One of the many perks of traveling abroad is having cultural interactions that are so meaningful that they last a lifetime. It’s even more precious to share these interactions with your children. When you are traveling to a new place that’s very different than what you may be used to, little ones might not know how to act in certain situations. There are some ways that you can teach your children cultural sensitivity.
Learn About It Ahead Of Time
It’s always a good idea to learn about a country before you visit it for the first time. Pay close attention to ways the culture is different as well as traditions that they participate in. Find out things that the locals find offensive. You’d be amazed how some friendly gestures in America, such as waving at someone or giving them a thumbs up, can be seen as rude in some countries. Discuss with your children ways you can keep from offending others or hurting their feelings. This will help them feel both prepared and comfortable before you travel abroad. Learning about another country and culture ahead of time can help you and your children feel confident about your visit and less fearful about what you might encounter.
Find Ways To Show Kindness
If you will be visiting a country that has a lot of poverty, consider volunteering while you are there. One of the best ways to understand a culture is to learn about what they are going through. You might be surprised at how much fun you and your children have coming up with ways to show kindness and compassion to others. It doesn’t have to take a lot of your time to find a way to show kindness while you are traveling, but the impact can last for a lifetime for those you’ve helped as well as you and your children.
Make Authentic Food At Home
One of the biggest things that children struggle with when abroad is the differences in food. Things can taste spicier than they are used too or just look a lot different. Prepare for this by making a few authentic dishes at home. Consider having a themed dinner night and only serve foods that you will find when you visit the country you are traveling too. This will allow you to prepare your children for these types of food items and hopefully help you narrow down some items that they like. It could also save you some embarrassing moments at a restaurant.
