How to Encourage Inclusive Play in Your Family

Parents teach their kids everything. You show them how to walk and eat, but you also have to provide lessons on socialization. Children aren’t always socially curious or open-minded, especially if they’re nervous about interacting with people who look or act differently. This guide explains how to encourage inclusive play in your family so your kids will enjoy a diverse friend group.

1. Explain What It Is

If you’re not sure how to define inclusive play, you’re not alone. It’s a term many people don’t think of unless they’re a person of color or have a child with a disability. Inclusive play means that your child can hang out with their peers while maintaining a respectful and welcoming spirit towards people they may not understand.

Older kids might feel personally attacked when they hear this explanation. They might think you’re reprimanding them for not being kind enough, but that’s not the case. Frame it as a new concept to learn and practice alongside habits like using manners and being respectful.

2. Monitor Your Reactions

Leading by example is easier said than done. You may exhibit behaviours that aren’t inclusive because of unrecognized implicit biases. Consider your recent interactions in front of your kids and check your diversity deficits to determine how you can improve. Little steps like re-evaluating your friendships or watching your language turns your daily behaviors into inclusive lessons.

3. Encourage New Friendships

Shy kids won’t make friendships easily, so encourage your child to meet different people. Seek social settings where they’ll meet a variety of kids, like a public park. You could choose parks designed for children with disabilities because it’s an inclusive environment.

A park may use visual impairment elements or wheelchair ramps. You could go to a park in a multicultural part of town if you live in a primarily white neighborhood. These things help kids meet new people and form friendships that are different than those they currently have.

4. Use Positive Reinforcement

When your child makes a new friendship or talks about someone with inclusive language, utilize positive reinforcement. They’ll get crucial confirmation that they’re on the right track and continue with those behaviors. Give them a high five, a kind word or a special treat so they’ll remember what they did and understand that it was the right thing to do.

5. Start the Conversation

Sometimes kids don’t learn how to play inclusively because they aren’t sure how to vocalize what they’re thinking. They might feel awkward and unable to put their thoughts into words. It’s up to parents to start important conversations and address the topics that matter most.

Start a conversation about inclusivity by addressing what diversity means. Point out why inclusivity makes other kids feel happy—because otherwise, they’re alone and possibly bullied. Your child may have experienced some form of bullying or feeling lonely themselves. Shared experiences make inclusive play a priority for young children because they start to relate to other people.

6. Point Out Bad Examples

Children learn through instruction, but they also need to see what not to do. They’ll learn the difference between empathy and hate when each one is in front of them. You might demonstrate this with dolls or by watching a TV show together that addresses something similar.

Talk about how the other kids will feel when someone uses derogatory language on purpose or avoids them for who they are. They’ll recognize these bad examples when they happen in the real world because their parents pointed it out in a safe learning environment.

7. Give Them Resources

Does your child have the resources to play inclusively? They need more than knowledge to connect with other kids. Normalize this kind of entertainment by looking into sensory play, which takes disabilities into account while providing essential development for kids of all ages.

Set up a backyard sandbox instead of a swingset to encourage fine motor skills and reduce the odds of overstimulation. They double as a mindfulness resource whenever your child becomes anxious or upset. Sit them down with food or play dough to redirect their attention. They’ll learn to love forms of play that are easier for kids with disabilities or developmental conditions.

8. Teach Positive Language

It’s challenging to form a friendship without knowing what to say. Young kids don’t have enough life experience to build their vocabulary independently. Give them tools to start an inclusive dialogue with potential friends.

Talk about gender-affirming language and slang that has racist undertones. Ask them if they have any questions or want to learn more. They’ll learn that they’re safe to ask questions and learn new things with you before accidentally saying the wrong thing to new friends on a playdate.

Encourage Inclusive Play in Your Family

Your kids will grow up into adults with open minds and hearts if you encourage inclusive play in your family early in their childhood. Teach them how to recognize differences and celebrate them. Introduce forms of play that are friendly to people with disabilities or cognitive differences. Inclusivity makes the world a better place and it all starts at home with a few simple tips.

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