Teaching Kids to Embrace Diversity

As some people may know, I am a homeschool mom. So I get the pleasure of teaching Max from a curriculum that created just for him. My time homeschooling has taught me that kids can learn anything if you take the time to teach them.

Whether you are a homeschool family or not, I believe this simple list of things can be done in your home so you can teach your children to not just tolerate the differences of others, but embrace them.

Things To Do At Home:

1. Celebrate cultural history months: Use these cultural months to learn about the works and accomplishments of the group of people. Take time to participate in planned activities that celebrate the cultures of others. Your library is a great resource for this.

2. Explore diversity in books: Take time to read and learn from books that embrace diversity! Spend time talking about what messages were discussed in those books.

3. Have open discussions: Spend time listening to what your children have to say about current events. Answer their questions in an age-appropriate manner.

4. Be an ally: Let your children see you doing your part.

5. Educate yourself: Be aware that some topics may be new to you so it never hurts to educate yourself and learn with your child.

I have also included a list of our favorite books. Each of these books includes important lessons that can be discussed in your home and passed to your child(ren). I highly recommend checking these out online or at your local library. You can even check Pinterest to find activities that correspond to some of these books.

The List:

Other Cultures:

The First Strawberries, J. Bruchac

Fry Bread, K. N. Maillard

Bilal Cooks Daal, Aisha Saeed

The Proudest Blue, Ibtihaj Muhammad

People with Disabilities:

Just Ask, Sonia Sotomayor

We're All Wonders, R. J. Palacio

World Issues:

Those Shoes, Maribeth Boelts

Last Stop on Market Street, Matt de la Peña

Water Protectors, Carole Lindstrom

Race, Hair, & Skin:

Black, White, Just Right!, M. David

Bedtime Bonnet, Nancy Redd

Hair Love, M. A. Cherry

Sulwe, Lupita Nyong'o

Little Leaders, Vashti Harrison

Cool Cuts, Mechal Roe

The Skin You Live In, M. Tyler

Hey, Black Child, Useni E. Perkins

Magnificent Homespun Brown, S. C. Doyon

LBGT+:

Heather Has Two Mommies, L. Newmann

Stella Brings the Family, M. B. Schiffer

I Am Jazz, J. Herthel

Strong Women:

Little Leaders, Vashti Harrison

She Persisted, Chelsea Clinton

I hope this list is helpful and your family can enjoy these books as much as Max! I may continue to add to this list, as we find more diverse books that we love.

Until Next Time,

Cherisse

Protecting Your Mental Health

Do you often spend hours just scrolling through your social media feeds, without even paying attention to the world around you? Does that then lead to you feeling drained, exhausted, or even upset about things you cannot control? You may need to take time to protect your mental health.

Protecting your mental health means something different to everyone. For me, it simply means creating and maintaining my peace.

Some people may feel that they are emerging to a post-quarantine world that is very different from what things were like pre-COVID19 and it can take a toll on us. I have found these tips especially helpful as I continue to distance myself from friends during this time.

How to protect your mental health:

• Stay engaged in things you find interesting: If you have always wanted to learn something new, participate in online courses that are currently being offered for free or perhaps offer a course to others. This includes staying connected to your friends/family by connecting with them via FaceTime or Zoom and text. You never know how much of a positive impact your text may have on someone else, especially during times like these. Find ways to safely get out of the house, take a walk, and engage in things you once did. If you are unable to do something, try to create a virtual version of that activity and invite others to join in!

• Continue to set goals: While it would be easy for us to use this time as an excuse to not stay consistent, it is much better for us to push through. We must try to challenge ourselves during this tough time so when it is over and things finally calm down, staying consistent seems like a breeze. I am not saying we should not exercise leniency, because we definitely should, but our goals are important no matter what. Creating goals and sticking to them will give you a sense of accomplishment and pride, once you complete them. You are also likely to feel a great sense of challenge and have something positive to look forward to while working towards the goals you are committed to.

• Take breaks when needed: This can be any type of break, including but not limited to social media or even a complete break from all the screens in your home. It is also important to take breaks from your home, as strange as it sounds. In the past, you may have considered your home a sanctuary because you worked outside of the home. However, as many people are working from home, their home has become their place of business. You have literally taken your work home with you, with no choice. It is important to try to maintain peace and serenity in your home so you do not feel like you are trapped in one long endless work-day. It is equally important to get out of the house for physical activity, fresh air, sunshine, and just to get away from the work that may be taking over your home.

• Do something you enjoy: This goes without saying but make sure you are taking the time to do things you enjoy. Again, relaxing is great... but let us not push our interests and passions to the side. Neglecting your talents for extended periods of time can cause you to forget about the things you once enjoyed and you may even lose the ability to do them. Please do not allow the current times to let you abandon hobbies that you worked hard to perfect.

• Seek support or help when needed: This is the most important of all. There are many resources available so it is crucial that you take the time to recognize when you are not feeling like yourself or feeling like things are too overwhelming. Support can come in many forms, from a meditation app on your phone to telehealth services with a licensed counselor. Reach out to someone when you need to and make sure you are prioritizing your mental health.

I hope this provides inspires someone to enjoy a social media-free weekend. Safely spend time with friends and family. Enjoy!

-Cherisse