Reflect: Talking about racism with children

I just finished an engaging conversation with a cohort of educators (I'm lucky enough to work with) after reading this article. We were discussing education of young children and how we can talk to children about racism. I am so hoping the conversation continues.

Here's a quote for you to nibble on: "Ultimately, words and books should not be the end of your child’s education about race and racism. 'The best advice I can give parents is to be models for the attitudes, behavior and values that they wish to see in their children,' said Nia Heard-Garris, M.D., an attending physician at the Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago."

Here are three questions from our discussion.

1. When are you most conscious of your race? Share an experience of being particularly conscious of your race.
2. When are you most conscious of the race of others?
3. Is there a time where you avoided a question from a child about race or difference? If you could change your response, what would you say?

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I invite you to explore these questions and reflect on them.

Talking to Kids About Racism, Early and Often

These books can help start the conversation. As protests over the killing of George Floyd (and Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor) spill into a second week, many parents are wondering how to talk about the deaths and unrest with their children.