Harmony Day celebrations this week (21 March) are an opportunity to encourage our children to learn about different cultures, make new friends and grow their own communities. So how can we encourage our children to build diverse, inclusive friendships?
If you’re part of a diverse community or friendship circle you’ll know the value of having a network of people with diverse experiences and knowledge (and delicious family recipes!). For our kids, it can be a window into a world they wouldn’t otherwise have the chance to see. It can help them grow their understanding and makes their worlds bigger and richer.
We don’t want to force friendships on our kids (it never works) and want to give them the space to be their own people and forge their own relationships. But we can also lead by example in building diverse communities so they aren’t cut off from the possibilities of connecting with people they may not otherwise meet.
So when it’s challenging enough to make friends in adulthood, how can we model diverse relationships for our kids?
If you have your own tips for building diverse communities, books or shows you’ve seen that particularly stood out, or groups that you’re a part of looking for new members, let us know about your #inclusivecommunities on social media.
We’re bringing together a community that is raising global citizens by sharing knowledge and experiences and empowering young people to reach their full potential. If you’d like to be a part of it, sign up here.