10 Easy Steps to Raising World Citizens

By J. Michael Adams and Angelo Carfagna

You are about to send your children back to school – and you’re hoping they learn the skills needed to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world. While you want teachers to prepare children who can compete in the global economy, you also recognize that a global education must begin at home – and the earlier the better.

Like most parents, you are very busy. You don’t have time to learn another language or become an international studies scholar. But don’t despair. Here are 10 easy steps that can help you inspire future citizens of the world – and perhaps a future world leader.

1. Map it out. Make sure you have a world map and display it in an area where the family usually gathers. Knowing where you live on a map brings a perspective that the world is a big place and that growing up we only see a small part of it. When you see something on television about another place, point it out on the map. Becoming familiar with where other places are is an essential first step to understanding different views. It’s also fun.

2. Climb the family tree. Most of us have backgrounds that transcend borders. Talk with children about their ancestors. In most cases, you won’t have to go back very far to identify a relative from a different country with different customs. You’ll not only provide a great learning experience, you’ll also strengthen family ties.

3. Discuss the dinner menu. The foods we enjoy and the menus at our favorite restaurants represent a true global melting pot. Talk about where foods came from. Did you know that ketchup comes from China, the potato originated in the Andes (near what is now Peru) or that coffee hails from Ethiopia? Children will enjoy learning about their favorite foods’ paths to their plates. The Food Museum Online (www.foodmuseum.com) is just one source with fascinating histories of many different foods.