The Big Idea: Talking about racism for the first time—and taking a stand against it—can feel daunting. But there are things parents can do to move past fear…and into action
Talking with Children
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmD3CiNhDV8
Talking about race and racism isn’t always comfortable, but it is necessary. There are ways parents can have difficult conversations, even with young children.
- Watch the video to hear why these conversations matter.
- Read the article “Never Too Young: Ages and Stages of Racial Understanding” to consider developmentally appropriate ways to introduce concepts around race and racism. You might print a copy, mark the age of your child, and keep it as a reminder of where to start.
- Explore how you can incorporate themes of empathy and identity into your family’s everyday moments.
- To build empathy, ask questions to help children consider others’ experiences. These questions might start with, “How would I feel if…?” and “How do you think that person feels?
- Encourage a positive self-identity in your young children. Together, finish these sentences: “I am proud of…” “I feel confident when…” “I am good at…”
