Culturally Competent Kids: Raising Children to Thrive in a Diverse World

The goal of this book is to help us raise our children to become adults with awareness of their prejudices and inherent biases in a world where differences are respected and celebrated, rather than simply tolerated. To accomplish this, we need to change the way we approach parenting. Research shows that while biases begin to develop at age 6, the basis of them begins much earlier as children can start to categorize right after birth. But diversity and culture are treated as though they are " grown-up" concepts, as if children don't recognize that diversity is all around them. As human beings, we naturally categorize. Your kids will develop preferences, prejudices, and opinions about people who are different from them. Therefore, it is important for parents to take an active role in helping their children see, understand, and develop their understanding of people and cultures that are different. As Dr. Sweeney says, " We don't have to all be friends, or even like each other, to treat each other with respect." This book provides a science-based framework with ideas and options to explore as you embark on this cultural competence journey with your kids and also with yourself.