Be BOLD Be DIFFERENT

Celebrate your Differences

Since childhood, we have been exposed to different experiences, cultures, education, skin colors, and sexual orientations. It makes us understand somehow how different we are from others in terms of desires, individual choices, conscience, and tastes.

Undoubtedly, differences are beautiful in their own ways.

The best examples are the Chinese principles of Yin and Yang that represent the coexistence of differences. In fact, the popular black and white symbol unites two opposite colors into a harmonic whole.

So, no matter if it is a couple, children, and people with different sexual orientations, everyone is unique, and we should always celebrate the differences.

If you want your kids to acknowledge the differences, they will become our legacy for the future.

Ways to Celebrate your Differences

Noticing differences in others is pretty much fine. However, many of us were taught that noticing differences was rude or even racist. Or we often tell our kids “not to stare” if we pass any person with a disability. But to be honest, it's fine to see disabilities and notice that our body looks and works differently from some people. When we talk and value differences with our new generation, we are actually taking the first step to celebrate the differences.

Be open to talking about Culture and Race

Let’s face it, today, television, social media, news, and other sources feed children’s minds with negative ideas. Parents often feel helpless when they see their children’s views about cultural differences. So, before things become worse, it is wise to talk with your children openly about culture and race. According to the American Pediatrics Associations, parents should take their children to museums, check cultural library books or even cook various cultural meals to enjoy and celebrate the differences.

Share your own experience.

At some point in life, many parents also witness conflict among various backgrounds due to a lack of empathy or understanding. So, as a parent, you should encourage your child by sharing your own experience about cultural diversity and what they might have learned through their experience.

When you lead children by example and show them how to appreciate different people, you are making a big contribution to make them better humans.

Encourage your kids to ask a question for any difference you notice

In our childhood, we were often shushed when we ask questions or point out someone's differences. But as kids are curious creatures, the questions are their way to gain more information about the differences they noticed. Why am I thin, and she is fat? Why is she not walking and sitting in the wheelchair? Why is my skin dark and she is white?

If we answer these questions with shame, kids will feel shame about the differences all their lives. But if we answer them appropriately without any shame and tell them it's okay to be like this, kids will learn and acknowledge it.

Celebrating Festivals of different Heritages

The values and beliefs of different cultures and religions are expressed in several ways, including celebrations and festivals. When you teach your child about cultural diversities, you are nurturing their sense of beliefs, values, and identity. Moreover, it helps children experience celebrations and festivals to support their learning in diverse areas.

When you explain to them how to participate in a celebration or celebrate a festival, their self-esteem and self-confidence will develop. Also, they become more aware and will nurture respect for other cultures and religions.

Cultivate Community and Empathy

Honestly, it can be difficult for kids to see themselves as a part of different people. That is why it is important to encourage your children to empathize and know some people who are not like them and respect them. One of the best ways to enhance intergroup relations is interpersonal contact.

When you let your kids know different people, it leads to increased understanding and reduced prejudice. Protecting your children from issues like bigotry, oppression, and racism seems easier, but the reality is children are confronted with such issues through their peers, conversation, and media. So, teach your children on cultivating community and empathize.

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