Experiencing cultures and traditions different from their own is an important aspect of childhood development. In addition to helping your children become more well-rounded human beings, experiencing and understanding different cultures also helps them become more compassionate and accepting. And while you may believe that the only way to experience different cultures is to travel the world, there are a variety of ways you can help your kids learn about different cultures without going anywhere. Here are five simple ways your kids can experience new cultures without ever leaving your city.
Simple Ways for your kids to experience new cultures without leaving your city
Take an Artistic Approach
Your local museum is filled with information about different cultures. By taking a tour of your favorite art museum with your kids, you can teach them about the different ways various cultures express themselves through art. Additionally, history museums can help you discuss the history of different cultures by viewing artifacts from various regions around the world. Keep in mind that adult-centered museums may be overwhelming for younger children, so it’s important to explain the rules and expectations before you head inside.
Another great way to help your children understand other cultures is to view movies or television shows from around the world. Take the time one rainy afternoon to watch a popular kid’s show from another country or take in a foreign film at your favorite movie theater.
Books are yet another amazing way to teach your children about different cultures. Younger children can benefit from reading picture books describing people or activities in other countries. While older kids may enjoy nonfiction books that explain the history and evolution of cultures that are different than their own. Books can also work as a foundation on which to build your children’s cultural learning upon. Consider reading a book about Japanese dining traditions before heading to your favorite Japanese restaurant, for example.
Enjoy New Food
Food is another easy way to experience new cultures without leaving your city. No matter where you live, it’s likely you have a few restaurants with cuisines from different cultures around the world. Make it a point to visit one new restaurant a month to experience different foods your kids may not be familiar with.
And if there is a culture or country that isn’t represented by a local restaurant, do a quick internet search to find some popular recipes from that country. Then, spend an afternoon making a new dish for your family to enjoy at dinner time.
Encourage Diverse Friendships
Another simple way for your children to experience different cultures is to encourage diverse friendships. Encouraging your children to become friends with children of different races, religions, and abilities will not only help them be more accepting of different people, but it will also give them first-hand exposure to different cultures.
In addition to encouraging friendships, it’s also important to encourage your children to actively engage in cultural activities with their friends. Whether they attend a new religious service or enjoy a new holiday celebration, spending time enjoying a cultural activity with their friends is an easy way to learn about different cultures while also having fun.
Celebrate New Cultures
A cultural festival or holiday celebration is a fun way for your kids to experience something new in your own city. The city you live in will probably dictate the types of festivals available to your family throughout the year, but some holidays are commonly celebrated no matter where you live. The Chinese New Year is a wonderful time to learn more about Chinese traditions. Cinco de Mayo is perfect for talking about Mexican Heritage, and Oktoberfest can help you kids learn more about Germany, for example. You could also look for international art festivals to explore and purchase art from different cultures or international food festivals, which will give your kids a chance to sample food from different countries all in one place.
Have a Global Home
Make different countries and cultures part of your home by making cultural information readily available to your kids. Keep an atlas or globe out in the open, so your kids can take a peek whenever they’re interested. And make cultural entertainment choices easily available by adding international films and TV shows to your Netflix queue or having your favorite global music station on in the background as your kids play.
In addition to providing ample opportunities for your kids to learn about other cultures in your home, it’s also important that you model openness and acceptance every day. Encourage your children to meet and accept people of other cultures by demonstrating that behavior in your own life. Being a positive role model when it comes to learning about and accepting different cultures is the best way you can expose them to new things without ever leaving your home town.
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