HOW TO TEACH YOUR KIDS ABOUT
RACISM AND RACIAL INJUSTICE by Eleanor King The topics of racism and racial violence have taken center stage in the national conversation due to recent tragic events. For some, these subjects are challenging to address with children, especially children who have not grown up in widely diverse
communities, yet they are extremely necessary. There’s no “one way” to talk to all children about race and racism, as each person has different backgrounds and different experiences when it comes to these topics. Here are a few basics to help you start to address racism with your kids.
HAVE THE CONVERSATION It’s important to realize that having open and understanding conversations about race with children is not racist. In fact, it’s just the beginning in setting them on the path to being empathetic, loving, and racially just individuals. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), one of the most important parts of talking to kids about race is being open and comfortable about it. Experts say that when parents avoid talking about race and racism, children see the topic as taboo. By having open conversations and discussions surrounding race and racism, it becomes easier for children to have these types of talks. Dr. Ashaunta Anderson, an assistant professor at the University of California, Riverside
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