Human Diversity

[AprylB]

The components of human diversity influence children's well being, behavior, attitudes and growth, first by each child's unique living situation. For example a child in a well cared for home may have everything he or she needs in order to transition into daycare appropriately whereas a child coming from a home with little to no income may need clothes or be hungry and unsure of where their next meal or bath will come from. A child's behavior can be influenced by their temperament and the temperament of others they live with or are related to. A child's growth can be greatly impacted by their social class as well as their race and abilities, for example a child in a working class family may not have as much time with family and therefore learn and find experiences not related to their families lives.

[Gale Coleman]

Almost every aspect of raising a child including feeding, diapering, and toilet training is influenced by cultural beliefs and values. How we talk to young children, touch them, bathe them, dress them, and see to their napping needs are all cultural behaviors. Over time, children learn who they are and what to do through these experiences absorbing a sense of their routines, traditions, languages, cultures, and national or racial identities.