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.
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