Date Published: 17 May '23

Building Cultural Competence in Children: Why It Matters and How to Do It

Cultural competence, or the ability to understand and appreciate different cultures, is becoming increasingly important in our diverse society. As parents and caregivers, it is important to teach children about cultural competence from a young age. Here are some reasons why building cultural competence in children matters and some tips on how to do it.

Why Building Cultural Competence Matters

1. It promotes empathy and understanding. When children learn about different cultures, they are better able to understand and appreciate the experiences and perspectives of people from different backgrounds.

2. It reduces prejudice and discrimination. Exposure to different cultures can help children develop a more open-minded and accepting attitude towards people who are different from them.

3. It prepares children for a diverse world. In today's globalized world, it is important for children to be able to navigate different cultures and work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.

How to Build Cultural Competence in Children

1. Expose children to diverse cultures. This can be done through travel, books, movies, and food. Exposing children to different cultures can help them develop an appreciation for diversity and understand that there is no one "right" way to live.

2. Encourage curiosity and questions. Children are naturally curious, and it is important to encourage them to ask questions about different cultures. This can help them learn about different customs and traditions and understand the reasons behind them.

3. Model acceptance and respect. Children learn by example, so it is important for parents and caregivers to model acceptance and respect for people from different cultures. This can include things like learning how to pronounce someone's name correctly or trying new foods from different cultures.

4. Teach children about their own culture. It is important for children to understand and appreciate their own cultural heritage, as well as the cultures of others. This can help them develop a sense of pride and identity, as well as an appreciation for the diversity of the world around them.

5. Engage in cultural activities. Encourage children to participate in cultural activities, such as dance, music, or language classes. This can help them develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of different cultures.

Conclusion

Building cultural competence in children is important for promoting empathy, reducing prejudice, and preparing children for a diverse world. By exposing children to different cultures, encouraging curiosity and questions, modeling acceptance and respect, teaching about their own culture, and engaging in cultural activities, parents and caregivers can help children develop the skills and attitudes needed to navigate our diverse world with confidence and respect.