8 Tips On Teaching Children About Inclusivity

Inclusivity (or inclusion) has been a hot topic in today’s society. You might come across conversations that implore people to be more “inclusive” towards others. Inclusion is also a burning topic in schools, and other places that children may frequent.

But what is inclusion? And how should you teach your child about the topic? 

This guide will provide an explanation on what inclusivity is, and how you can help your child be more inclusive in their everyday life. 

What Is Inclusion?

“Inclusion ensures that everyone – no matter who they are – are included in the same opportunities and activities as others,” says Ingrid Warner, an educational blogger at Boomessays and Resumention. “This is especially important for children, since they’re often seen communicating and interacting with each other at school, or anywhere else. Inclusion accounts for any child, no matter their race and gender, no matter their family’s financial status, no matter their disability, and so on.”

Next, we will show you 8 helpful tips on teaching children to be more inclusive:

1. Teach Them To Include Others

Social interaction starts with introducing oneself. Rather than hide behind a smartphone or mobile device, children can start a conversation with others. Children are always exposed to other children in the classroom, during recess, at lunchtime, and even before and after school. In that case, teach your child to include others in class groups, playtime, etc.

2. Show Them How To Behave Inclusively

Behavior matters. Therefore, it’s important to show your child how to behave in ways that help them to be more inclusive to others. 

Here are some characteristics of behaving inclusively:

• Respecting others
• Allowing others to express themselves
• Refraining from saying hurtful things to others
• Refraining from physically and emotionally harming others, and so on.

3. Teach Them To Listen And Empathize

Listening is crucial to effective communication. Listening allows for someone to fully understand another person or group. In other words, no one likes to feel ignored.

Therefore, make sure that your child can be a good listener at all times. Have them learn to empathize with others, meaning that they understand what people are going through. Being empathetic makes you be a better friend to others. 

4. Encourage Questions

There used to be a notion that asking too many questions was “rude,” and that it was being “intrusive.” But in today’s world, children ask many questions. Why? Because children often see things everyday whether at school, on television, or places that they go all the time. 

So, be more open to answering any questions that children might have, and then answer to the best of your ability. Don’t dismiss their questions as unimportant or repetitive. 

5. Grow Their Interest In Different Cultures

Today, we live in a world that embraces many different cultures. It’s important to show how important different cultures by allowing your child to explore them. If they see a culture that they like, or have questions about, talk to them about it. If they want to go even farther with that interesting culture, then don’t be afraid to share in their interest. 

6. Discourage “In-Crowd” Ideology

Too often, people hear about the “in-crowds,” which are often breeding grounds for exclusion. If you suspect that your child doesn’t feel that they “fit in” at school or anywhere else, sit down with them, and ask them what’s going on. Then, tell them that “in-crowds” are never the “best crowd.” 

7. Consult The Right Resources

“Often, parents need all the help they can get, when talking about inclusion to children,” says Carlos Whitman, a writer at Viawriting and Best Essay Writing Service. “In that case, parents can turn to valuable resources like teachers, educators, and even counselors for helpful tips and conversations on how to teach inclusivity to children. Parents can even learn how to spot exclusivity, and how they can encourage more positive friendships and groups.”

8. Practice What You Preach

Finally, it’s imperative that you set a good example for the children. In other words, practice inclusivity yourself in your everyday life – at work, at church, at hangouts, at volunteering events, and so on. Children learn from adults; therefore, modelling inclusion yourself is a must.

Conclusion

As you can see, discussions and encouragement of inclusivity are part of today’s world. So, let’s make sure that children and the generation after that are practicing being kind and respectful to one another without the fear of judgment and exclusion. By following these tips, you’ll make your child a champion of inclusion!

Emily Henry is a writer at Research Paper Writing Services and Subjecto. She is also a contributing writer and tutor at Writing Populist. As a content writer, she writes about diversity, social justice, and educational reform.