The week of October 1 to 7, 2007, is National Family Week. This year’s theme, Celebrating the Diversity of Families in Canada, calls on us to explore our differences in family structure, social background, religion, gender, sexuality, or culture and to recognize the strength that comes from this diversity.
In a multicultural society like Canada, we are likely to live, learn, work, and play with people who may be very different from us. “We need to start teaching children at a young age that all humans have some things in common, like the basic needs for food, shelter, security and love,” says Charlene Plexman, manager of the Family Health team at the Sudbury & District Health Unit. “It’s important to highlight these similarities before we can help children really recognize the value of people’s differences,” adds Plexman.
Encouraging a positive self-identity will also help children accept diversity. “Once children feel good about themselves, they can learn to understand and appreciate others for their own unique values, traditions, contributions and abilities,” says Plexman. Teaching children that everyone is unique, and that each individual brings a variety of skills, beliefs and attitudes to any situation will help them to prepare for life as adults in a diverse society.
Our words, actions and attitudes greatly influence what children learn about diversity. According to the Canadian Child Care Federation, parents, teachers, and caregivers should try to select books, pictures, toys and games showing people of different races, all ages, both sexes and differing abilities as capable and involved in all types of activities. Fun activities about different traditions, holidays, languages or food can also be used so that children can gain an understanding and appreciation of other cultures.
“Children learn what they live and they need the chance to explore similarities and differences, to meet and get to know people that are different from them, and to ask questions,” says Plexman. Learning to accept, respect and value diversity is an essential skill that can benefit us all. Diversity is essential to everyone’s future.
National Family Week is a partnership initiative of the Canadian Association of Family Resource Programs (FRP Canada), a bilingual, not-for-profit association with members located in all provinces and territories. FRP Canada promotes the well-being of families by providing national leadership, consultation and resources to those who care for children and support families.
For more information, please contact the Sudbury & District Health Unit Family Health Team at 522-9200, ext. 427
