Recently, I had a Zoom session with parents about their children’s prospective studies in the US. At one point, I needed to talk to the applicants, and when one of them showed his face to talk, he bowed his head as he greeted me, a clear indication that he was raised by Yoruba parents.
This is just an instance among many where a child’s personality reveals his upbringing and background. Though some personality traits in a child are apparent through dialogue, some are obvious by simple observation.
For this reason, when interacting with children, adults must understand how children from different cultures think and view their surroundings and how
cultures, traditions, religion and family values influence their thoughts and behaviour. These variations should guide some educational approaches, communication styles, discipline methods, and common relationships.
Studies have shown that a child’s unique cultural influences from childhood ranging from his customs and beliefs to religion, language, and artistic expression affect the way he develops physically, socially, emotionally, and linguistically. Therefore, those who work with children including teachers, carers, specialists, and counsellors must understand these differences in order to promote cross-cultural awareness and respect.
Whether it pertains to parenting approaches, discipline, authority, family structure, independence, education/learning, or religion and socialization, cultural differences must be respected because they reveal the various ways in which different cultures prepare and nurture their children for adulthood. Even amongst the different cultural settings, family background and values also differ and are often prevalent in a child’s behaviour.
Understanding these differences encourages mutual understanding and assists parents and educators in adapting to multicultural settings.
The common objective is to ensure that dominant social biases based on religion, culture, background, language, diet, and other factors cannot be limiting standards in a child’s development.
In the end, we will only preserve what we love, according to a Senegalese poet. We will only comprehend what we are taught, and we only love what we comprehend. Understanding, loving, and preserving our shared global history all depend on our ability to learn about different cultures. -White House Conference on Culture and Diplomacy, Yo Yo Ma
Therefore, I urge every adult who cares for a child, irrespective of the differences, to create and nurture this bond that will protect every child.
✍️ Amara Ann Unachukwu
