Hot Topics     Home and Family     Healthy Kids     Teen Health    

Talking to kids about race



How non-black parents can promote racial awareness in their children

Promote racial awareness in your children


Black Americans have to explain to their children why they can’t play with a toy gun, ride a bike alone down the block, put their hands in their pockets at a store. Children of all races are bombarded with messages affirming white privilege, whether they are aware of it or not. WorkingMother.com describes what non-black parents can say to their kids to help them grow up with an awareness of how skin color affects people's lives.

Toddlers

When your child asks about a person's skin tone, a good response is “It's great that there are so many different kinds of people in the world.” Bring your child into social situations with people of color. If your community lacks diversity, bring home books and magazines featuring different ethnic groups. Make racial differences a normal, accepted part of life.

Elementary school

When talking about racism, emphasize concepts of fairness and empathy. Describe how racism treats people unfairly because of skin color and how protests happen when people care about others' suffering and want to make a change. If you're participating in a Black Lives Matter protest, explain why and take your child along.

READ MORE: Teaching about racism

Middle school

Social media and schoolmates bring many attitudes to children's attention, but they don't always report what they're hearing. Watch or listen to news reports with your child and comment on what's happening and why. Teach your child to think critically about what they hear. When they are exposed to reports about race and violence, place current events in historical context to provide a deeper understanding.

READ MORE: Where do children learn racial bias?

High school

As kids are exploring ways to define their identity, they may join in with hate speech or talk of ethnic stereotypes. Stay calm and keep lines of communication open but make it clear that you don't approve. Counter the oversimplification of stereotypes by pointing out nuances.

Publisher’s note: Consciously bringing the subject of diversity into our homes, will help us understand our own bias towards others.  

If your child wants to take action against racism, offer your support. Living in a world of injustice can feel hopeless. Assertive action, with a group of like-minded people, brings a sense of empowerment.



Other articles by HVP News Reporters


  • Understanding 'Warning Strokes'

    What to expect if you experience stroke symptoms, even if they disappear

    Diagnosing a transient ischemic attack (TIA), sometimes called a “warning stroke,” can be challenging because symptoms often disappear within an hour. However, it’s important to seek emergency assessment to help prevent a full-blown stroke. read more »
  • Managing your family's year-round health

    Protect everyone from infectious diseases

    According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaccines help create protective antibodies that fight off infections. read more »
  • What to know about Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

    treatment can help control symptoms and improve quality of life

    Each year, an estimated 500-1,000 people nationwide are diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). While there’s currently no cure, treatment can help control symptoms and improve quality of life. read more »
  • Bring back family bonding this fall

    3 ways to free up busy schedules to spend time with loved ones

    Busy fall schedules often leave little time for the things that matter most – sharing special moments with those you love. This year, as time seems to speed up during another school year, making family bonding a priority in your household can start with a few simple tricks. read more »
  • Top tips for a more organized kitchen

    Save time and money

    Better organization in the kitchen means spending less time searching for the right ingredient or tool so you can have more time for savoring meals with family and friends, and more time for personal pursuits. read more »
  • 6 small, kind gestures to make a big impact each day

    Performing acts of kindness improves individual well-being

    Everywhere you look, you can see moments of kindness. From a friend sending a thoughtful text message to a stranger holding the bus for someone running late or a person paying for someone else’s coffee, acts of kindness happen every day. read more »
  • Keeping babies safe

    Tips to help prevent some of the biggest dangers

    Tips to help prevent some of the biggest dangers for babies include safe sleeping habits, product recalls, baby proofing & car safety read more »
  • Tips to get tour student prepped for college entrance exams

    Help get your teen ready

    Is the SAT or ACT on the horizon for your high schooler? A lot of emphasis is placed on college entrance exams, and your child may be anxious about their scores. read more »
  • More than two-thirds of Americans plan to get a flu shot this season

    CVS Pharmacy® and MinuteClinic® encourage consumers to get an annual flu shot and stay up to date on routine vaccinations

    CVS Health® (NYSE: CVS) is prepared to meet patients' vaccination and other preventive health care needs as flu season approaches. CVS Pharmacy® and MinuteClinic® are offering the annual flu vaccine at locations nationwide. CVS Pharmacy is also offering the new respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine, which has been approved for adults ages 60 and up. read more »
  • 10 phrases to say to children every day

    Instill valuable life skills and boost their self-esteem

    As parents, you play a pivotal role in shaping your child’s character, confidence, and overall development. Every interaction is an opportunity to instill valuable life skills and boost their self-esteem. read more »