Raising Culturally Aware Kids For A Global Society

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As a mother, I often catch myself repeating things my grandmother used to say, like “things aren’t the same as they used to be,” as I sigh and reminisce about my childhood. The truth is, nothing is like it used to be—and we must prepare our children to navigate this complex world. Raising culturally aware kids is essential for any parent, especially those of us raising children in a rapidly changing society that demands greater understanding.

Growing up in the Dominican Republic, I didn’t have much direct contact with people from other countries. However, my father’s love for music meant that American and British bands were always playing on the radio. From The Beatles to Jimi Hendrix to Santana, the rock and pop of the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s were as present in our home as salsa and merengue. My cultural exposure was further enriched by the many telenovelas I watched from Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela. I can confidently say I was one of the more culturally aware kids of my time—at least in the Dominican Republic.

Fast-forward to 2017, and my children have the incredible opportunity of growing up in the United States, where it’s easy to meet people from different cultures every day. Still, it’s important for me to intentionally guide them toward becoming culturally aware—sensitive, empathetic, friendly, and open-minded individuals. Many might think this is only important for people of color, but I’m here to say this is a global necessity. The sooner we start, the better.

In a world increasingly divided by cultural differences and nationalities, raising culturally aware kids is imperative if we want less violence and more prosperity. As parents, we have the power to shape the citizens of the future, and it’s clear we need a shift in direction if we want societies that thrive in peace. Much of the violence we see today stems from intolerance and a lack of understanding of other cultures—a fear of the unknown.

Let’s commit to raising the next generation of peacekeepers, bridge-builders, and connectors by giving them the gift of understanding through knowledge.

Culturally Aware Kids: 5 Parenting Tips

1. Be a Cultural Ambassador

I always tell people from different backgrounds raising kids in the United States that they are their children’s main cultural touchstone when it comes to their country of origin and heritage. To raise culturally aware kids, awareness must start with their own cultural identity. Teaching children about your own culture—or cultures, if you and your partner come from different backgrounds—is crucial to giving them a strong foundation and a sense of pride. A strong identity helps children appreciate the beauty of other cultures while feeling grounded in their own.

2. Choose Schools Wisely & Be Involved

Depending on where you live, you may or may not have access to diverse schools. If you do, consider a bilingual or dual-language program if one is available, as many schools across the U.S. now offer these options. If diverse schools are not an option, your involvement becomes even more important. You can bring cultural diversity into the classroom by suggesting books, helping organize activities, and volunteering to share your own culture with your child’s peers.

3. Engage Them in Non-Traditional Cultural Activities

While typical extracurriculars might feel limited (ballet, tap, basketball, baseball, etc.), exploring beyond them can open unexpected doors. For example, my daughter is part of a Mexican folk dance group, and she loves it. Even though we are Dominican, I want her to experience the richness of Mexican colors and rhythms as a way to expand her worldview. My son is about to start soccer, which is less common in Dominican culture, where baseball is deeply rooted. These experiences not only build cultural awareness but also help them respect and appreciate different traditions, people, and perspectives.

4. The Gift of Travel

Traveling enriches a person’s life in countless ways. If you can take your kids overseas to experience different cultures, do it. However, for large families like mine, international travel can be cost-prohibitive. Don’t let that discourage you. Living in the United States offers a unique opportunity to experience many cultures without leaving the country.

Plan road trips to national parks and teach your kids about Native American tribes and their histories and customs. Visit major cities like New York or Chicago and explore neighborhoods that reflect Chinese, Italian, Colombian, Indian, and many other cultures. With some research, you can create powerful learning experiences close to home. Raising culturally aware kids also means teaching them that being American is inherently multicultural. They’ll learn that while everyone is different, those differences are what make this country so rich and unique.

5. A Day in the Life

A friend of mine, a teacher for over 20 years, shared a wonderful idea for cultural immersion without leaving home. This “staycation” involves transforming your home into a different country for a day. The night before, after the kids go to sleep, decorate the house, prepare “passports” (you can find them at dollar stores), and gather music, books, history, and food from the chosen country.

In the morning, wake them up with a suitcase by their bed and invite them to “travel” with you. Spend the day eating traditional foods, reading books, dancing to music, and watching a film from that country. It’s a fun, engaging, and educational experience—especially perfect for summer when there’s no homework or school rush.

The best part of raising culturally aware kids, in my opinion, is that you grow and learn alongside them. It expands your own worldview and deepens your appreciation for other cultures and the beauty of diversity.

I’d love to hear from you: What are your tips for raising culturally aware kids?

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