An important life lesson for children is that everyone around us is unique, that everyone should be treated as equals, nonetheless. When people are disrespectful to someone who has a different skin colour, accent or religious beliefs, it is usually because they don’t have adequate knowledge of those differences. With that said, it’s crucial for parents to step in and teach their kids about different cultures, and the sooner you do this, the better. Here’s some advice from an international school in Hertfordshire.
One enjoyable yet informative way to explore other cultures is to celebrate a variety of festivals and religious holidays from around the world during the course of the year. This could include Diwali, Eid, Chinese New Year, Easter, The Day of the Dead, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and Christmas, to name but a few.
Invest in a calendar and make a note of each of these key dates so that you don’t miss them. Do some research into the traditional ways these events are usually celebrated and try out some native dishes. You could also decorate your home appropriately and listen to suitable music. However, you should also use it as an opportunity to teach your child about the history of the event; why do people celebrate it and what does it signify?
Food is actually a wonderful way to improve your child’s cultural awareness, and not just on religious holidays. With that said, you should try and set aside some time to prepare a meal with your child every once in a while, using ingredients from around the world. Remember to bear in mind how the meal is usually served and what utensils are used to eat it, like chopsticks with a Chinese dish, for example.
Incorporating holidays abroad can be a great help too, an insight not just for your children but adults too. They say we learn something new everyday, and holidays are a great way to learn about other cultures. Order something off a restaurant menu that is the visiting country's dish/cuisine and see how different it is to a similar product you're all used too.
Reading together is also a fantastic way for your child to learn about different cultures. Books are great because they can transport you to any country without leaving the comforts of your home. Pay the library a visit with your child and let them choose one or two books that showcase a cultural or religious theme. Try and ensure they are age-appropriate. Reading before bed will help your child relax and wind down for the night.
You could even arrange a trip to different religious buildings (a church, synagogue, mosque, temple etc) to show your child/children how different religions practice their faith. Most well-known religions will only be happy to welcome visitors into their culture, and they will be happy to answer any questions your child may have.
Most importantly, talk to your children from a young age as much as possible about everyone being unique. Let them know that no matter what, we all bleed the same blood and our bones all look the same under our bodies.
Until next time,
Jada x
Jada x
