Teaching your child the value of multiple cultures

We are living in a world where boundaries of states and countries are getting redefined according to interest groups. Given that this scenario continues in colleges and workplaces, we need to make our kids aware and appreciative of multiple cultures. It’s not a feel-good moral stance, it’s a life-skill, and it will simply make them more successful in personal and professional spheres.  

Here are some tips to help you teach them how to act local and think global. 

Address multiple cultures head-on 
The easiest and best way to get started is to understand that being open-minded and informed is a virtue. As a parent, you need to squarely tell kids it’s better to be culturally aware than confused at ‘strangers’. Tell them every culture is unique and has its own rationale, and none are superior to the other. Being open-minded should be treated as good behaviour in kids, like politeness or punctuality.  

Travel, real and virtual, broadens the mind  
We learn best when we see things for ourselves. Travelling to another state or country is always an eye-opener. If that is tough in the post-pandemic world, encourage your kids to travel virtually. Encourage them to read up about other cultures and surf about them on the web.  

Books, movies, music, and food are a bridge to other cultures   
Books are accessible, affordable, and provide an in-depth view into other cultures. Watching movies and web series from other languages and cultures teach us how different but similar people are everywhere. Food is another great way to explore a culture. Tell your kid how pizza was born and who popularised biryani. The way to their hearts is still through the stomach.  

Enjoying festivals of multiple cultures   
Kids love Christmas trees, Diwali lights, Eid sweets and Pongal rice. Friendships are formed with people when we celebrate with them. Encourage this actively; it’s a lesson in itself.   

Learning other languages   
Learning a language is always a wonderful gateway to another culture. We are lucky to be Indians, since most of us grow up multi-lingual. Help kids discover more about the people who speak the new language.