Raising World Citizens: Your Guide to Exploring Global Celebrations with Kids
- Gulnoz Saydamin
- May 8, 2023
- 4 min read
In today's interconnected world, raising children who are aware of and appreciate diverse cultures is more important than ever. Exposing children to global celebrations and traditions is an excellent way to foster open-mindedness and a sense of global citizenship. In this blog post, I share with you my lifehacks for parents on how to introduce various cultural traditions and celebrations to their children.
1. Start with your own heritage
Before exploring the traditions of other cultures, begin by discussing your family's background and cultural heritage. Share family stories and customs, celebrate the holidays and festivals of your ancestors, and cook traditional dishes together. This will help your child understand the importance of cultural traditions and establish a strong foundation for learning about other cultures. For example, we taught our oldest son to cook pilav, a traditional Uzbek dish, and shared stories about our family's history to help him connect with his heritage. First, we gifted him a centuries-old beautifully crafted knife. Then, I told him how my father, the world traveler, would always take his special knife with him anywhere he would go to cook The famous Uzbek pilav. Now, my son proudly cooks pilav and feels connected to his heritage.
2. Learn about global celebrations and traditions
There are countless celebrations and traditions worldwide. Do some research to learn about various holidays, festivals, and customs. Some popular global celebrations to explore include Diwali (India), Lunar New Year (China), Carnival (Brazil), and Hanukkah (Jewish). Explain the history and significance of each celebration and discuss how they differ from or relate to your family's traditions.
3. Incorporate global celebrations into your family's routine
Introduce global celebrations and international days into your family's routine by marking them on your calendar and engaging in related activities. For example, you can celebrate the Lunar New Year by decorating your home with lanterns, making Chinese dumplings, and learning about the Chinese zodiac. By actively participating in these celebrations, your child will gain a deeper understanding of different cultures and their customs. We love celebrating the beginning of New Year! So, we celebrate the New Year's Eve based on Gregorian, solar, and lunar calendars. Try it out! It's fun!
4. Use books, movies, and other resources
Books, movies, documentaries, and online resources can be valuable tools for learning about global celebrations and traditions. Visit your local library or bookstore to find age-appropriate books that showcase various cultures and their customs, such as "Around the World in 80 Diets" or "Children Just Like Me." Watch movies or documentaries together as a family, like "Coco" or "The Story of God" with Morgan Freeman, and use these experiences as a springboard for discussion and further exploration. I fondly recall watching the documentary 'The Story of God' with Morgan Freeman when my 12-year-old son was exploring religions to define his belief. These shared moments can offer unique insights and foster meaningful conversations within your family.
5. Connect with diverse communities
Engage with local cultural organizations or attend cultural events in your community. This provides an opportunity for your child to experience firsthand the music, dance, food, and art of different cultures. Encourage your child to ask questions and make connections between their own experiences and those of others. Growing up as a diplomat's child, I had the unique opportunity to learn about various cultures during receptions and festivals. This curiosity has stayed with me into adulthood, and I continue to seek out interesting cultural events to attend with my family. Some examples of local cultural festivals you can explore include Diwali celebrations, Lunar New Year parades, or Caribbean carnivals.
6. Teach respect and understanding
It's essential to teach your child the importance of respecting and appreciating different cultures. Encourage open-mindedness, curiosity, and empathy. Discuss cultural differences and similarities, emphasizing the value of diversity and the importance of understanding and appreciating others' perspectives.
Conclusion
Introducing global celebrations and traditions to your children not only fosters a sense of global citizenship but also enriches their lives by broadening their horizons and developing a deep appreciation for cultural diversity. By following this guide, you can create a learning environment that nurtures open-mindedness, empathy, and understanding – essential qualities for raising World Citizens.
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