A guide to empower Kids with the G20 Summit

India hosted the 18th G20 Summit in New Delhi on 9-10 September 2023. Vasudhaiva Kutumbkam (One Earth. One Family. One Future) was the theme adopted from the Upanishad. LIFE (Lifestyle For Environment)was the perfect supplement to it. The G20 Summit 2023 offers a unique opportunity for parents to empower their children with a global perspective. Let us understand how the G20 Summit can help kids to transform into Global citizens.

Understanding Global Citizenship Education Through G20 Summit

The G20  Education Ministers’ Meeting (EMM), held on 22nd June 2023 correlated education with humanity’s future. All the 150 delegates approved and the meeting was successfully concluded.

What is Global Citizenship Education?

As per UNESCO, Global Citizenship Education(GCED) teaches the value of peaceful existence and enhanced tolerance. The idea to look at global issues like local is the concept behind GCED. In a nutshell, GCED urges learners to adapt to “global village sentiment” for sustainable development.

GCED stands on Three pillars:

1. Cognitive: carving an expertise to understand the complexities of global issues.
2. Socio-emotional: all the emotional, physical and psychological factors contributing to a peaceful existence.
3. Behavioural: consists of all the parameters for practical application.

How can Parents relate the values of the G20 Summit with Parenting?

India was not just a host for the 18th G20 Summit, but a symbol of cultural diversity in a real sense. Let us uncover how Parents can relate the values of this summit with Parenting.

Empathy

Empathy can be best described as “Putting self in the other person’s shoes”. This was best highlighted through humanitarian concerns and providing grants to the needful. By listening to each other and understanding each other’s experiences, the leaders of the G20 build a more just and equitable world for everyone.

Parents can instil empathy in their kids by educating them about the challenges of the world. The reasons for such adversities and a solution for the problem.

I ask my daughter not to throw away or waste her meal as there are people who die of starvation each day. At 2.5 years old, she also shares her snacks without being judgemental about the caste, creed and social class of the other person.

Cultural Diversity and Cultural Sensitivity

The existence of diverse cultural groups is termed Cultural Diversity while the knowledge of acceptance of varied cultural groups is called Cultural Sensitivity.

The G20 Summit had delegates from all over the world, representing an umbrella of diverse cultures. Being an Indian Citizen, both Cultural Diversity and sensitivity are common factors. One can even find sub-groups within a minority culture.

A liking for one’s mother tongue is equally important as respecting that of others. Parents can promote cultural awareness by exposing children to various traditions, languages, and cuisines. Encourage them to celebrate diversity and embrace differences. This will not only widen their knowledge about different cultures but will also make them ready for the world.

I am a Hindu Brahmin, who studied in a Convent School. We used to celebrate Christmas (along with other festivals) and visiting the school church is still my favourite school memory.

Critical Thinking

For a successful group agreement, various parameters are judged, analysed, and discussed and then, a common viewpoint is shared. In a broader sense, critical thinking looks into all the negative and positive aspects of a matter before arriving at a decision.

By bringing together world leaders to discuss potential solutions, examine challenging global issues, and reach conclusions, the G20 Summit represents critical thinking.

Critical Thinking can apply to parenting by educating kids about analysing the problems of the world, brainstorming through discussions and finding problem-solving techniques. This will help them think out of the box and develop a decision-making mindset.

My munchkin never leaves the water tap open after knowing how this water could be saved and provided to the cat who lives in the park. Age-appropriate education must be provided.

Environmental Health

The theme of the G20 Summit 2023 was ” One Earth, One Family, One Future.” The theme showcases the connection between all forms of life promoting a cleaner and greener future.

Parents can make an effort to be a bridge between kids and the environment. By taking them to the park, encouraging tree/sapling plantation or even throwing waste into the dustbin.

I was surprised when Vanshika did not pluck flowers from the park after reading a bedtime story about how a baby flower was separated from her Mumma plant. She had a habit of plucking flowers and leaves while playing!! We as parents need to put in that extra effort to make our children world-ready.

Inclusiveness

A major highlight of the G20 Summit this year was the permanent membership of The African Union in the group signifying the vibrancy of the group.

This aspect needs to be adapted in kids as well. Parents can be moderators in educating their kids about inclusiveness. Teaching them boundaryless friendships can be a major contributor to making them future-ready.

My daughter has recently added Jenny’s name to her list of friends. Jenny’s family has recently shifted to India from Singapore and we live in the same apartment.

Some Eco-friendly Product recommendations:

1 THE BAMBOO CO ™ Kids Eating Bowl

The Bamboo Co Kids Eating Bowl -set of 5 can be an interesting and useful Item to be added to your Cart. The amazing features of this Eating Bowl Set are:

• 100% Organic and Natural.
• 100% Chemicals and Toxins Free.
• Freezer and Dishwasher Safe.
• 100% Biodegradable and Sustainable.
• 100% Food Safe.
• Stain Proof

Apart from all its Eco-friendly features, your toddler will also develop a habit of self-eating. For detailed Product Information Click Here.

2 Storio 3 Slide Projector Flashlight Torch

The Storio 3 Slide Projector Flashlight Torch can be your kid’s early learning stimulator. This story Projector Torch comes with the following features:

• Made with safe and high-quality ABS environmentally-friendly material with smooth edges.
• 24 different pictures and 3 groups of themes for colourful projections.
• Early education stimulator through play and learning.
• Develops Critical Thinking by stimulating curiosity and imagination.
• Promotes parent-child interaction with puzzle-like features.

To learn more about this product, click here.

3 FunBlast Washable Watercolor Pens Set (48 Piece)

Does your child also write on walls and splash her hands and clothes with colours? Are you also irritated to see colour marks on your furniture? Do not worry anymore. I have found a solution to your problem. Toddlers often explore and experiment with objects. We should not always stop them as they are still developing skills. Rather a smarter approach to this problem can be FunBlast Washable Watercolor Pen Set.

The amazing features of this Washable Watercolour Pen Set are:

• High-Quality Colouring Pens for Creativity.
• Non-toxic and acid-free Color Pens.
• Washable Colour Pens. The colour marks get dissolved in water. So be free from stain stress.
• 48 colours to choose from.

To learn more about this product, click here.

Conclusion

The G20 Summit has had a successful conclusion. We as parents can adopt some of its features in parenting to empower our kids- the future generations. From Global Citizenship education, empathy, cultural diversity and cultural sensitivity, critical thinking, and environmental health to inclusion, the G20 Summit has a lot to teach us. I have also recommended a few products that might be helpful to parents.

“Please note that this article contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.”

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