Guest Blogger, Anica Oaks
We live in a society that’s getting more and more diverse. People of many different races, religions, ethnicities and beliefs interact with one another in schools, workplaces and everywhere else. Children growing up in such a culture should be taught to accept and tolerate others. Let’s look at some of the reasons why it’s so important to instill inclusive values in your kids.
Helps Them Get Along with Others
It’s important for kids to be able to get along with others when they go to school and make their way through life. In all likelihood, your child will have to interact with kids from a variety of backgrounds. Teaching kids to respect differences makes it easier for them to get along with other kids at school or at the playground. In an increasingly diverse society, it’s simply not practical to be narrow-minded or intolerant.
Everyone Comes from Somewhere Else
Most people’s ancestors came from somewhere else. It’s therefore not logical to discriminate against people merely because they traveled to your country a generation or two later than your own family. Immigrants today face many challenges. Even those with green cards may face deportation and may need the help of immigration lawyers to request a cancellation of removal. While children may not be able to understand complex political and legal issues, they can at least be taught to sympathize with people from other places.
It’s Important for Their Future Success
In a world that’s changing so quickly, those who are unable to adjust to a diverse world will be left behind. People who are not accepting of others will find it difficult to function in many jobs or businesses. Since many of their fellow employees, supervisors or customers are likely to be from different backgrounds, it’s helpful if they’re comfortable interacting with a wide range of people.
It Makes Them More Creative
People who are open minded and inclusive are able to lead richer lives in many ways. They’re more likely to be creative, travel to other countries and learn about different cultural traditions. Once you teach a child to be open to other traditions, they’ll be eager to try new foods, listen to different types of music and perhaps learn other languages. This makes them more creative and opens them to many new and enriching experiences.
Teaching kids to accept others is more important than ever. On the one hand, it’s essential to instill these values so people can get along and interact in a civil manner. Beyond this, it’s a way to make your kids more creative, well-rounded and successful in all areas of life.
