50+ Lifestyles

The Culturally Competent Family

By Lindsey Hornbaker
Community Education Program Manager
Child Abuse Council

When I was a child, my family welcomed a Malaysian exchange student from a local college into our home, offering friendship and support as she navigated a new culture. Our new friend invited other international students to visit us as well, and soon our home became a cultural hub. This experience brought the world to life for me – I learned about life in Malaysia, was exposed to authentic Indian cuisine, and tried on traditional Chinese clothing. As a child, I was thrilled to have such interesting friends. As an adult, I realize the experience was invaluable.

In a region that is becoming increasingly diverse, we are faced with the task of preparing our children for success in a multicultural community. The key to successful conversations with our children about cultural diversity often lies in our perspective – if we consider culture as simply a distinct collection of beliefs, values, and customs, we can decrease any feelings of anxiety and discomfort surrounding the concept. When we explore new cultural ideas with our children, we should strive to identify the similarities that make us all human while recognizing how special the things are that make us unique from one another. Create space for conversation around culture. Be open to allowing your children to ask questions about differences they see in the people of your community. Cultural awareness can be an opportunity to embrace rather than a challenge to overcome.

Perhaps the easiest step you can take in becoming a more culturally savvy family is to be intentional about connecting with the people in your circle – be it your next-door neighbors, the cashier at the grocery store, or your child’s teacher. You may be surprised at what your family can learn from those you already come in contact with on a regular basis. Even if the people around you look, dress, and talk just like you, their life experiences may prove to be much different. Cultural diversity in your neighborhood might look like an elderly couple who experienced the Depression, a girl being raised by foster parents, a boy who speaks in sign language, or a Sudanese refugee family. It’s important to recognize that your family’s own customs, beliefs, and values add to the cultural diversity of the community – as you invest in relationships with your neighbors, you are adding to their cultural intelligence just as they are adding to yours.

Facilitate opportunities for your children to experience different cultures in positive, fun ways. The Quad Cities region is home to a multitude of cultural festivals and celebrations year-round which offer exposure to food, music, and art from around the world. You may wish to spend some time volunteering as a family with organizations that reach those whose cultural experiences might be different than yours – historically, socioeconomically, ethnically, or religious. Visit the library and check out books about children whose family lives look different from yours. As you create these experiences, enjoy the chance to connect with your child as the world comes to life in a new and exciting way.

For more information about the Child Abuse Council’s prevention, education and treatment programs, you can visit us at www.childabuseqc.org or call (309) 736-7170