Inclusion isn’t just being invited to the party — it’s being asked to dance.
The metaphor is simple, but the message runs deep: real inclusion means making sure everyone feels seen, valued, and involved — not just present. And teaching that kind of inclusion starts early. Experts in child development, education, and disability advocacy agree: raising inclusive kids is one of the most meaningful ways to shape a more connected, compassionate world.
One organization leading that effort is Keshet, a national nonprofit based in the Chicago area that provides inclusive education, recreation, and support for individuals of all abilities. Keshet, a 2019 Make It Better Foundation Philanthropy Award winner, works directly with schools, camps, and families to help children with and without disabilities thrive together — and they’ve seen firsthand how inclusion shapes communities for the better.
“A strong, inclusive community begins at home,” says Stephanie May, Director of Recreation at Keshet. “When kids see their parents treat others with kindness and respect, they learn to do the same.”
From modeling empathy to fostering friendship, here are 5 steps families can take to help kids build inclusive habits that last a lifetime.
1. Start with Acceptance
Children aren’t born with bias — but they can absorb it quickly without intentional guidance. That’s why one of the most powerful tools for raising inclusive kids is simply modeling inclusive behavior.
“Growing up, my parents modeled inclusion and instilled in me the importance of making others feel welcomed,” says Dr. Shirley Drelich, Curriculum Coordinator at Keshet. “That stuck with me — and shaped my passion for educating others.”
Research from the Greater Good Science Center shows that when adults model kindness and empathy, children internalize those behaviors. Daily acts of respect and openness — even small ones — can lay the foundation for lifelong inclusive habits.
“We fear what we don’t understand,” adds Ellie Badesch, member of Keshet Leadership Council. “Don’t freak out if your child is uneasy. It can take time and exposure to be more naturally inclusive to all types of people. This is not something you want to force.”
One way to support these conversations is by reading stories about characters from different backgrounds or life experiences. Ask your child: “What would it feel like to be in their shoes?” or “How might you help them feel included?”
2. Teach Emotional Intelligence
Building inclusion also means helping kids understand their own emotions and respond to others with empathy — a skillset known as social-emotional learning (SEL). Programs like KIPP Chicago’s Whole Child Initiative prioritize SEL as a key component of education, recognizing that emotional intelligence is essential not just for learning, but for creating inclusive, supportive communities.
KIPP integrates RULER, a research-based SEL framework developed by the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, into its schools. RULER teaches both students and educators five core skills: Recognizing, Understanding, Labeling, Expressing, and Regulating emotions. These are the very skills that support kids in navigating differences with compassion rather than judgment.
Keshet takes a similar approach in its schools and camps. “We develop social awareness through respectful curiosity,” says Amy Patel, Clinical Manager and Occupational Therapist at Keshet. “Rather than avoiding people who are unfamiliar, provide real-life opportunities for empathy building.”
When children are encouraged to ask questions — and adults respond with honesty, not embarrassment — they learn that difference isn’t something to fear. It’s something to learn from.
3. Create Shared Experiences That Center Equity
Inclusion is not about treating every child the same — it’s about ensuring that every child has access to the same opportunities to belong and participate, even if that requires different approaches or supports.
At Keshet, inclusive recreation programs and residential support help ensure that individuals with disabilities — and their families — can fully engage in everyday life.
At home, families can create shared experiences that expose children to a range of abilities and backgrounds. Visit inclusive playgrounds. Attend events that celebrate different cultures. Watch and read media that features diverse representation.
But be mindful: the goal isn’t to “sample” difference. As the Greater Good Science Center points out, meaningful inclusion comes from modeling respect and appreciation — not just exposure.
4. Practice Inclusion Through Everyday Kindness
Inclusion doesn’t always look like a deep friendship or planned playdate. Sometimes it’s as simple as standing beside a classmate, offering a high five, or making eye contact and saying hello.
“All children want to play and have fun, but play can look different, especially for a child with physical or cognitive limitations,” says May.
Parent Lauren Kamnik agrees: “I’m not looking for playdates (although that would be nice). I’m looking for kindness. Everyone deserves kindness. My son is a person, just like them.”
Julie Evans, another parent, shares how powerful inclusion can be for both sides. “My son built friendships with his track teammates during all four years of high school,” she says. “They were very supportive and encouraging — asking him to be on a relay team, cheering him on, having fun at practices and meets. He loved it so much.”
5. Help Kids Become Everyday Advocates
Children don’t need to wait until adulthood to speak up for inclusion. Whether it’s inviting someone to join a game or correcting a classmate who uses hurtful language, these small moments build inclusive cultures in classrooms and communities.
“Teaching inclusion will help a child develop lifelong values,” says Patel. “By reinforcing these habits daily, children learn to see inclusion as a natural and rewarding way to interact with the world around them.”
When students are supported outside the home — through programs like RULER and Keshet’s inclusive classrooms and camps — and when families practice those values at home, inclusion becomes more than a buzzword. It becomes a way of life.
How to Help
Keshet offers a range of programs, including classroom experiences, camps, sports, social activities, and vocational training, to individuals with disabilities. Donations to Keshet support programming, scholarships, and operating expenses. You can make an online donation or visit their website for other opportunities to support the organization.
Susan Solomon Yem is an internationally published writer who likes telling other people’s stories. She enjoys writing about parenting, education, and how individuals achieve greatness in their chosen endeavors.
