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Raising Children to Be Brave, Thoughtful, and Knowledgeable about Race

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Talking with kids about race and its impact on our diverse world can be challenging for parents. It's vital to have these conversations with kids and encourage them to develop genuine friendships with people from all backgrounds. These 17 tips from an Illinois community organization offer a starting point for this ongoing journey. Some kid-friendly resources from Brilliant Star can be used by families to encourage open dialogue and intergenerational sharing.
 

1). Take advantage of opportunities to educate yourself about the history of racism and the current social climate. Study books, documentaries, websites, daily news reports, and take part in public forums focused on the issues involved with race.

More Than Two Colors, by Andrea Hope - A personal story

Stargazer: Tod Ewing - interview

Shoghi Effendi’s Guidance / Activity Answers

 

2). Become knowledgeable about the basics of racial anthropology. Be able to explain to children why people have different skin colors, different hair textures, body shapes, etc.

Maya’s Mysteries: Does Race Exist? / Answers


Hoshi’s Adventures: The Human Race / Activity Answers 


Maya’s Mysteries: Colors of Humanity - science activity
 

The Hair We Wear / Activity Answers
 

Nur’s Nook: Colorful Community—Make a Friends and Family Tree - craft
 

Nur’s Nook: One Family Tree - craft

 

3). Children of all ethnicities need to have stories of heroes in the struggle for justice, both of their own race and others. They also need books about the lives and families of kids of other cultures. Providing toys showing kids of other races is also a good way to normalize biracial experiences. This may open the door for discussing race and differences.
 

I Have a Dream: Essay by Brian A., age 12


A Memorable Meal with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá - story  


Shining Lamp: Louis Gregory - biography


Stargazer: Victoria Smalls - interview


Stargazer: Eric Dozier - interview


Shining Lamp: Dr. Magdalene Carney - biography


Shining Lamp: Patricia Locke - biography


Shining Lamp: Kanichi Yamamoto - biography


Shining Lamp: Franklin Kahn - biography

 

4). Stay involved with your child’s school. Meet their teachers, and let them know of your expectation of equity in the classroom, as well as honesty in education; i.e., don’t “whitewash” history.
 

Favorite Festivals / Activity Answers
 

For Parents & Teachers: Why Teach with Multicultural Books?
 

Nur's Nook: Appreciation for Terrific Teachers - craft

 

5). Direct intervention regarding race is necessary because kids notice race and racial injustices. If not taught otherwise, they may assume that these injustices are due to inferior abilities, intelligence, etc. And remember—it is never too early to start. Even babies notice racial differences. Often by the age of 5 kids have internalized racist perceptions of themselves and others.
 

Quiz: Are You a World Citizen?
 

Riley’s Rainforest: Our Unfair Brains - article

 

6). When the opportunities arise, give kids the language they will need to understand and explain their experiences; i.e., introduce them to words such as “racism” and “sexism.”
 

Monster CommUNITY: Defines Racism / Activity Answers
 

Dressing for Diversity: Defines Prejudice and Discrimination / Activity Answers
 

Sheep Smarts: Defines Stereotypes and Melanin / Activity Answers
 

Take a Bite Out of Stereotypes - activity

 

7). Teach children that race is visible and normal. Not talking about racial differences may make kids think there is something “wrong” or “bad” about the differences they see.
 

Master Your Mindbugs / Activity Answers


Monsters of the Mind / Activity Answers


More Monsters of the Mind / Activity Answers


 

8). Also teach them that while injustice exists, there are actions that can be taken to help create a more equitable world. When opportunities arise, be the example you would like them to emulate.
 

What Do You Say about Prejudice? - activity


For Parents & Teachers: 50 Ways to Be a World Citizen 

 

9). Be careful not to talk about “white” as the standard. It is merely one among different shades of skin.
 

For Parents & Teachers: Taking Off My Racial Color-blind Lens  
 

Respectful Remedies: Tips for Stopping Microaggressions / Activity Answers

 

10). In this society where value is placed on “liberty and equality,” kids can become confused about the inequalities that exist. Let them know that laws may be unjust and can be changed, and that authority figures may not always be correct, moral or just. If discussion about differences and inequities is more common, it can help reduce the pressures that arise from this confusion.


For Parents & Teachers: Overcoming Prejudice

 

11). Help children to be sensitive to what those of other groups say about what hurts or offends them, and encourage them to believe what others say about their experiences and feelings.
 

What Do You Say about Injustice or Racism? - activity

 

12). Kids of color need to be taught of the injustices that exist and given tools to enable pride in their own identity. But white kids are taught by society to feel superior. They need to be able to envision the kind of just world they want for themselves and others, what people of all races have done to help build that world and what they themselves can do to help build it. Adults who are caregivers of kids need to live the example of being advocates for justice.

 

13). Learn about “white privilege,” and be open and honest with white children about it. Their complicity in it is unavoidable, but can easily lead to feelings of shame and guilt. Teaching them that they can help change the social environment to a more equitable one can help alleviate their negative feelings about their complicity.


Privilege: An Unfair Game - games

 

14). Proximity is vital. Take care to include people of different races and ethnicities in your social life and your home, and seek diversity in your service providers.
 

Dance with Diversity / Activity Answers

 

15). Learning about racial injustices can be painful, but if we attempt to shield our kids entirely from this knowledge, it can rob them of what is essential to their humanity, and reduce or destroy their capacity for empathy.
 

Positive Thoughts for Peace / Activity Answers


For Parents & Teachers: 9 Ways to Teach Children Tolerance in a Fearful World

 

16). When talking with children about race don’t expect completion. They will stay in the conversation until they are content for the present.

 

17). Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. We are in uncharted territory. Be honest about what you don’t know, both with other adults and with children. We are learning together, and from each other.

 

Race Amity as a Community Endeavor (R.A.C.E.) is a newly formed group in Lake County, Illinois, that seeks to promote an awareness of the oneness of humanity and justice for all through collaboration and educational programs.

Updated on 2.18.20