Travelling the world means being exposed to cultures, languages, people, and traditions different from your own. If you ask any avid traveler, there is great value in stepping outside of your cultural boundaries. Seeing the values, thoughts, beliefs, and experiences of those that are different from your own helps you to appreciate what you have, but also helps you to take an honest look at your own. You become aware of the good and the not-so-good. Consider the differences between cultures based on collectivism and those based on individualism. Collectivist societies value and promote the contribution to the whole, and importance is placed on team, family, and the groups. Individualism values the freedom and independence of the individual. These underlying values influence the views and actions of individuals and how they interact with one another. Asian cultures are known for collectivism, and individualism is found more in western cultures, like the U.S. To help our children value their part in the team, the group, or your own family, consider providing them opportunities to experience cultures where collectivism is rich and deep. Not able to travel with them to an Asian nation? Then take them to an exhibit featuring Asian art where they can meet one of the artists, a cultural event celebrating an Asian culture such as a Hmong New Year celebration, or a class to learn a foreign language such as Korean.
Consider the Phoenix
