Have you ever looked around in your child’s classroom, or at their friend group, and wished that there was more ethnic and cultural diversity?
Sometimes parents can feel a bit awkward about this situation, and they’d like to help change it, yet they don’t really know how to go about doing that or starting an uncomfortable conversation.
Dr. Akilah Cadet, a California-based expert in diversity, equity, and inclusion, offers these helpful suggestions for parents who see the value in increasing diversity among their children’s friends:
1 Branch out locally. Do research on programs, playgroups, parent organizations, and clubs that are in your area. Be direct and ask beforehand if they have a diverse membership and include cultural experiences different from your own.
2 Look at your own friendships. Parents should model the behaviors that they want their child to have. By taking time to add new friends from a culture or color different than yours, you have a strong possibility of connecting with their children and their friends. You may also learn a thing or two along with your child in the process.
3 Travel for diversity. Museums are excellent ways to access interactive cultural programming for children and parents. Spending time at museums that celebrate diversity, like Latin, Asian, or African American history, are great ways to have diverse family fun. Art is a wonderful way to introduce and celebrate cultures other than your own. Be open to traveling to a new neighborhood, area, or city to experience something different.
4 Think about your child’s media choices at home. There are lots of kid-friendly movies and TV shows that highlight various cultures. And books! So many great bedtime books! I highly recommend Vashtie Harrison’s Little Leaders books, Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller, and Susan Verde’s I Am Human. Not only do they highlight people of color, but there is a focus on kindness, celebrating differences, and women, too.
Dr. Cadet reminds parents that “the more you show your children that people come in all different shapes and colors, the more they will build inclusive friend groups as they grow. Remember, your children learn about diversity and discrimination from you, making it important for you to be the best role model you can be. Encourage conversations with your children about differences in their social groups when it comes to race, ability, and language, then celebrate them together. Do all of this, and you’re off to a great start!”
Dr. Cadet is the Founder of Change Cadet, a diversity consulting firm that provides strategic planning and executive coaching to women, people of color and undeserved communities. She holds a Bachelors of Health Science, a Master of Public Health, and a Doctorate of Health Sciences in Leadership and Organizational Behavior. Follow @changecadet.
