We work diligently to shape the outlook and perspective our kids have on the world. As parents, we strive to teach them, among other things, resilience, cooperation, and a strong sense of self. One life skill that can be overlooked is inclusivity. How do we even broach that subject with our kids? Is it too complicated? Too loaded? Are they ready? Are we?
Starting the conversation is not always easy, but by incorporating diversity and inclusion practices in our daily family activities, the lessons become more experiential. By creating and exposing our kids to environments that value diversity, respect differences, and foster empathy and compassion, we start down the path of raising inclusive kids. Here are some tips to integrate inclusion as a practice in our daily lives.
Get started now
Children begin to form their beliefs and values very early, so it is important to get started now. Have family discussions about different cultures, religions, and ways of life. Examine the books on your shelves, the movies you watch, and the events you participate in. Is there diverse representation? If not, proactively incorporate multicultural aspects into your media and activities to foster conversations.
Be mindful of your actions and words
You are your child’s greatest role model. Analyze the language you use and how you discuss people who are different from you. Do you start from a place of judgment or curiosity? If there is something you do not understand about another person or culture, use that as an opportunity to learn with your child. Get comfortable not having all the answers and embrace the power of finding solutions together.
Practice empathy
When your child sees or experiences someone different, take that as an opportunity to dive deeper. What would it feel like to be that person? Explore what it may be like to walk in their shoes. When we teach our kids to relate to someone else, we open the doors for connection and understanding. We replace fear of difference with compassion.
Identify stereotypes and biases
Children are exposed to stereotypes and biases from an early age. It's important to talk to your child about these issues and help them understand why they are harmful. Teach them to recognize when stereotypes and biases are being used, and encourage them to speak out against them.
Get involved in your community
Find diverse events and experiences happening locally. Also, when we experience the richness of different cultures including foods, smells, clothing, and traditions, it makes differences more multidimensional rather than just the way someone looks or speaks.
Celebrate differences
Beyond just being aware of differences, inclusivity embraces values and what it brings to our greater collective. When we model this perspective, our kids see diversity as something to be sought after and something that has a positive effect on our experience.
Raising inclusive kids is a journey. The beauty of this is that we can take it together and continue to learn the value of different experiences as a family. It is also a practice that requires commitment and flexibility on our part. It is not a single perfectly curated experience that makes our kids inclusive.
Instead, continued exposure, discussion, and support infuse inclusion into who they are rather than just something they do.
