Why diversity is important in children’s lives
Steve spoke on KPLR with Christine Buck regarding the origins of understanding diversity in young children.
Children begin to see others different than themselves as early as 5 months of age
Parental attitudes set the foundations for children understanding diversity. If parents want children to understand diversity it can happen. Diversity is about understanding differences, not just about race.
Infants - These are all indicators that children can understand diversity
- Children begin to see others different than themselves as early as 5 months of age
- They recognize faces and expressions
- They can tell the different scents and textures
Preschool - Conversations about diversity can be organic and natural:
- Diversity is reflected in a child’s toys, books and materials
- Encourage children to be accepting and include others in their play
- Point out similarities and differences…hair color, eye color, skin tones, etc.
Again, first and foremost, parents must want to develop children, who are accepting of differences, reflect on your own bias: dig down and look at your own childhood. Know that children deeply begin to understand the differentiation between self and others in the first three years of life.
Post by Kris Schwetye