Racial Harmony Day in Singapore may seem like a school celebration filled with colorful costumes and cultural showcases, but at its core, it’s a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy, respect, and inclusion—foundational values for raising inclusive kids in any multicultural society, including ours in the Philippines.
For Filipino parents raising inclusive kids, this observance offers timely insights. It’s not just about celebrating differences one day a year—it’s about raising inclusive kids through daily practices rooted in kindness, empathy, and understanding. Sophie Davies, Vice Principal for Safeguarding and Inclusion at NLCS (Singapore), offers her perspective as both an educator and a parent raising her young son in Singapore’s uniquely diverse environment.
What is Racial Harmony Day and Why it Matters in Singapore
Established in 1997, Racial Harmony Day commemorates the 1964 racial riots and promotes unity in Singapore’s multicultural fabric. It’s an annual occasion to celebrate diversity while reflecting on ways to strengthen social cohesion. For parents, it’s a meaningful chance to embed these values at home.
“Inclusion starts at home,” Sophie Davies emphasizes, explaining that it’s the foundation of how children perceive and respond to cultural differences.
Understanding Racial Microaggressions in Schools
Even in countries like Singapore where multiculturalism is part of daily life, children may still unknowingly say or do things that reinforce stereotypes. These subtle acts, called microaggressions, are often rooted in what they’ve absorbed from media, adults, or limited exposure to other cultures.
What They Look Like Among Kids
According to Davies, some of the more common examples she’s seen in schools include:
- Assuming certain students are better at sports or math based on their ethnicity
- Excluding classmates from games or friend groups
- Mimicking accents or cultural behaviors in a teasing way
Though these may seem harmless at first, they can deeply affect a child’s sense of belonging.
Why They Happen
According to Davies, such behavior is often the result of “limited exposure or learned biases, whether from media, past experiences, or even subtle adult cues.” What may seem like playful teasing can unintentionally reinforce harmful stereotypes.
The Impact on Third Culture Kids
“Third culture kids” are children who grow up in a culture different from that of their parents, or who are raised in international settings. Many Filipino families working or living abroad can relate to this.
Davies shares, “They often feel they don’t fully belong to one culture. When microaggressions happen, it can force them to question their identity or feel pressured to ‘choose a side.’”
This is especially true for kids who have lived most of their lives in Singapore or another country but aren’t always seen as belonging there. It’s a silent, emotional burden many children quietly carry.
Parents’ Role in Raising Inclusive Kids
Parents are their children’s first teachers. Every word, gesture, and choice at home shapes how kids view people who are different from them.
What Worries Sophie Davies as a Parent
“What worries me most is the possible normalization of hurtful language or behavior under the guise of banter or ‘just playing around,’ she admits. Parents need to intervene early to ensure children don’t absorb these attitudes as harmless fun.
Modelling Inclusivity at Home
“Children observe everything! They are sponges for what they see and learn, not just from what we say, but from how we treat neighbors, colleagues, and members of our community,” Davies adds.
She encourages families to intentionally celebrate diversity, whether through shared meals from different cultures, attending festivals, or inviting friends from various backgrounds for playdates.
Turning Microaggressions Into Micro affirmations
“Micro affirmations are the subtle, everyday expressions of respect, support, and inclusion,” she explains. These can be simple yet powerful, such as:
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Using inclusive language that avoids stereotypes
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Validating others’ feelings (“I hear you when you say…”)
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Asking curious, respectful questions about different cultures
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Recognizing positive behavior (“I noticed how you included everyone in the game—well done!”)
Tips for Parents This Racial Harmony Day
This Racial Harmony Day is more than just dressing up or attending school events; it’s a chance for parents to lead by example, show kindness, and build lasting, inclusive habits.
Be Curious Together
Sophie suggests being actively curious as a family—attending cultural events, trying cuisines from different countries, and reading stories about diverse communities.
Talk About Mistakes Openly
“Don’t shy away from the conversation… We all make mistakes, and sharing those moments helps normalize accountability and empathy for others,” she advises. If your child makes an insensitive comment, guide them through reflection rather than scolding.
Teach Ally ship
Ally ship doesn’t just mean speaking up, Davies explains. It’s also about amplifying voices that aren’t always heard and encouraging children to do the same, whether in the classroom or on the playground.
Raising a Generation That Belongs
Racial Harmony Day is just one moment in the year, but the values it promotes should guide families daily. “I really hope to raise him to be a positive example, someone who resists peer pressure and embraces kindness,” Sophie shares. When parents lead with empathy, accountability, and respect, children learn that everyone deserves to belong, without question, without qualification.
Originally published on theAsianparent Singapore
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