How to teach children about global inequality

Poverty, child trafficking, millions fleeing violence. These global issues are complex and even as adults can be challenging to comprehend.

So where do we begin with our children? As parents, do we shy away or reveal all?

Here are five top tips to equip you for conversations with your child as they ask questions and learn more about the inequalities of the world.

Be honest and listen.

The world can be hard to understand, especially for children. Why do some people hurt others? Why do other children have more than us?  Why don’t some kids have homes, and mums and dads to look after them?

The questions children have are real, and raw. As parents, we can listen. Every question is valid and sometimes a child simply needs to be heard. To have someone sit with them and say, “That’s a hard question. The world isn’t always fair, or just, and that upsets me too” is a powerful thing. Acknowledge that you’ve heard their question, and that you get upset too about things that don’t seem right in the world.

Let go. You don’t need all the answers.

World issues are complex – and that’s okay!

You don’t need to unpack the history of Afghanistan, or try and explain how India’s political system works. It’s not about the details. It’s about acknowledging that the world isn’t perfect and not all people, governments and businesses alike mess up and don’t do things in the best interests of others. Acknowledge how easy it is for people to act in self-interest (often for money and power) and do the wrong thing by others, especially the vulnerable. Try to remind them that we all make mistakes and do the wrong thing, even as children. That doesn’t mean we can’t be better and learn to be kinder to others.