Cultivating Inclusive Kids

Written by Sheena Low

Hey there, fellow globe-trotting parents in the wild and wonderful land of Thailand! We know what it’s like to juggle Grab dinners, go on tuk-tuk adventures, and chase after little ones who seem to have more energy than a Muay Thai fighter. But amidst all the chaos, we have a crucial responsibility—to teach our mini adventurers about diversity and inclusion. Don’t worry; we’ve got your back with 12 fun and slightly silly ways to get the job done! These can all be done from the comfort of your home or elsewhere in Thailand, so you don’t need to hop on a plane to get on board with Global Diversity Awareness Month!

1. Embrace the rainbow

One of the joys of living in the Land of Smiles is the openly celebrated LGBTQ+ community! And trust us, this isn’t just about colorful parades and flashy costumes—it’s about accepting and loving people for who they are, no matter who they love, and it’s a valuable lesson we can impart to our kids. Love is love, no matter its form, and by embracing the diversity in our community, we teach our children to love and respect everyone.  regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. Thailand hosts various LGBTQ+ events and Pride parades that embody the spirit of inclusivity. Attending these events as a family can be a powerful way to show support for the LGBTQ+ community and to encourage open, age-appropriate conversations about diversity, tailored to your child’s age and understanding.

2. BAMBI: Where playdates turn into inclusive adventures

Alright, parents—it’s time to unleash the power of playdates! And when it comes to making connections, BAMBI events are where the magic happens—from soccer classes to kung fu, from music to big bashes for Halloween and Christmas (both coming up this year). Activities like these are the perfect chance for our little rockstars to share their ideas, cultures, languages, and joy, proving that friendship knows no borders.

3. Let’s play “spot the difference: culture edition”

We’re about to drop a secret parenting weapon on you—games! Turn your living room into a space where kids play “spot the difference: culture edition”. Gather pictures, books, or items from different cultures and let your tiny detectives find the unique details. Who can spot the Thai elephant amongst the Chinese dragons? The reward? High fives, hugs, and a big dose of cultural understanding!

4. Dance, sing, and tumble—around the world

Who said learning about diversity had to be boring? Crank up the tunes from different countries and have a dance party like no other. From traditional Thai music to Bollywood beats, your living room will host a dance floor extravaganza. Let your kids explore the sounds and sing songs from around the world—let’s see who can rock the karaoke mic like a pro!

5. World food Wednesday—an international feast

Are you ready for a culinary adventure? It’s time to introduce “world food Wednesday’’—an international feast right in your kitchen! Each family member chooses a dish from a different country or picks a cuisine for their week. They need to do a bit of research on the cuisine or dish of their choice and share what they learn. It’s all about trying new flavors, expanding horizons, and maybe discovering that your little one’s a pad Thai connoisseur or a sushi gastronome.

6. Binge-watch the world

Okay, I confess—I love a good Netflix binge. But instead of sticking to one show, let’s binge-watch the world. From animated tales that highlight different cultures to documentaries about people from diverse backgrounds, your kids can become little globetrotters without leaving the couch.

7. Visit temples and places of worship

Thailand’s rich tapestry of beliefs and religions provides an excellent opportunity for teaching inclusion. Take your children to visit temples, mosques, churches, and other places of worship. Emphasize the significance of these sites to different communities, and how they promote peace, love, and harmony. This experience will not only enhance their cultural understanding, but also reinforce the importance of respecting others’ faiths.

8. Engage with social initiatives

Thailand’s inclusive spirit extends beyond its borders to encompass various social initiatives that strive for equity and support marginalized communities. Get involved with these initiatives as a family, whether it’s participating in awareness walks and fundraisers, or volunteering with charities that promote inclusion. This involvement will not only teach your children about diversity but will also instill in them the value of compassion and active engagement in creating positive change.

9. Encourage cultural show and tell

Create a space for your children to share their unique cultural experiences with others. Host a “cultural show and tell” playdate where children can share traditional clothing, customs, music, or stories from their native countries. This exchange of cultural knowledge will foster mutual respect and curiosity about one another’s backgrounds. Schools in Thailand often have such activities, and if not, here’s something for the suggestion box!

10. Practice empathy and active listening

Teach your children the art of empathy and active listening. Encourage them to express their feelings and opinions openly, while acknowledging that others’ perspectives and needs may be different and that’s OK. By practicing empathy, they’ll learn to appreciate the challenges faced by people from different walks of life, fostering an inclusive and understanding mindset.

11. Toys and books: pick ‘em wisely, peeps!

Choosing toys and books is like curating your kid’s very own adventure map. Go for ones that show a cast of characters as diverse as a Bangkok street food market. When your kid’s playtime posse includes dolls of different backgrounds and abilities, and they read books that explore how different we all are, you’re basically giving them a oneway ticket to becoming a certified diversity champion. Storytime is an essential part of most bedtime routines, but why settle for the same old stories? Let’s kick it up a notch with inclusive tales that celebrate diversity. Look for books featuring characters from various backgrounds, different abilities, and family structures.

12. Mind your biases … because we all have ‘em

Ah, biases—we all have them, like that favorite food stall you visit way too often. But here’s the thing: kids are like sponges soaking everything up, including our quirky biases and unintentional stereotypes. It’s like they have a radar for sniffing out every eye roll and offhand comment. So, let’s be aware of our own biases, check them at the door, and model the open-mindedness we want our tiny humans to embody.

In a nutshell ... or maybe a coconut shell

So there you have it, dear expat comrades—12 tips to instill the values of diversity and inclusion in our kiddos. Global Diversity Awareness Month isn’t just an opportunity to wear a sombrero on Monday, a kimono on Tuesday, and a kilt on Wednesday. It’s about creating a colorful world for our kids, where differences aren’t just tolerated—they’re celebrated like the grand finale of a fireworks show.

Photos courtesy of the author and Canva.

About the Author

Sheena Low is an aspiring children’s book author, mother to two-year-old August, and runs Super Fly Honey, a pole activewear brand. In December 2020, anticipating the need for a nanny following her surprise pregnancy, she moved from Amsterdam to Bangkok. When August was born, it turned out she wanted to swap her more-than-full-time working hours for life as a full-time mom. She’s still baffled how that seismic shift of identity occurred.