Being a mom of three elementary school-aged children teaches me one thing: nature is stronger than nurture. You cannot change the nature of your children, but you can nurture and cultivate the best version of who they are.
From the moment a child is born, they form ideas about how they relate to others and their environment by testing boundaries, challenging rules, and studying the reactions they get. As parents or guardians, we need to channel their desire to understand toward the biggest arena – the world.
Being globally minded opens more doors and breaks down barriers, allowing our children to imagine life beyond borders. So, what life skills can we prepare our children with to think globally?
1. Foreign Languages
Knowing other languages allows children to communicate with people from different countries and connect with their cultures. Even simple ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ in different languages will inspire smiles in native speakers.
2. Art
Art education teaches cultural awareness. A walk through a museum can show our children the important role artists play as social commentators and historical recorders. Seeing art from other cultures also teaches them that beauty comes in many colors and shapes. Museums usually offer a free day that you can bring your kids to explore works of art at no cost.
3. Music
We all know that music affects mood, but studies have also shown it to affect perspectives. Pro-social music (ex. ‘Help’ by the Beatles, and ‘R.E.S.P.E.C.T.’ by Aretha Franklin) can even lead people to be more considerate and empathetic. Music is also an international language that serves as a common bond. Learning piano from a high school student is an affordable option.
3. Empathy and compassion
Children learn empathy and compassion by being involved in activities that require them to do things for others and imagine themselves in their shoes. It exposes them to different ideas and perspectives. We can teach them these skills by talking about the challenges people face and what they can do to help. It can be donating toys to children in need, helping a friend in trouble, collecting toiletries for a half-way house, or walking a sick neighbor’s dog.
4. Social and team building skills
If you’ve ever heard ‘So and so doesn’t want to play with me,” you know how important fitting in is to your child. They can learn these skills by joining an organized sport or a group activity that teaches them to work with others toward a common goal. It can also help kids deal with conflicts in a productive way.
5. Flexibility and Adaptability
Being flexible and adaptable allows us to be open to change and the different ways people do things. We can teach our children by showing them that being out of their comfort zone is not a bad thing and even fun! It’s as easy as trying recipes from a different culture or as involved as traveling abroad. Here are recipes on how to make Thai chicken green curry and Vietnamese Chả Cá La Vong or turmeric fish with dills (pictured above).
What other ideas have you used to prepare your child to become globally minded?