Kiddipedia

Kiddipedia

Our culture influences how we live, how we engage with the world, and how we express ourselves. Multiple studies have shown that how a child interacts with their parents, community and media can shape their perception and sense of belonging. From early on, children notice differences and throughout their lives will continue to try and make sense of our world. Ensuring that your child is learning about our differences and similarities helps us build a strong sense of identity, belonging and acceptance for them and others.

I’m an American-born Indonesian living in Australia. All my life I have looked ‘different’. The way I look doesn’t match the way I sound or behave. Growing up, I never saw anyone who looked or sounded like me. Naturally, because I was different – I was subjected to bullying. At a time where people weren’t talking about mental health awareness, it was tough to be the excluded for my differences at school.

I had young parents who juggled work and studied at the same time and this made me quite independent. I think that’s why my journey to yoga and self-love has been such a wild and beautiful progression. The years of being self-sufficient and pushing through hardships made it incredibly challenging for me to stay present and develop a yoga practice.

Today, as a mum and woman of colour working in the corporate world, I still often find myself as the only person of colour or the only woman in the room. It’s something I desperately want to change for my kids and is at the heart of why I created Metta Play – Bilingual Yoga and Affirmation cards for children 2-7 in several different languages (Mandarin, Indonesian, French and Spanish) that help children learn another language and self-love through play.

Metta Play is my little labour of love. The simple deck of cards present a tangible way for educators, carers and parents to empower young people to be more aware, fierce and compassionate human beings. One caregiver at a time. One child at a time. One deck of cards at a time. Each deck in the range represents a diverse range of kids and celebrates different cultures. Developed in Melbourne’s first Covid19 lockdown, the business presented an opportunity for me to share my two loves, diversity and yoga, giving parents a tool to make learning fun.

Why is learning cultural diversity important in kids?

Because we cannot be what we cannot see and when there is a lack of awareness, we increase the chances of racism, stereotyping and discrimination. Our children need us to encourage them to build tolerance, respect and create meaningful connections to the world around them.

Why is learning yoga important in kids?

Yoga is such a powerful and tangible way to learn about the mind-body connection. The practice help kids develop a true understanding of their inner strength and what they are truly capable of, which leads to:

– Boosting their self-esteem

– Reducing stress and anxiety

– Improving their self-regulation skills

– Building emotional and physical strength, resilience and endurance

– Allowing them to not only speak of but experience strength and compassion

Can you learn one without the other?

Of course, you can. Just like you can learn math without physics. Or cook and not bake. But we all know that both are connected. And learning both can be powerful. In this case, learning about cultural diversity and yoga shares the ultimate goal of fostering a loving kindness practice in oneself.

So, how do we get kids to learn both?

Through the power of play! Start small and be practical. Meet your kids where they are at. If they are in the counting stages, then use numbers. If they are more physical, then use movement. If they are visual learners, use drawings.

Learn a different language

– Find practical words or phrases like “I love you”, “thank you”, “hello” and “please”

– Learn how to count your breaths

– Learn the names of animals or body parts you are using in your yoga poses

– Use Metta Play affirmation cards to learn simple sentences that help develop positive self-talk

Explore the world on your plate and kitchen

– Find new recipes
– Express gratitude for your meals
– Learn about the heritage of the ingredients and customs

Encourage conversations

Finally, allow your kids to ask and speak up when they notice differences. Lean into their curiosity and encourage the discussion. Whether they notice the difference in colour, accents, or ability – provide clear objective answers. The goal is for them to recognise and appreciate people for the things that make them unique and special and the way they are the same too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Via Tendon is a Melbourne yoga teacher, mother and founder of Metta Play, Bilingual Yoga and Affirmation cards for children 2-7 years. Visit www.mettaplay.com for more information.