Children notice differences early. They might comment on someone’s skin colour, the way someone dresses, or how someone moves or talks. And that’s okay. What matters is how we respond.
Saying “shhh, don’t talk about that” might feel easier in the moment, but it teaches silence, not understanding. Honest, calm conversations teach curiosity, kindness, and respect.
Here’s how you can approach those moments with honesty and care.
Why These Conversations Matter
Children start noticing differences as early as two years old. They’re curious by nature, and when they ask questions, they’re not being rude… they’re trying to understand their world.
When adults avoid the topic, children fill in the gaps themselves. They might pick up stereotypes, assumptions, or even fear. Talking openly about difference helps them build empathy and confidence instead.
The more we celebrate diversity, the more children feel seen, accepted, and valued. This is especially important in multicultural environments like Dubai, where children encounter remarkable diversity daily. A progressive nursery in Dubai recognises this as an opportunity to nurture globally minded, empathetic learners from the earliest years.
How To Respond When Your Child Points Out A Difference
When your child notices that someone looks or sounds different, pause. Breathe. This is your chance to model calm curiosity.
Acknowledge what they’ve seen. Say, “Yes, her skin is darker than yours,” or “He uses a wheelchair to help him move.” Honest and simple is enough.
Keep your tone neutral and warm. Your reaction shapes how they feel. Calm responses teach that noticing difference is normal.
Encourage curiosity. Ask, “What made you notice that?” or “What do you think about that?” Let them share their thoughts.
Focus on kindness. Remind them gently, “People are all different, and that’s what makes the world interesting.”
Don’t hush them. Saying “Don’t say that” can make them feel ashamed or confused. Instead, guide them toward kind ways to express what they see.
Principal Laura says: “When difficult questions are asked, it’s not about getting it right every time. It’s about showing up and being open with your child. It’s an opportunity to model kindness, acceptance, understanding and learning. By putting in the work now, we set the tone for a more inclusive tomorrow.”
How To Build Inclusion Every Day
Inclusion isn’t about one-off talks. It’s built in small, everyday ways:
Choose diverse books and toys. Let your child see different skin tones, cultures, and abilities reflected in their play and stories.
Talk about fairness. Use simple examples to show what it means to treat people equally.
Celebrate all cultures. Explore different foods, music, festivals, and traditions.
Mind your own language. Children copy what they hear. Use inclusive words that reflect curiosity and respect.
Create open space for questions. Thank them for noticing, it shows they feel safe talking to you.
At Yellow Kite Nursery, our Curiosity Approach means every question is welcome, even the tricky ones. We encourage children to talk, notice, and understand the world around them. When choosing a nursery in Dubai, parents often ask us how we handle these sensitive moments—and our answer is always the same: with honesty, warmth, and respect for every child’s natural curiosity.
Why Shushing Can Do Harm
It’s natural to feel uncomfortable when your child points out a difference in public. But quieting them doesn’t protect anyone, it teaches that difference is off-limits.
When we shut down conversations about race, ability, or identity, children learn that difference is something to hide. Over time, that silence can feed prejudice or discomfort.
Open conversations teach the opposite: difference is normal, interesting, and worth celebrating.
How to Adapt To Their Age
As children grow, your language can grow too:
Toddlers: Keep it simple. “Yes, his skin is brown. Isn’t it lovely that everyone looks different?”
Preschoolers: Add context. “Some people speak different languages at home, and that’s why we all sound a bit different.”
Early Primary: Go deeper. “Sometimes people are treated unfairly because of how they look or where they’re from. We can always choose kindness.”
You don’t need perfect answers. What matters most is showing up, listening, and learning together.
Why Inclusion Starts With Us
Inclusion isn’t a one-off talk, it’s a daily practice. It starts with how we treat people, the experiences we expose children to, and how we model empathy.
When children see adults celebrate diversity and speak openly about difference, they learn to do the same. Fairness, empathy, and respect become part of their instinctive understanding.
At Yellow Kite Nursery, inclusion isn’t a slogan, it’s how we teach, play, and connect. Every child is seen. Every voice is heard. Every difference is valued. We believe that every nursery in Dubai has the responsibility to create spaces where children from all backgrounds feel they truly belong, and where conversations about difference are met with openness rather than silence.
A Final Thought
Raising an inclusive child doesn’t mean having all the answers. It means showing up for the questions. When your child notices difference, don’t rush to quiet them. Lean in. Listen. Talk. Learn together.
That’s how understanding starts. That’s how we raise children who make the world a little kinder.
