Do you live on a farm? Do you live in the city?
Children must learn through experiences. Since one of the main ways that children access the world is through play, it would make sense for us to help children experience differences and similarities between people in their play activities.
Of course, there are simple things, such as incorporating animals from around the world in your play, as well as selecting dolls that reflect various ethnic groups. Culture as a concept includes not only those who live on other continents, but also families who live in different places in America. They might live on a farm, they might live in a city. You can suggest imaginative play in different settings, and pretend different things. Why not teach different family structures through imaginative play? Instead of having a mommy and a daddy, you could play house with a grandma, or a foster family, or a family that has two mommies. Similarly, you can play with different socioeconomic statuses. It’s always fun to pretend to have maids and nannies, but you can also play that you don’t have those, and the child has to help her parents do chores.
All that is needed for these activities is a little energy from you, and a willingness to dive in and play with your child! - Abby Claire Hardy
This is such wonderfully simple and yet powerfully poignant advice. I’m shocked to say I’ve never thought of doing something like this before, but I really think spreading the word about this/starting some kind of challenge for parents to do this could be interesting and prompt a lot of lively discussion!
Thanks, ChatterMom, for your comments! We appreciate your input. Yes, spreading the word about this could prompt a lot of discussion!