Raising an empathetic, culturally competent teen is no easy feat. You may be wondering, “how do I even begin to teach my child to be accepting of other cultures?” Teenage years are pivotal for your child because it’s the time they truly begin to understand their own identity. Whether they’re in middle school or just starting out at a new high school, these are the years where they shape their attitudes towards other people and their differences.
Practice Empathy
Walking in someone else’s shoes is much easier said than done. Teach your teen to always celebrate and embrace others’ differences’, rather than leaning towards judgment and intolerance. When you view differences in a positive way, you cultivate empathy and respect. Show them that intolerance is harmful and hurtful.
Empathy is a daily practice. Displaying compassion, kindness, and acceptance won’t come overnight but if you continue to remind yourself to practice it — it’ll become second nature!
Exposure To Other Cultures
Every person your child meets will bring a different religion, different traditions, and a unique family history to the table. The best way to grow and master cultural competency is to continue to expose yourself and your child to new people who can not only change their worldview, but also help them become more cognizant of privilege, racial bias, and inequity.
Lead By Example
The most powerful role model is you! Practicing what you preach as a parent is vital to ensuring your child’s cultural competence. If you exhibit sensitivity, empathy, and acceptance for the cultures and religions of others — you’ll teach your kids to do the same! Don’t shy away from having in-depth conversations about diversity and inclusion. Discrimination is a heavy topic and it manifests itself in many ways in our society. Having a healthy dialogue about discrimination with your teens/tweens will give them insight on how to have respect for others’ differences. Teaching your child respect and sensitivity toward other cultures, races, and religions starts with you!
For more on how to teach your teens to be culturally competent, reach out to Coach Red, a Delray Beach life coach. We are here to make families safe, to have children be heard and loved. Be sure to subscribe to Coach Red on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn so you don’t miss any of these great topics.