I vividly remember the first day my eldest daughter began at her new preschool. As I anxiously awaited the release of her class, I stood with several other parents. When the teacher opened the doors, a little boy dashed out, excitedly telling his mother, “There’s a new kid in our class, and she is brown!” The mother, visibly startled, quickly shushed him and hurried away, unaware that the “brown kid” was my Black daughter. This moment highlighted a common issue: many white parents feel uncomfortable discussing race with their children. Rather than engaging in these important conversations, they often choose to remain neutral or simply ignore the topic. This lack of openness can have lasting consequences.
As a multiracial family, we encounter the impact of this avoidance regularly. Kids need racial literacy to grow into anti-racist adults, and it’s imperative that parents take actionable steps to educate them. While diving into anti-racism can seem daunting, it’s crucial to start teaching your children about these issues from a young age. It’s perfectly acceptable to learn together; you don’t need to have all the answers before you begin.
It’s a misconception that discussing race and racism introduces harmful ideas to children. In reality, kids are already exposed to diverse racial situations and discussions, whether through media or social interactions. As parents, it’s our responsibility to prepare them for these realities. Here are five actionable strategies to guide you in raising anti-racist children:
1. Engage with Media on Race
Family movie nights can be a great opportunity to explore themes of race and racism. Choose films that highlight Black experiences, such as Ruby Bridges, Remember the Titans, and Hidden Figures. However, don’t restrict your selections to stories of oppression. Include positive portrayals of people of color in films like Black Panther or Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. After viewing, discuss the characters, historical context, and the film’s relevance to current events.
2. Cultivate Diverse Friendships
Strive to foster genuine relationships with individuals from various racial backgrounds—not just for the sake of diversity. Both adults and children should engage with friends of different races, as these interactions can serve as powerful learning experiences. Remember, having friends of color doesn’t automatically confer an anti-racist identity; it’s essential to reflect on and challenge your own assumptions and biases.
3. Teach Racial Vocabulary
Equip your children with the language to discuss race and racism effectively. Explain terms like “anti-racism” and clarify why certain phrases, such as “black on black crime” or “the race card,” are problematic. Encourage open dialogue and model directness when confronting racist remarks, whether they come from family gatherings or media.
4. Select Books Wisely
Introduce your children to literature authored by people of color, featuring diverse characters in empowering roles. According to Lee & Low, only a small percentage of children’s books were written by authors from marginalized backgrounds. Opt for books that break stereotypes, steering clear of those that perpetuate harmful narratives about race.
5. Support Diverse Businesses
When possible, dedicate your family’s spending to businesses owned by people of color. This includes dining at restaurants owned by diverse communities or purchasing books from BIPOC-owned stores. Your financial choices can demonstrate the importance of supporting racial equity and provide your children with lessons in social responsibility.
By implementing these strategies, you can help your children understand the importance of diversity and anti-racism. Experiential learning is invaluable, and your involvement sets a powerful example. Remember, you’re on this journey together, shaping their understanding of the world around them.
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In summary, raising anti-racist children requires intentional effort and open dialogues about race. By engaging with diverse media, forging inclusive friendships, teaching appropriate terminology, selecting enriching literature, and supporting BIPOC businesses, parents can create an environment that fosters understanding and compassion.