Teaching your child to respect other cultures

The ability to respect other cultures is a skill that will benefit your child throughout their lifetime. Teaching your child to celebrate diversity will help them to appreciate the similarities and differences between themselves and others. It will also give your child a deeper understanding of the traditions and customs their school friends may follow. 

Here are some great tips from an independent school in London, on how you can teach your child to respect other cultures…

Celebrate

A really fun way to teach your child about other cultures is to make a calendar of holidays and traditions celebrated around the world. For example, Chinese New Year, Diwali, and Hanukkah. Add these events to a family calendar and use each one as an opportunity to teach your child about the celebrations that are taking place. Discuss the people, the religion, the music, the food and any other interesting facts about the special occasion.

Cook

Expand your child’s cultural awareness through food. By cooking together you can introduce your child to many different foods from around the world. In addition, your child will learn about various ingredients, utensils and dining etiquettes shared by other cultures. When you try new foods talk to your children about where in the world the food comes from and what it is like there. You could even show them on a map.

Learn

Reading books and watching documentaries is an ideal way for your child to learn about different cultures and traditions. The internet can also help your child to explore other countries and experience new lifestyles. Spend time with your child researching various cultures online and reading books together.

Role model

It is important for parents to demonstrate cultural empathy and sensitivity. Parents must lead by example and embrace diversity. If you are not open-minded about other people, you can’t expect your child to be. When your child asks questions, use them as an opportunity to teach your child about cultural differences.

Thanks for reading xxx