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their attention for at least one minute, so focus on things that will interest them, like sound, colours and textures. Say things like "Wow! Look at all those colours!" and "Don't they look like they're having fun?" Sometimes, your children will turn away and go back to their toys and other times, they'll ask you a question about what they just saw.

While out an about -

Museums and art galleries Do take your children to a museum or an art gallery, however, keep in mind that kids normally have short attention spans. Don't be disheartened if your children lose interest in the whole museum / gallery experience after a little while. Kids are not about to stay quiet and contemplate artwork, so instead, cater the trip to their needs. See things through their eyes. Keep a look out for things that would appeal to kids. For example, look for something that looks weird, old, funny, beautiful or even gross and scary. Talk to them about it. Get them to describe it. Also, most museums and galleries organise programmes and activities especially for children. Find out about them and get your children join in for fun.

At the playground and when traveling Give your children the opportunity to meet and play with children of different backgrounds. Direct experience with different kinds of people can be enriching for them. On family trips, overseas or out of town, point out interesting buildings and landmarks, tell your children fascinating facts about the place you're visiting. Try out new foods as a family, encourage your children to try local delicacies. Whenever possible, plan your family trips around cultural festivals.

Shopping malls Even a trip to the mall can turn into something educational and fun. Keep an eye out during festivals and campaigns, there are bound to be free cultural performances. Pay more attention to those festive mall decorations. Focus on their visual elements and point them out to your children. While browsing in supermarket aisles, pick up and show them things you would or wouldn't normally use at home. Let them see, touch and smell. The important thing to remember, of course, is to have a sense of fun and humour. There's no need to discuss complicated matters with children. Remember that it's okay if we don't know all the answers.

We're not perfect. If we're stumped, we should tell our children that we're not sure, but that we're going to find out together. The process of discovery that we'll share with our children will help create fond memories. Experts say that cultural awareness can enrich our children's lives by helping them develop positive social behaviour and making them more open to new experiences. A better understanding of themselves and others will also help our children find a common ground when establishing relationships with other people as they grow older. All that, I daresay, makes the extra effort worthwhile.

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