It’s important to have conversations about race – and everyone should be involved including family, children, and friends. It’s equally important to talk to little ones as it is to talk to older children. Having an age-appropriate explanation is better than silence. Initiating conversations gives kids a better understanding of difficult realities while silence allows children to draw their own and often faulty conclusions about what’s happening. The decision to not have these difficult yet necessary conversations can lead to fear, anxiety, and uncertainty.
Start a conversation with honesty. Take ownership of your own feelings and be comfortable sharing your feelings with your child. Allow your child to have the space to share what they know and/or give their opinions before you offer information.
Younger Children are better informed by limiting conversation to basic facts about how people are treated differently due to the color of their skin. It’s important to acknowledge that not everyone treats people differently based on race. It is helpful for older children and teens to be exposed to news and social media posts because it can serve as a starting point for discussions.
The articles below can be used as a guide and a good starting point when exploring conversations about race with your children.
