Features
Cultural Competency for Kids (and Adults)
Jinny Hopp, Human Development Specialist, University of Missouri Extension
Cultural competence is defined as the ability of individuals to work or respond effectively across cultures in a way that acknowledges and respects the culture of another. Culturally competent youth are respectful of the values, beliefs, traditions, and customs of others.
Cultural competency is taught as parents, teachers, and
other role models for children teach children how to
show respect. The beginnings of respect are found within
the home where parents show consideration for each other
by listening when the other talks, help each other with
household tasks and childrearing. For very young
children these behaviors allow trust to develop. As the
child becomes able to do things for himself he gains
confidence in his ability to interact with others
safely. Children are naturally curious. All these
factors create an ideal environment for children to
learn about the traditions of other cultures as they
encounter them in the community or school.
Scholars agree that the first step to understanding
another is to understand you. If we encourage our
children and youth to learn about their own heritage we
give them a foundation for understanding others.
Experience is the best teacher for this learning. Here
are some ideas for learning more about yourself as well
as others:
- Explore the place where you were born – talk with your children / grandchildren about it
- Learn about your own ethnic background – share what you learn with others
- Teach your children about their heritage – explain why you celebrate special days
- Listen to music from a variety of sources – take a friend or relative with you to a concert
- Taste foods from around the globe – compare the various ways people prepare the same foods
- Attend a festival or fair to learn more about others – take the opportunity to ask questions about the exhibits from the people displaying them
- Tune into educational television programs – talk with others about what you have seen
- Consider learning another language – a few words can be very helpful when needed
- Interview your elders to learn more about your family history – share it with younger family members
- Visit other places – when you go shop where the locals shop, ride the local transit, look for neighborhood eateries, people want to “practice” English with you if their language is not English
- Assist children in learning appropriate ways to respect others when you disagree with them – practice how to say “no thank you” when asked to do something you do not wish to do
- Teach children to listen to others, ask questions for clarification and respond respectfully
- Volunteer to host visitors from other places – share your culture with them
Cultural competence will be required of the citizens
of the world in the future for business and pleasure. A
family can assist their children in becoming culturally
competent. The best time for children to learn these
skills is early and the best teachers are parents,
grandparents, aunts, and uncles.
For more information, see:
Williams, B. (2001). Accomplishing cross-cultural
competence in youth development programs. Journal of
Extension, 39. Available at:
http://www.joe.org/joe/2001december/iw1.html
Last Updated 10/05/2007
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