Culturally Competent Kids - by Samantha Sweeney (Paperback)

About the Book

"The goal of this book is to help us raise our children to become adults with awareness of their prejudices and inherent biases in a world where differences are respected and celebrated, rather than simply tolerated. To accomplish this, we need to change the way we approach parenting. Research shows that while biases begin to develop at age 6, the basis of them begins much earlier as children can start to categorize right after birth. But diversity and culture are treated as though they are "grown-up" concepts, as if children don't recognize that diversity is all around them. As human beings, we naturally categorize. Your kids will develop preferences, prejudices, and opinions about people who are different from them. Therefore, it is important for parents to take an active role in helping their children see, understand, and develop their understanding of people and cultures that are different. As Dr. Sweeney says, "We don't have to all be friends, or even like each other, to treat each other with respect." This book provides a science-based framework with ideas and options to explore as you embark on this cultural competence journey with your kids and also with yourself"--

Book Synopsis

A book for parents that provides a science-based framework for helping to raise CULTURALLY COMPETENT KIDS

This book is for the parent who knows that culture is important. It is for the parent who wants to teach their child about the world around them, but doesn't know where to start. Let this book be your starting point and your guide.The goal of Culturally Competent Kids is to help you raise your children to become adults who respect and celebrate differences, rather than simply tolerating them.

Research shows that while biases begin to develop at age 6, their origins begin much earlier. Unfortunately, diversity and culture are treated as though they are 'grownup' concepts, as if children don't recognize that diversity is all around them. Human beings naturally categorize and your kids will develop preferences, prejudices, and opinions about people who are different from them. Therefore, it is important for parents to take an active role in helping their children see, understand, and develop their understanding of people and cultures that are different.

As Dr. Sweeney says, "We don't have to all be friends, or even like each other, to treat each other with respect."

This book provides a science-based framework with ideas and options to explore as you embark on this cultural competence journey with your kids and also with yourself.

Review Quotes

"A must read for any parent who knows that culture is important. It is for the parent who wants to teach their child about the world around them!"
-- Goodreads reviewer

"Everything a parent needs...it's approachable, thoughtful, and filled with guidance for raising more compassionate and culturally aware humans."
-- Amazon reviewer

"Hits the nail on the head...I absolutely loved how the author has set a framework that helps the parents to actively guide kids to learn, understand and embrace different cultures."
-- Amazon reviewer

"Offers a science-based framework and includes practical exercises that are easy to use with your kids. It's approachable, thoughtful, and filled with guidance for raising more compassionate and culturally aware humans."
-- Goodreads reviewer

This is such an important and integral book that I feel is needed right now. Dr. Sweeney has done a brilliant job explaining each section and giving practical exercises to help guide both parents and children to become culturally competent.
-- Amazon reviewer

About the Author

Dr. Samantha Sweeney is a licensed psychologist, author, and educator in Washington, DC. She has a private practice on Capitol Hill serving kids, families, and adults. Her first book, Working With Worry: A Workbook for Parents on How to Support Anxious Children, gives parents practical tools to support their children. She is a cultural competence expert dedicated to helping kids and parents develop this essential skill through consultations, presentations and workshops.