Parents can raise children to celebrate and value diversity

Commentary

By Dellisa Ford-Edwards
Brighton Center

When most people think of December holidays, they think of Christmas. They think of Santa Claus, the reindeer, Santa’s Elves, Christmas trees and ornaments. But what about the other holidays celebrated in December? What about Saint Nicholas Day and Las Posadas? What about Hanukkah and Kwanzaa?

In today’s society, children interact with people of different cultures. Classrooms are increasingly diverse, reflecting the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky community in which families live and work. Teaching our children about different holiday celebrations other than those celebrated in our own homes can be a wonderful opportunity for them to learn about other people’s traditions and values.

A child’s self concept is continuously evolving but typically developed by age 6. Self-concept is developed primarily through our communication and relationships with others. As children develop their self-concept and image, they simultaneously learn that all others have a unique identity as well. Children learn that people can be different and unique, yet still have much in common.

As parents, our task is to help and to promote our children's realization of everyone’s uniqueness and to assist children with accepting and respecting people from all cultures in an effort to minimize misunderstandings, prejudice and racism.

Easier said than done? No! Simply make a commitment to offer children genuine knowledge and insight into the world and community in which they live. Make a commitment to teach your child that every child, regardless of the color of their skin, clothes that they wear, the way they talk, or the holiday they celebrate, is unique and that uniqueness is a treasure for us all.

Here are some ways to raise children to celebrate and value diversity:

1. Have an open mind to accept and respect differences. Remember that children model what they see so your acceptance of different ideas, customs, and traditions helps them learn to accept and respect.

2. Talk about your own family traditions and use that opportunity for them to see that even when people have different customs and traditions, they often share some common traits too.

3. Take time to learn the backgrounds of your neighbors and classmates, as well as the populations represented in your geographic area.

4. Encourage children to ask questions that help them understand more about others who have a different background from their own.

The differences that come from people from all over the world enrich our culture, bringing new ideas and energy. As parents lead children to respect others who are different, they will begin to appreciate and value diversity. As children grow with these attitudes, they will have developed a strong self-concept and social skills that not only accept but also encourage individuality.

For additional early childhood parenting tips, visit www.bornlearning.org .

Dellisa Ford-Edwards is the director of Early Childhood Education at Northern Kentucky's Brighton Center and a credentialed Kentucky Early Childhood trainer in the area of multiculturalism and diversity.