I feel fortunate to be raising my kids in a connected world where global citizenship is the way of the future. One of my deepest desires as a parent is to encourage their curiosity about the world and all the different people in it. And I hope to lay a foundation now that will help them thrive in the global workplace of the future.
I’m thankful that my kids are growing up with a blend of Brazilian and American cultures and languages at home. I hope it helps them understand and appreciate diversity from a young age.
And on top of that, I’m thankful to raise them in the Florida melting pot, where there are opportunities all around for kids to be exposed to new cultures, languages and ideas. I believe that if we want to encourage global citizenship in our kids, it’s critical that we embrace those opportunities and approach them with curiosity rather than fear or judgment.
How can we get our kids to be more accepting of their differences? Inspire them to think outside of themselves, their culture, their comfort zone.
Step 1: Encourage Kids’ Natural Curiosity
To cultivate global citizenship in our kids, help them get inspired by the world and its diverse cultures. Even if it’s not feasible for you to hop an airplane, you can help kids experience other cultures with just a tank full of gas and an open mind. Plan adventures outside of your area of town.
Food tells us a lot about cultures so seek out the little restaurants and markets serving authentic food from cultures around the globe. And don’t just eat, talk and visit with the people whose lives have been shaped by that cuisine. You never know how much you have in common with someone until you share a meal.
Lucky for us, we are surrounded by different cultures and languages in our Central Florida community. We love eating at the many authentic Latin restaurants Tampa is known for, as well as Mediterranean and Asian spots.
Tampa’s Thai Buddhist Temple is one of our favorite food and cultural adventure spots close to home.
Step 2: Teach Them About the World
While my kids are constantly learning about different parts of the world, I recognize that they really don’t have any idea where these places are yet. In their minds, Brazil could just be a slightly longer car ride south past Gigi’s house.
One day, while staring at a huge blank wall we had between the kids’ bedrooms, I had a light bulb moment. I asked my husband to paint this wall blue without any idea of what I wanted to do with it. But suddenly, this big blue wall looked like a vast ocean just waiting for the continents to fill it up.
With a map staring at us every day, I could much more easily help my kids understand where our extended family lives, where our friends and neighbors hail from, and where different places they hear about in our day-to-day life are in relation to us. I want to encourage their curiosity and help them discover the world even from the comfort of our home.
Looking around on Amazon, I found the perfect extra-large, kid-friendly and colorful world map wall decal. My eager little helpers had a blast piecing the world together with me. The animals and landmarks sprinkled across the map fascinated them.
Just placing the decals in the right spots sparked so many questions and observations from my five-year-old son.
“Mommy, look it’s Moana’s people!” he said excitedly when we added the South Pacific islands that came topped with an island man. “What’s this place with the pandas called? I want to go there!”
After pointing out where Florida sits, I showed him the route that airplanes fly when they leave Tampa for our family members’ home cities in Brazil.
Next stop: mark places we want to visit and the places we’ve been.
Step 3: Find Common Ground Everywhere You Go
As the kids get old enough to understand how big and exciting the world is, I’m looking forward to helping them grow up with a global mindset. I want them to know that it’s ok to be curious and to be different. There is so much we can learn from people who have grown up in other cultures and with different experiences than we’ve had.
My husband and I are two very different people who grew up in very different parts of the world with very different cultures. Somehow, we still developed very similar values and interests. You can always find common ground if you approach every person and situation with curiosity.
It makes me sad to see what a divided world we live in right now. As a parent with a global mindset, I feel called to teach my children to love all people, love themselves and love our differences. If we approach other people and their cultures with love, curiosity and courage, we will pave the way for a more accepting, more peaceful and more united world.
Global Citizenship is a Plus for Everybody
“If I am an advocate for anything, it is to move. As far as you can, as much as you can. Across the ocean, or simply across the river. Walk in someone else’s shoes or at least eat their food. It’s a plus for everybody.”
– Anthony Bourdain, 1956-2018
