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How to raise a global child in Canada
Raising your kids the global way can go a pretty long way towards making them great people now and in the future.
It gives them an opportunity to interact with the world and learn the true meaning of the phrase "the world is a global village".
Growing up global enriches our lives so much and can only lead to better cooperation and cultural exposure for future generations.
Global thinking
Kids need to understand that irrespective of where you are, people are all one and the same. They share similar desires, emotions and challenges as well. The best way to cultivate this culture in them is by speaking with passion about global events. Let them know that there exist other cultures, beliefs and ways of life out there.
Travel
Traveling is one of the best ways for children to have a better understanding of the cultural norms and perspectives of countries around the world.
Kids and humans in general, learn better through vivid examples.
So why not take your global parenting techniques to a whole new level by hanging a world map in a visible place in your home so your kids get to see it anytime they're around
Language education
We are so fortunate that Canada is bi-lingual.
Parents have the opportunity to sign up their children in French Immersion. Many kids find a new language enjoyable to learn as long as it is presented with lots of fun and simplicity. And while it's wise to enroll them for language classes but you should also play a pro-active role in ensuring that they are learning it as per your wishes.
International childcare:
If you are considering going the nanny route as a childcare option, this is an excellent way for your children and family to experience a different culture.
Many of the nannies come from Asia, South America, South Africa and more and more Au Pairs are arriving from European countries like Germany, France and Spain.
Many will be more than willing to teach your children some basics in their own language.
Embrace the world:
Whether your kids will grow up to become global kids entirely depends on how well you expose them to the concept of globalization. Consider introducing them to global friends (pen pals) so they start sharing experiences on a broader platform.
Take them to global villages, museums and the library and so on. Make a special effort to visit the many different multicultural community events available in your area. Planning a Birthday party? Try a “Spanish “or “Korean” theme. And of course there is always trying out various cuisines, which is probably one of the easiest ways to expose your kids to different cultures.
Manuela Gruber Hersch is Austrian by birth and Canadian by heart and an avid traveler. Her daughters are tri-lingual English, French and German. Manuela loves Canada’s cultural diversity. And is the owner of www.internationalnannies.com.
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