The Key to Raising an Inclusive Child

Teaching children about inclusivity is an important and necessary task for parents, but it can sometimes feel daunting. How do you explain such a complex concept to young minds in a way that they can understand and embrace? 

Inclusivity means including everyone, regardless of their background, abilities, or beliefs. It's about treating others with kindness and respect, no matter how different they may be from us. 

The first step in teaching children about inclusivity is to lead by example. Show them through your actions that you value diversity and inclusion. Encourage them to play with children from different cultural backgrounds, and teach them to embrace their differences rather than fear them.

One way to explain inclusivity to children is by using simple, relatable examples. You could explain that just like how they wouldn't want to be left out of a game, it's important not to leave others out. Help them understand that everyone deserves to feel included and valued.

You can also read books or watch movies that feature diverse characters and stories. This can help children understand that the world is made up of people from all walks of life, and that we should celebrate those differences rather than discriminate against them.

It's important to talk openly with your children about inclusivity, especially when they witness discrimination or exclusion. Teach them that standing up for others and speaking out against unfair treatment is a powerful way to promote inclusivity.

Encourage your children to ask questions and express their thoughts and feelings about inclusivity. It's okay if they don't fully understand the concept at first; the most important thing is to foster open and honest conversations.

By teaching children about inclusivity, parents are helping to shape a future generation that values and respects diversity. It's a crucial lesson that can make a positive impact, not only in their lives, but in the lives of others as well.

Author

Dr. Muhammad Zeshan My name is Muhammad Zeshan, MD, and I am a Harvard trained infant, child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist at Inside Out, a private practice based in Princeton, New Jersey. I am currently working as an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School-Newark, New Jersey. Through Inside Out CURE, my focus is to help individuals become more Compassionate, Understanding, and aware of their inner strength and vulnerabilities, while developing Resilience and Empathy. I offer a variety of mental health care services to all age groups (infancy through adulthood) by applying principals of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, positive psychology, family therapy, parent-child intervention therapy, pharmacology, and neuroscience.