OTHER CULTURES \ Teaching your children

The Parents as Teachers National Center, a St. Louis group, encourages parents to use the holidays to teach children about various cultures. Visit the Web site at www.ParentsAsTeachers.org. It offers the following suggestions:
Educate yourself about other cultures at local libraries and via the Internet. Look for children's books as well as books for adults. Make sure you are sharing accurate information with your child.
Take the opportunity to dispel stereotypes.
Have your family participate in various celebrations. Take part in community events or ask to attend various religious ceremonies. Host a party to celebrate various traditions with family and friends. Incorporate a variety of foods, songs, decorations and games.
Incorporate aspects of other cultures throughout the year, not just on one holiday, so it will be an enjoyable experience that is natural and stress-free.
Teaching a child that a friend celebrates different holidays or the same holiday in a different way, and is still a friend, is the most important lesson for appreciating differences. Difference does not mean better or worse.
Jim Keen, author of "Inside Intermarriage: A Christian Partner's Perspective on Raising a Jewish Family," offers these tips for interfaith families.
Agree early in the relationship--even before marriage--how you'll celebrate holidays.
Respect, show appreciation for and, to the extent you're comfortable, participate in each other's holiday traditions.
Communicate your feelings and positions with each other, with your children and with extended family members.
Be consistent about whatever you decide.