The Crucial Skill We Must Equip Our Kids With

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I understand what you’re thinking. Really? Another responsibility to add to my parenting checklist? I get it—keeping our kids safe and healthy is already a monumental task. However, this one is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity.

The skill I’m referring to is cultural competence.

Recent tragic events, such as the nightclub shooting in Orlando, the shocking deaths of individuals like Marcus Johnson and Raylan Smith, and the violence against police officers in various cities remind us that discrimination is real. Hatred and fear are prevalent, and fostering harmony among diverse groups is challenging. Although we may wish to shield our children from these harsh truths, they will one day inherit a world that still requires much progress. Ultimately, they will become the adults who shape our increasingly diverse society. Thus, we cannot—and should not—try to protect them indefinitely.

What is Cultural Competence?

So, what exactly is cultural competence? Here’s my interpretation, inspired by the National Education Association and a pivotal article 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 regarding differences, coupled with the ability to learn from and appreciate the diverse cultural and community norms of others. It encompasses understanding the nuances that make each person unique while celebrating the variations that exist both nationally and globally. This awareness culminates in behaviors and attitudes that enable effective interactions in cross-cultural contexts.

How to Cultivate Cultural Competence in Our Children

Now that we have a definition, the pressing question is: How do we cultivate cultural competence in our children? There are several actionable steps you can take:

1. Infusion
   • Music: Does your child enjoy music? Introduce them to diverse genres from around the world. We particularly enjoy the Putumayo World Playground CD, which offers a fantastic array of international sounds. YouTube and Pandora can also be great resources for this. So, crank up some new tunes and throw a family dance party!
   • Art: Art projects are always a hit. Try this diversity-infused activity: On a large sheet of paper, outline your child’s body and encourage them to fill it with words and images that represent their identity. Invite friends and family to do the same, then compare and discuss the results. This not only highlights individual uniqueness but also reveals shared experiences among different people.
   • Books: While the number of books featuring diverse characters is disappointingly low, many gems are available. If you’re unsure where to begin, visit Culturally Competent Kids for a curated list of books suitable for all ages.
2. Dig Deeper
   • Have Real Conversations: As your kids mature, it’s important to be honest with them. If they’re aware of recent tragic events, engage them in discussions about the historical context. Allow them to ponder the “why” behind these occurrences, guiding them to form their own conclusions rather than providing all the answers.
   • Connect It to Their World: Make the discussion tangible by relating it to people and situations they know. Explore instances of discrimination within your community. Ask them to consider how they would feel if the victim were a friend or family member.
   • Encourage Conversations With Others: Who in your circle has faced discrimination? What did it look like, and how did it feel? Prompt your children to ask questions and express curiosity, enabling others to share their experiences. These dialogues foster empathy, a vital aspect of cultural competence.
3. Self-Exploration and Evaluation
   • Evaluate Your Own Biases: Everyone harbors biases; the question is not whether you have them, but which ones. Begin by taking Harvard’s Implicit Association Test. There are many options to choose from, and then—here comes the challenging part—discuss your findings with someone: your partner, your kids, or friends. Acknowledge your biases openly.
   • Assess Your Friendships: Do all your friends share the same background, speak the same way, or come from the same area? It’s time to branch out! Invite a parent from your child’s school whom you don’t know well, or host a dinner for a diverse coworker. You will be surprised at how much you grow—and you’ll set a powerful example for your kids.
   • Never Stop Learning: Keep educating yourself about diversity. Read books, visit museums, and engage in discussions with a diverse group of friends. The more you learn, the better equipped you will be to communicate effectively with your children.

Life is undoubtedly richer and more vibrant because of our differences. In times of turmoil, it’s easy to overlook this fact. Remember, the world we live in today will be the same world our children will inherit. They will carry forward everything we’ve imparted to them—the good, the bad, and yes, the ugly. However, they will also have the power to reshape what they’ve received. They will create a new world, one that reflects their dreams and values.

What do you envision that world to look like?

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In summary, teaching our children cultural competence is paramount. By infusing diversity awareness into everyday activities, engaging in meaningful conversations, and reflecting on our biases, we can equip them with the skills they need to thrive in a diverse world. The future is in their hands—let’s help them shape it for the better.