube or start watching programs in a different language. Your kids will quickly learn that there’s more ways than one to say, “I love you.”
Attend a Cultural Festival
Different cultural festivals around your neighborhood offer great learning experiences the whole family can enjoy. There you and your kids can explore the food, traditions and customs of different cultures all in one place. There’s not just one way to celebrate the things you love, and festivals give you the chance to experience how other cultures do it. While everyone may do things a little differently, you can always count on singing, dancing and a lot of eating.
Travel (Whenever Possible)
What better way to explore another culture than by experiencing it firsthand? The world is filled with amazing places, people and customs, and travel can open your mind to just how big and diverse it really is. Taking your kids on vacation to other countries can help expand their view beyond what they see on a daily basis. While travel may be limited right now, you can still begin researching your next trip and building excitement. Turn on the Travel Channeland start showing your kids all the wonderful adventures that await.
