By: Emily R. Carter
I can hear you now: “Really? Another thing to worry about for my kids?” I understand—it’s a lot to take on. Ensuring our children are safe and thriving is a monumental task. However, I assure you, this is one skill that has become essential.
What skill am I referring to? Cultural competence.
Recent tragic events, such as the nightclub shooting in Orlando and the disturbing incidents involving the deaths of individuals like Marcus Johnson and Jamie Lee, underscore a reality that many have acknowledged for years: discrimination, fear, and hatred are prevalent. While we might wish to shield our children from these harsh truths, they will eventually inherit a society that continues to grapple with these issues. One day, they will be the leaders who help shape our increasingly multicultural world. Therefore, we cannot—nor should we—attempt to protect them indefinitely.
So, what exactly is cultural competence? Here’s my interpretation, inspired by resources from the National Education Association and a historical piece titled “Towards a Culturally Competent System of Care” by Cross, Bazron, Dennis, and Isaacs: Cultural competence involves recognizing one’s own cultural identity and perspectives on differences while also being able to learn from and appreciate the diverse cultural and community norms of others. It entails understanding the nuances within groups that make each individual unique, while also celebrating the differences among various groups globally. This knowledge and awareness culminate in a set of behaviors and attitudes that allow one to effectively engage in cross-cultural interactions.
Now that you’re familiar with the definition, how can you help your child develop this skill? There are several approaches you can take. First, introduce the topic in a fun, relatable, and consistent manner through a method I refer to as infusion. You can seamlessly weave diversity awareness into your everyday activities. Then, engage in deeper, more meaningful conversations. Lastly, don’t forget to reflect on your own biases—what subtle messages might you be conveying to your children? By integrating these three strategies consistently, you’ll witness remarkable growth in both your child and yourself.
1. Infusion
Music: Is your child a music lover? Introduce them to diverse musical genres from around the world. Platforms like YouTube and Pandora can help you explore a variety of sounds. Consider hosting a family dance party featuring new tunes!
Art: Engage in a creative project that promotes diversity. On a large sheet of paper, outline your child’s body and let them fill it with words and images that represent their culture. Invite friends and family to do the same, allowing your child to recognize both similarities and differences among people.
Books: Even though the availability of diverse literature is still limited, numerous excellent books showcase varied characters. If you’re unsure where to begin, visit culturallycompetentkids.com for a curated list of literature for all ages.
2. Dig Deeper
Have Real Conversations: As children mature, it’s essential to be honest with them. If they are aware of current events, such as recent shootings, discuss the historical context with them. Provide insights and let them form their own conclusions.
Connect It to Their World: Make these discussions relatable by highlighting instances of discrimination in your community. Encourage them to ponder how they would feel if the victim were someone they knew.
Encourage Dialogues with Others: Who among your friends and neighbors has faced discrimination? What were their experiences like? Prompt your children to ask questions and engage in conversations that foster empathy, a vital component of cultural competence.
3. Self-Exploration and Evaluation
Evaluate Your Own Biases: Everyone harbors biases; the question is which ones. Consider taking Harvard’s Implicit Association Test. Afterward, discuss your findings with someone you trust. Being open about your biases is a crucial step.
Reflect on Your Friendships: Are all your friends similar in background? Make an effort to expand your social circle. Invite someone from your child’s school or work to dinner. This will not only broaden your perspective but also serve as a model for your children.
Commit to Lifelong Learning: Continuously educate yourself on topics related to diversity and culture. Engaging with books, museums, and diverse friends will enhance your understanding of the world, allowing you to better communicate these concepts to your children.
Our lives are enriched by our differences, and it’s vital to remember this, especially during times of conflict. The world we currently inhabit will eventually be passed down to our children. They will experience the good, the bad, and the ugly, but they will also have the chance to reshape it. They will forge a new reality—one that reflects their vision.
What vision do you want to instill in them?
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Summary:
Cultural competence is a crucial skill that parents must teach their children to prepare them for an increasingly diverse world. By infusing diversity awareness into daily activities, engaging in meaningful conversations, and self-reflecting on biases, we can foster empathy and understanding in our kids. This equips them to navigate and shape the complex realities they will face as adults.