We live in a diverse and beautiful world. Raising children to appreciate different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives isn’t just a “nice-to-have” — it’s essential. Whether you’re a parent or a nanny, fostering inclusion and cultural sensitivity within the home lays a strong foundation for empathy, respect, and awareness.

But what does that actually look like in the day-to-day of childcare?

We’ve put together a practical and heartfelt guide to creating inclusive, culturally aware environments for the children in your care. 

1. Start With Self-Awareness and Educating Yourself

Before we can teach children about inclusion and cultural sensitivity, we need to check in with ourselves. Everyone has their own cultural lens, and recognizing our own perspectives, assumptions, and biases is the first step toward fostering a truly inclusive environment.

Ask yourself:

• What messages did I receive about culture, race, or gender growing up?
  
• Are there traditions, languages, or identities I’m unfamiliar with?
  
• How do I respond — internally and outwardly — to differences?

It’s okay if the answers are uncomfortable. Be honest with yourself. That’s where growth begins.

💡 Want to Learn More?

Here are a few excellent books and resources to deepen your understanding:

• “So You Want to Talk About Race” by Ijeoma Oluo – A powerful book that helps unpack privilege, systemic racism, and personal accountability.
  
• “The Person You Mean to Be: How Good People Fight Bias” by Dolly Chugh – Focuses on recognizing and challenging our implicit biases in everyday life.
  
• “Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People” by Mahzarin R. Banaji & Anthony G. Greenwald – A science-based look at how our hidden biases shape behavior.
  
• TED Talks & Podcasts – Look for episodes on cultural empathy, parenting across cultures, and inclusive communication.
  

Even 10–15 minutes a day of intentional reading, listening, or reflecting can make a difference. The more we grow as adults, the better role models we become for the children in our care.

2. Celebrate Differences In Every Day Life

Instead of only recognizing diversity during cultural holidays or heritage months, make inclusion part of your daily routine:

• Books: Stock your shelves with stories from around the world, including characters of different ethnicities, abilities, and family structures.
  
  Here are some great examples:
  – Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry, Eyes That Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho, Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard, Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You by Sonia Sotomayor, A Friend for Henry by Jenn Bailey, And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell, My Rainbow by DeShanna and Trinity Neal, I Am Enough by Grace Byers
  
• Toys: Offer dolls, puzzles, and games that reflect different cultures and lifestyles.
  
• Music & Art: Explore global sounds and crafts — from African drums to Japanese origami.

Exposure, especially consistent exposure, leads to familiarity, and familiarity fosters acceptance.

3. Teach Empathy Through Stories and Role Play

Use storytime or imaginative play to walk through different scenarios—what it feels like to be left out, how to stand up for a friend, or how to ask questions with kindness. Nannies can weave these lessons into everyday play and conversations.

Suggested prompts:

• “What would you do if you saw someone being teased for their accent?”
  
• “How can we help a new classmate feel welcome?”
  
• “How would you feel if you didn’t understand the language everyone else spoke?”

These open-ended discussions help children see the world from others’ perspectives. 

The Bottom Line: Kindness Is a Skill We Build Together

Nannies often spend as much time with children as parents do—they’re essential partners in shaping a child’s worldview. When families and nannies work hand-in-hand, kids can be raised who don’t just tolerate differences—but embrace them. In doing so, the next generation will be ready to lead with compassion, respect, and a deep appreciation for the world’s beautiful diversity. 

Inclusion and cultural sensitivity aren’t a one-time conversation. They’re a journey. Let your child know it’s okay not to know everything. What matters is that we stay open and willing to learn.

If a child says something inappropriate or insensitive, avoid shaming. Instead, gently explain the impact of their words and offer better alternatives.

You can raise kind kids— one thoughtful conversation at a time! 

At Nanny by Design, we deeply value diversity, inclusion, and cultural awareness—and we thoughtfully incorporate these principles into every step of our screening and matching process to ensure families and nannies are aligned in both care and values.