| Diversity is indeed one of the most beautiful | | | | certain pattern of thinking when we have not |
| aspects of our society. However, it does come | | | | sought opportunities to broaden our own minds. |
| with great responsibility to be shared by all. The | | | | Seek some avenues of obtaining a higher level of |
| majority of us, as adults, live and work with | | | | cultural competence as an adult. Many agencies |
| people from all walks of life. Our children are no | | | | and institutions offer training in cultural |
| exception. Not only do they need to be aware of | | | | competence, but learning does not have to be |
| all the different cultures, races, and beliefs of the | | | | formal. There is a wealth of valid information |
| world around them, but it is also necessary to | | | | available on cultural and racial differences on the |
| teach them the importance of respecting these | | | | web and at your local library. |
| differences and recognizing the beauty that such | | | | Look for teachable moments. Introduce cultural |
| diversity creates. | | | | differences to your child in a way that sparks |
| Parents are often a bit hesitant to talk with their | | | | their interest and attention. Teach them that |
| children about such a touchy subject. Children are | | | | learning and experiencing other cultures can be fun |
| very impressionable and tend to take what | | | | and exciting. It is not hard to find cultural activities |
| trusted adults say at face value. Parents who | | | | that are open to the public throughout the year. |
| have not been trained or advised in cultural | | | | Attending cultural festivals and parades are great |
| competence themselves may feel uncomfortable | | | | opportunities to answer your child's questions in a |
| facilitating such an important conversation. Here | | | | comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere. |
| are a few tips and strategies that can be followed | | | | Finally, and most importantly, keep the lines of |
| in provided the proper atmosphere and | | | | communication open. Continue to stay connected |
| information for the occasion. | | | | with your child on the topic of cultural and racial |
| Do not be afraid to talk openly and honestly with | | | | differences. As children become older and more |
| your child about racial and cultural differences. | | | | aware of prejudices and stereotypes, they tend |
| Children are not totally oblivious to the fact that | | | | to become more hesitant about expressing their |
| there are people around them who may or may | | | | thoughts and feelings on the subject. Provide a |
| not share their own physical characteristics. | | | | safe environment where these thoughts can be |
| Anyone who has spent time witnessing the | | | | discussed openly and lovingly. This will give you |
| curiosity of child knows that questions will arise. | | | | the opportunity to guide them as they develop |
| Questions that will require a delicate answer. | | | | their own sense of self and identity as well as a |
| Treating the subject as if it is too taboo to | | | | respect and appreciation for that of others. |
| discuss will only open the door for misconceptions. | | | | It is important, however, to note that there is not |
| This in itself can lead to prejudices. | | | | just one prescription for helping your child to |
| Be prepared to lead by example. Children are | | | | appreciate the cultural differences around them. |
| constantly watching our reactions and mirroring | | | | The key is to keep an open mind when seeking |
| what they see. As parents, it is important to be | | | | opportunities to teach children about cultural |
| very mindful in recognizing and pointing out | | | | acceptance as well as opportunities to practice |
| generalizations and stereotypes that exist even in | | | | what they have learned. |
| our own thinking. It is all too easy to continue a | | | | |