Posted on: Sunday, May 27, 2001

Some ways to introduce children to other cultures

• How to raise a child: Developing tolerance
• Recommended reading

More tips for teaching children to embrace diversity:

• Introduce them when they're very young to books that explore other cultures.

• Make sure your children study at least one other language.

• Participate in those cultural festivals so prevalent in Hawai'i.

• Build a wide group of friends from all races and cultures.

• Take trips to enhance the children's understanding of cultural and racial diversity.

• Encourage them to join clubs at school that deal with diverse cultural ideas.

• If they're interested in music, encourage them to try different kinds.

• Discuss diversity issues at home, at the dinner table, when they ask questions.

• In diverse families, keep ties with the various parts of your mixed heritage.

• Use "significant teachable moments," particularly those times when a child asks about diversity, or relates a school incident involving diversity, to talk about those issues as they relate to the child's own life.

• Look at your own values as a parent. Children learn most readily not from what you say, but what you do.

• Involve yourself and your children in community groups.

• Teach your children to stand up for themselves and others, including not tolerating racial slurs aimed at anyone.