Helping Children Embrace Their Cultural Identity

The need to acknowledge and celebrate different cultures is essential as children grow. Children start to declare their identity, from their gender differences to their race and skin color, as early as 4-5 years old. In our culture briefing on Kids and Cultural Identity, Carlos Rosario, NY Public School Teacher, spoke about the disparity of learned and true identity, "Their self-perception absorbed from watching peers and adults around them can lead kids to either form judgment or pride.

Knowing the importance and impact of cultural identity at a young age, parents, educators, and even brands must create a safe space for this development. The long-standing TV program Sesame Street has been the front runner in education and awareness to all ages. Their Sesame Workshop series supports their commitment to racial justice and has videos and toolkits, including a Beautiful Me printable to help children create a positive self-identity.