Culturally Competent Kids: Raising Children to Thrive in a Diverse World

A book for parents that provides a science-based framework 

Culturally Competent Kids 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 the author, Dr. Sweeney says, “We don’t have to all be friends, or even like each other, to treat each other with respect.”

In the clip below, she introduces the book. 

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.