Political division and bias influence how children develop their beliefs about leadership, social life, and democracy. As a teacher, I respond to many questions from my preschoolers on these important aspects. While I try to shape their beliefs and attitudes, the primary responsibility lies with the parent. By acting as positive role models and holding relevant conversations, parents will direct how multicultural issues emerging in society affect child development. In a deeply divided nation, parents must struggle to raise morally upright children who can become unbiased in their future leadership and citizenship. Society must transmit democracy to every young generation for its continuity and vitality (Husband, 2019). However, the situation is different today due to prevailing bias and bigotry among the political class. Social modeling asserts that children are most likely to inherit their parents’ political views (Husband, 2019). Similarly, child development is mainly dependent on parents for all multicultural issues. Therefore, parents must establish ways to influence their children’s views and beliefs in today’s uncertain environment.
My students, who are only four years old, have already confronted me with political and race-based questions. Depending on their age, parents can guide children to the right beliefs and values regardless of the political environment (Husband, 2019). First, parents must challenge their individual political and racial biases by establishing a diverse social network and connecting with divergent ideas. Second, they must talk to their children about ongoing politics and prevalent stereotypes, considering the child’s age. Third, they are to expose children to different social contexts that challenge their beliefs and ignite conversations around politics and other multicultural issues. In conclusion, my experience with the students shows that the bias and bigotry in the country’s politics are already affecting their development. Parents must remain in control of such conversations to shape the beliefs and attitudes of these young citizens.
Reference
Husband, T. (2019). Using multicultural picture books to promote racial justice in urban early childhood literacy classrooms. Urban Education, 54(8), 1058-1084. Web.