It's important that we teach our kids how to welcome and interact with many cultures and perspectives of our world today; to develop, understand, respect and learn how to engage with the world. How do you teach your kids to be “globally aware”?
Here are simple opportunities for your child to learn and grow into global citizens.
By hanging a world map in your family room or kids’ room, you can begin to encourage your child to identify different cities, countries and geographic regions. Then begin to look at items, stories, foods music and games that come from different places. Start building global connections with the things we interact with each day and a curiosity to explore new ones.
International news reports are full of difficult subjects, but you can find gentler ways to start a conversation. Find an issue that you can explore and talk about as a family. Let your child ask questions to gain understanding. Talk about ways people might be able to help and contribute or prevent these issues.
You don't have to be an expert; all it takes is your sincere interest to show that you care about the world and what goes on in it.
Handmade art and crafts make terrific gifts. It's even better when you know the artisan benefited directly from the sale. Kids can find meaning and pride in a purchase that connects them to the world.
Offer your time and resources as a family to a cause you all are interested in. It cultivates empowerment, motivation, and a sense of global and local connection. Serving helps to make it real for both you and your kids.
Getting a global perspective can begin a family adventure that connects us with diverse communities and helps us see beyond our immediate circumstances. It also prepares kids to see the world beyond their front door, leading to greater interest in the world and how we fit into it.
Every year, YMCAs across the county participate in YMCA Peace Week, an initiative to focus attention on how we can live more harmoniously, builds awareness of peace-building work and promote ways we can build peace in our own communities. Peace building can take many forms; from ecofriendly practices that protect the environment, to anti-bullying campaigns that teach tolerance and inclusiveness, to messages that bring awareness to critical issues facing people throughout the world.
Check out YMCA Peace Week Initiatives to learn more.
Here are simple opportunities for your child to learn and grow into global citizens.
- Show them the world
By hanging a world map in your family room or kids’ room, you can begin to encourage your child to identify different cities, countries and geographic regions. Then begin to look at items, stories, foods music and games that come from different places. Start building global connections with the things we interact with each day and a curiosity to explore new ones.
- Issue of the month
International news reports are full of difficult subjects, but you can find gentler ways to start a conversation. Find an issue that you can explore and talk about as a family. Let your child ask questions to gain understanding. Talk about ways people might be able to help and contribute or prevent these issues.
You don't have to be an expert; all it takes is your sincere interest to show that you care about the world and what goes on in it.
- Give Gifts of the World
Handmade art and crafts make terrific gifts. It's even better when you know the artisan benefited directly from the sale. Kids can find meaning and pride in a purchase that connects them to the world.
- Get Involved
Offer your time and resources as a family to a cause you all are interested in. It cultivates empowerment, motivation, and a sense of global and local connection. Serving helps to make it real for both you and your kids.
Getting a global perspective can begin a family adventure that connects us with diverse communities and helps us see beyond our immediate circumstances. It also prepares kids to see the world beyond their front door, leading to greater interest in the world and how we fit into it.
Every year, YMCAs across the county participate in YMCA Peace Week, an initiative to focus attention on how we can live more harmoniously, builds awareness of peace-building work and promote ways we can build peace in our own communities. Peace building can take many forms; from ecofriendly practices that protect the environment, to anti-bullying campaigns that teach tolerance and inclusiveness, to messages that bring awareness to critical issues facing people throughout the world.
Check out YMCA Peace Week Initiatives to learn more.
