I can hear your thoughts already: “Really? Another consideration for my kids?” I completely understand. The task of keeping our children safe and happy is a monumental responsibility. However, this particular skill is no longer optional; it’s essential.
What skill am I referring to? Cultural competence.
Recent tragedies, including the heartbreaking events in Orlando and the tragic deaths of individuals like Marcus Green and Lena Jones, remind us that discrimination and hostility still linger in our society. As much as we may wish to shield our kids from these harsh realities, they will eventually grow up to navigate a world that is a work in progress. One day, they will be the ones shaping our increasingly diverse society. So, it’s crucial that we don’t attempt to protect them indefinitely.
So, what exactly is cultural competence? Here’s my take, influenced by the National Education Association and a foundational article from 1989, “Towards a Culturally Competent System of Care” by Cross, Bazron, Dennis, and Isaacs: Cultural competence involves recognizing your own cultural identity and perspectives about differences, while also learning about and valuing the diverse cultural norms of others. It’s about appreciating the unique traits within groups while celebrating the differences that exist between them globally. This understanding culminates in a set of behaviors and attitudes that empower individuals to thrive in diverse settings.
Now that you know what it means, how can you cultivate this skill in your child? There are various steps you can take, starting with an approach I like to call “infusion.” This means seamlessly integrating diversity awareness into your everyday activities. Then, engage in deeper discussions that encourage critical thinking. Lastly, embark on your own journey of self-reflection. Where do your biases lie? What unintentional messages might you be sending your children? By combining these three techniques consistently, you’ll be amazed at the transformations in both your child and yourself.
1. Infusion
Music: Most kids adore music, so why not introduce them to different genres? Explore children’s music from various cultures. A personal favorite is the Putumayo World Playground CD. YouTube and Pandora are also fantastic resources. Create a family dance party featuring new and exciting tunes!
Art: Art projects are always a hit! Try this one: outline your child’s body on a large sheet of paper. Have them fill it with words and images that represent their culture and identity. Encourage friends and family to do the same and compare the results. This will help your child understand that despite our differences, we all share common ground.
Books: While the representation of diverse characters in literature is still lacking, there are countless wonderful books out there. Not sure where to begin? Visit Culturally Competent Kids for a curated list of engaging reads for all ages.
2. Dig Deeper
Have Genuine Conversations: As your children mature, it’s essential to have open discussions. If they’re aware of recent events, talk about the historical context. Help them understand the “why” and allow them to form their own opinions. Resist the urge to provide all the answers—let them grapple with the complexities.
Make It Relevant: Connect conversations to their world. Investigate instances of discrimination in your community. Ask them to consider how they would feel if the victim were someone close to them.
Encourage Dialogue with Others: Who among your friends or family has faced discrimination? What did it look like? How did it affect them? Inspire your kids to ask questions and be curious; these conversations can foster empathy, a crucial component of cultural competence.
3. Self-Exploration and Evaluation
Assess Your Own Biases: We all have biases; the question is not whether, but which ones. Consider taking Harvard’s Implicit Association Test. Afterward, discuss your findings with someone you trust—your partner, child, or friends. Acknowledging your biases is a vital step forward.
Examine Your Relationships: Do your friends all share similar backgrounds? Do they have similar experiences? Take the initiative to invite someone new into your circle, whether it’s a parent from your child’s school or a colleague. You’ll be surprised at how much you can learn, and this will set a powerful example for your children.
Continue Learning: Make it a point to educate yourself on diversity regularly. There’s always more to discover. Read books, visit museums, and engage in discussions with a diverse range of friends. These experiences will deepen your understanding of the world, which, in turn, will help you communicate effectively with your children.
Our lives are enriched by the diversity around us. In times of unrest, it can be easy to forget this truth. The world we inhabit today will eventually be the one we pass on to our children. They will grapple with both the beauty and challenges we’ve left behind. But they will also have the chance to reshape and improve what they inherit. They will be the architects of a new reality—a reality that reflects their dreams and aspirations.
What vision do you wish to instill in them?
For more insights, check out this post on cultural competence. Additionally, if you’re interested in home insemination, visit Make A Mom for expert guidance. For more information on pregnancy, the CDC offers an excellent resource here.
Summary: Teaching our children cultural competence is a vital skill that prepares them to navigate and shape a diverse world. By infusing diversity awareness into everyday activities, engaging in meaningful conversations, and reflecting on our own biases, we can cultivate empathy and understanding in the next generation. This not only benefits our children but enriches our communities as well.