11 Ways to Build a Foundation of Inclusion in Your Child

28 Mar 2024

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Creating a foundation of inclusion in children is crucial for building a future generation that embraces diversity and treats everyone with respect. By instilling values of acceptance and empathy early on, parents can play a significant role in shaping their child’s worldview. In this blog post, we will explore 11 practical ways to foster a sense of inclusion in your child!

 

Lead by Example


Children learn through observation, so modeling inclusive behavior is essential. Show kindness, respect, and acceptance towards people from different backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. Embrace diversity in your own relationships and encourage your child to do the same.

Not quite sure how to proactively lead by example, or where to start? Read on!

This is the most powerful influence in building a foundation of inclusion for your child, so you will notice us reference role modeling throughout this post.

 

Teach Empathy


Help your child develop empathy by discussing others’ perspectives and feelings. Encourage them to imagine themselves in someone else’s shoes and consider how their actions might impact others. Empathy lays the foundation for understanding and acceptance.

 

  1. Model Empathy:
    • Children learn by observing adults. Show empathy in your interactions with others.
    • When your child is upset, acknowledge their feelings and provide comfort. Let them see how you respond with kindness and understanding.
  2. Discuss Feelings:
    • Talk openly about emotions. Help your child recognize different feelings and understand that everyone experiences them.
    • Use age-appropriate language to discuss emotions and situations.
  3. Practice Active Listening:
    • Encourage your child to listen attentively when others speak.
    • Teach them to ask questions and show interest in understanding someone else’s perspective.
  4. Read Empathy-Related Books:
    • Choose books that highlight empathy, kindness, and understanding.
    • Discuss the characters’ feelings and actions with your child.
  5. Role-Play Scenarios:
    • Create scenarios where your child can step into someone else’s shoes.
    • Role-play situations like sharing toys, resolving conflicts, or comforting a friend.
  6. Use Nonverbal Cues:
    • Teach your child to pay attention to body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice.
    • Discuss how these cues convey feelings and emotions.
  7. Be Ready to Adapt:
    • Every child is unique. Adjust your approach based on their personality, age, and developmental stage.
    • Be patient and consistent in reinforcing empathetic behaviors.

 

Read Inclusive Books

 

Introduce your child to diverse characters and stories that celebrate differences. Choose picture books that highlight various cultures, abilities, and experiences. Reading such stories will broaden their understanding and nurture empathy.

Aside from our own book, The Butterfly Pig, there are SO many wonderful children’s books that teach about inclusion or help educate about differences. Here are just a few of our recommendations!

 

  1. Preschoolers and Early Elementary:
    • “A Big Mooncake for Little Star” by Grace Lin: A beautifully illustrated book that subtly teaches about family bonds, traditions, and sharing 1.
    • “Sulwe” by Lupita Nyong’o: Follows a young girl who learns to embrace her beauty and value, despite feeling self-conscious about her dark skin 1.
  2. Elementary School-Aged Kids:
    • “Those Shoes” by Maribeth Boelts: Explores generosity and selflessness when faced with peer pressure, emphasizing acceptance and friendship 2.
    • “Can I Play Too?” by Mo Willems: A heartwarming story about inclusion, friendship, and finding creative solutions 3.
  3. Middle-Grade Readers:
    • “The Invisible Boy” by Trudy Ludwig: Brian, the invisible boy, discovers the power of kindness and inclusion. Encourages reaching out to others 4.
    • “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio: A powerful novel about a boy with facial differences navigating school and friendships. Teaches empathy and acceptance 5.
  4. Young Adults:
    • “Out of My Mind” by Sharon M. Draper: Follows the journey of a brilliant girl with cerebral palsy. Challenges stereotypes and promotes understanding 5.
    • “Fish in a Tree” by Lynda Mullaly Hunt: A heartwarming story about a dyslexic girl finding her place in a new school. Highlights empathy and resilience 5.
  5. All Ages:
    • “All Are Welcome” by Alexandra Penfold: Celebrates diversity, inclusion, and the sense of belonging in a school community 1.
    • “Last Stop on Market Street” by Matt de la Peña: Explores kindness, joy, and empathy in everyday life as a boy and his grandmother ride the bus through their diverse city 1.

 

Encourage Questions


Welcome your child’s curiosity about differences. Encourage them to ask questions respectfully and provide age-appropriate answers. This open dialogue fosters understanding and shows your child that differences are not something to be afraid of but to be embraced.

Here are some commonly asked questions by kids, and some examples of how you can address them:

 

  1. “Why do some people look different from me?”
    • Response: “People come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Our differences make the world interesting! Just like how flowers in a garden are different but beautiful, people’s appearances vary too. It’s what’s inside that truly matters.”
  2. “Why does my friend use a wheelchair?”
    • Response: “Some people’s bodies work differently. Your friend uses a wheelchair to help them move around. It’s important to treat everyone kindly and include them in our games, just like we would with any other friend!”
  3. “Why does my classmate speak a different language?”
    • Response: “Languages are like secret codes! Your classmate speaks a different language because they come from another country or culture. Learning about their language and culture can be exciting. Maybe you can even learn a few words together!”
  4. “Why does that boy wear hearing aids?”
    • Response: “Some people need hearing aids to help them hear better. It’s like wearing glasses for our ears! We can be good friends by speaking clearly and making sure everyone feels included.”
  5. “Why does my sister have two moms?”
    • Response: “Families come in all shapes too! Some families have a mom and a dad, while others have two moms or two dads. What matters most is that families love and care for each other.”
  6. “Why does my friend have darker skin than mine?”
    • Response: “Skin color is like our unique paintbrush. Some people have lighter skin, and some have darker skin. It’s what’s inside our hearts that truly matters. Let’s celebrate our differences!”
  7. “Why does that girl wear a headscarf?”
    • Response: “The headscarf is part of her culture or religion. Just like how we wear different clothes, she chooses to wear a headscarf. It’s wonderful how we all express ourselves differently through clothing. Differences are what make the world so beautiful!”

 

Celebrate Diversity


Highlight the beauty of diversity in everyday life. Attend multicultural events, explore different cuisines, and celebrate holidays from various cultures. Emphasize that diversity enriches our lives and allows us to learn from one another.

Celebrating diversity as a family is a wonderful way to teach children about acceptance, empathy, and the beauty of different cultures. Here are some creative ideas:

 

  1. Explore Multicultural Cuisine:
    • Cook together: Try making dishes from various cuisines. Explore flavors from different countries and regions.
    • Learn about food traditions: Discuss the significance of certain ingredients or cooking methods. Share stories about family recipes.
  2. Read Diverse Books:
    • Create a diverse bookshelf: Collect books that feature characters from different backgrounds, cultures, and abilities.
    • Read together: Engage in discussions about the stories, characters, and themes. Encourage empathy and understanding.
  3. Attend Cultural Events and Festivals:
    • Local celebrations: Participate in cultural festivals, parades, and events happening in your community.
    • Learn about traditions: Research the history and meaning behind these celebrations. Involve your kids in crafts, music, or dance related to the event.
  4. Learn Basic Phrases in Different Languages:
    • Language exploration: Introduce phrases like “hello,” “thank you,” and “goodbye” in various languages.
    • Online language lessons: Use language-learning apps or videos to explore new words and phrases together.
  5. Explore Art and Music:
    • Art appreciation: Visit museums or art galleries featuring diverse artists. Discuss different styles and cultural influences.
    • Music exploration: Listen to music from around the world. Dance, sing, or play instruments together.
  6. Visit Cultural Centers and Museums:
    • Field trips: Plan visits to cultural centers, museums, or exhibits that showcase different traditions, history, and art.
    • Interactive learning: Engage in hands-on activities or workshops related to the exhibits.
  7. Learn About Family Heritage:
    • Family tree project: Create a family tree together. Discuss ancestors, their origins, and family traditions.
    • Share stories: Encourage grandparents or older family members to share stories about their upbringing and experiences.
  8. Watch Diverse Films and Documentaries:
    • Movie nights: Host family movie nights featuring films from different countries or cultures.
    • Discuss themes: After watching, talk about the characters, settings, and cultural aspects portrayed.
  9. Volunteer Together:
    • Community service: Participate in volunteer activities that promote inclusivity and support diverse populations.
    • Discuss impact: Talk about how volunteering helps others and contributes to a more compassionate world.

 

Foster Inclusive Friendships


Encourage your child to make friends with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Support their friendships and guide them on how to be inclusive, understanding, and respectful towards their friends’ unique experiences.

Here are some effective ways to approach this conversation:

 

  1. Define Inclusive Friendships:
    • Start with the basics: Explain that an inclusive friendship means being open to playing and spending time with all kinds of people, regardless of their differences.
    • Use relatable examples: Share stories about how friends can include others during playtime, lunch, or group activities.
  2. Discuss Empathy and Kindness:
    • Empathy: Teach your child to imagine how others feel. Ask questions like, “How would you feel if you were left out?” or “How can we make someone else feel welcome?”
    • Kindness: Explain that being kind means treating everyone with respect and making an effort to include others.
  3. Explore Different Perspectives:
    • Ask questions: Encourage your child to think about what it’s like to be in someone else’s shoes. For instance, “How do you think your friend feels when they’re left out?”
    • Share personal experiences: Talk about times when you felt included or excluded. Discuss how it made you feel and what you learned from those situations.
  4. Role-Play Scenarios:
    • Act it out: Pretend-play scenarios where one child is left out, and another child invites them to join. Practice saying things like, “Come play with us!” or “You’re welcome to sit with us.”

 

Address Stereotypes


There will likely be situations where your child is exposed to stereotypes, whether it be from outdated books or media, or in the community. Instead of ignoring those comments, discuss the stereotypes with your child and challenge them. Teach them that stereotypes are not accurate representations of individuals or groups. Encourage critical thinking and help them understand that each person is unique.

This is particularly important when watching old movies or shows. You may have noticed that Disney now displays a message addressing this prior to the older movies and shows that may include stereotypes.

Instead of shying away from watching these movies, it is a wonderful opportunity to address the stereotype and be the one to educate your child about it. They WILL see these stereotypes at some point, so now is your opportunity to frame how they internalize this.

 

  1. Acknowledge the Past:
    • Explain that some older Disney movies were made a long time ago when people had different ideas about what was acceptable.
    • Let them know that these movies may contain stereotypes or portray certain groups in a way that we now recognize as harmful.
  2. Use Age-Appropriate Language:
    • Tailor your explanation to your child’s age and understanding.
    • For younger kids, you can say, “Sometimes movies show people in ways that aren’t fair or true. We know better now, and we learn from these mistakes.”
  3. Watch Together and Discuss:
    • Choose a classic Disney movie that contains stereotypes (e.g., “Dumbo,” “Peter Pan,” or “The Jungle Book”).
    • While watching, pause and discuss any problematic scenes. Ask questions like, “Why do you think they showed it this way?” or “How would you feel if someone treated you like that?”
  4. Highlight Positive Aspects:
    • Point out positive messages or characters in the movie. For example, “Even though there are stereotypes, we can still enjoy the fun parts of the story.”
    • Discuss characters who challenge stereotypes or show kindness and acceptance.
  5. Compare with Modern Movies:
    • Watch a more recent Disney movie (e.g., “Moana” or “Frozen”) alongside an older one.
    • Discuss how newer movies have improved in their portrayal of diverse characters and cultures.
  6. Discuss Real-Life Examples:
    • Share stories of real people who have overcome stereotypes or worked to change unfair perceptions.
    • Talk about how we can treat everyone with kindness and respect, regardless of their background.
  7. Empower Critical Thinking:
    • Encourage your child to think critically about media. Ask questions like, “Why do you think the filmmakers made these choices?” or “What would you do differently?”
    • Teach them to recognize stereotypes and question them

 

Volunteer and Give Back


Engage in community service activities that support inclusivity and equality. Volunteer at organizations that promote understanding or work with individuals with different abilities. This hands-on experience will foster empathy and compassion.

Here are some ways YOU can start looking up volunteering opportunities with your family:

 

  1. VolunteerMatch:
    • VolunteerMatch is a platform that connects volunteers with nonprofit organizations. You can search for volunteer opportunities based on your location, interests, and availability. It’s a great place to find local events and causes you’re passionate about1.
  2. Mobilize:
    • Mobilize provides information about events, petitions, volunteer opportunities, and fundraisers organized by charities, campaigns, political organizations, grassroots groups, and other volunteers. You can search for local events in your area2.
  3. Create the Good:
    • Create the Good offers a volunteer search tool where you can find community service opportunities near you. It’s a great resource for connecting with local volunteer events34.
  4. United Way Worldwide:
    • United Way offers volunteer opportunities globally. You can search for local volunteer events and join their global community of game changers who give back to their communities5.

 

Teach Conflict Resolution


Help your child develop conflict resolution skills that promote understanding and inclusivity. Encourage them to listen actively, communicate effectively, and find common ground when resolving conflicts with others.

 

  1. Encourages Collaboration and Cooperation:
    • Inclusive conflict resolution emphasizes collaboration over competition.
    • When people work together to find common ground, they learn to appreciate each other’s strengths and contributions.
  2. Fosters Respect and Valuing Differences:
    • Conflict resolution teaches us to respect individual differences and cultural backgrounds.
    • By actively seeking solutions, we demonstrate that everyone’s voice matters.
  3. Models Inclusive Behavior:
    • When conflict is resolved inclusively, it sets an example for others.
    • It shows that differences can be addressed constructively, leading to stronger relationships.

 

Support Inclusive Media


Select age-appropriate TV shows, movies, and online content that promote inclusivity and celebrate diversity. Screen media choices to ensure they reflect positive messages and diverse representations.

Here are just a few newer shows that promote inclusion and diversity:

 

  1. “Mira, Royal Detective”:
    • Description: An animated series featuring Mira, a brave and resourceful young girl who solves mysteries in the fictional kingdom of Jalpur. The show celebrates Indian culture, music, and traditions.
    • Where to Watch: Available on Disney Junior1.
  2. “Doc McStuffins”:
    • Description: Follows a young girl named Doc who can “fix” toys and stuffed animals. The show features a Black girl as the lead character and emphasizes empathy, problem-solving, and inclusivity.
    • Where to Watch: Available on Disney Junior1.
  3. “Nella the Princess Knight”:
    • Description: An animated series that challenges traditional gender roles. Nella is a princess who also doubles as a knight, demonstrating courage, kindness, and leadership.
    • Where to Watch: Available on Nick Jr. and streaming platforms1.
  4. “Blue’s Clues & You”:
    • Description: A reboot of the classic show Blue’s Clues, this interactive series features a new host, Josh, who engages with viewers and encourages problem-solving.
    • Where to Watch: Available on Nickelodeon1.
  5. “Odd Squad”:
    • Description: A live-action and animated series where young agents use math skills to solve peculiar problems. The diverse cast showcases teamwork and creativity.
    • Where to Watch: Available on PBS Kids1.
  6. “Molly of Denali”:
    • Description: An animated show that follows Molly, an Alaska Native girl, as she explores her heritage, solves mysteries, and celebrates her culture.
    • Where to Watch: Available on PBS Kids2.
  7. “Glitch Techs”:
    • Description: An animated series about two teens who battle video game monsters. The show features diverse characters and explores themes of friendship and teamwork.
    • Where to Watch: Available on Netflix1.

 

Seek out Inclusive Toys

Aside from our inclusive medical toys, of course!

 

Miniland’s emoti-blocks are a wonderful resource for promoting and discussing diversity.

Mattel is also starting to expand their Barbie collection with medical differences and more diverse body types and skin tones.

There are now dolls with prosthetic legs, wheelchairs, Vitiligo, hearing aids, and Down Syndrome!

We have even started designing some of our inclusive accessories to be sized to fit these dolls.

We have barbie-sized Ear Defenders and a Scoliosis Back Brace.

These beautiful plush diversity dolls are awesome because they come in a bundle and are so affordable!

LEGO even makes a doll with a limb difference!

 

Building a foundation of inclusion in your child is an ongoing process that requires time, effort, and intentionality. By incorporating these 11 strategies into your parenting approach, you can foster acceptance, empathy, and a deep appreciation for diversity in your child’s life.

Remember, the impact of raising inclusive children extends far beyond their immediate surroundings, contributing to a more inclusive and compassionate society as a whole!