Christine Hernandez
Early childhood educator, writer, and mother. Your friendly neighborhood guide to all things parenting.
As parents, it is our responsibility to raise the next generation of compassionate, empathetic and enlightened kids. Sometimes, the weight of that responsibility can feel so daunting that we avoid having important discussions with our children about issues like racism, inequality, and injustice. However, by not having these discussions, we are sending the unspoken message to our children that these things are acceptable. The opposite of racism isn’t just not being racist, actively working toward dismantling the systems that promote or condone racism. It is being anti-racist. The earlier you start to have these conversations, the more likely your children are to call out racism when they see it.
Resources to help parents raise anti-racist kids
Don’t teach them to be colorblind
While it may seem like a good thing to talk about ways in which we are all the same, it’s more important to embrace and celebrate our differences. Studies show that children become aware of race as early as infancy. By teaching children not to “see” race or color, we are in essence telling them not to “see” other people fully, to ignore their identity. We are also erasing history, and leaving out the very important struggles and triumphs families of color have endured. Not talking about race is an example of white privilege, because for many families of color conversations about safety and race go hand in hand.
Be age-appropriate
It is never too early to start having these conversations, but you know your child best. For very young children, you can focus on how to help. Point out some of the people who fought for change like Martin Luther King Jr and Ruby Bridges. As your children get older and start to understand more, the conversations can become more complex. If your children have questions, no matter how old they are, be sure to answer them truthfully even if it’s uncomfortable.
Round out your family’s library
Having a diverse cast of characters represented on your child’s bookshelf is great, but there are lots of children’s books written specifically for promoting anti-racism. Some of our favorites are:
- Anti-racist Baby
- A is for Activist
- The Story of Ruby Bridges
- Not My Idea: A Book about Whiteness
- My Name is Yoon
Be a good role model
Your children are way more likely to absorb conversations about anti-racism if they see you practicing what you preach. Racism is not only something that happens in the news, but it plays out on the school bus, at the dinner table, and all around us. Lean into the discomfort and call out racism or injustice when you see it. Ask your child questions afterward like, “what did you think about that” or “what should they have done differently” to encourage an open dialogue.
Make anti-racism a family value
Discussions about injustice shouldn’t only come up when there are newsworthy events but should be a part of everyday life. Work together as a family to talk about ways to make a difference. Go as a family to local protests or marches or have your children help you make signs for your window. The more you prioritize fighting racism together, the more likely these will be values your children will carry with them as they grow.
What to do right now
At Winnie, our hearts are with Asian-American families and anyone who may be struggling to cope with the violence in the news lately. If you are feeling called to help, here are some ways to get involved:
- Donate: from funds specifically for victims to non-profits who support families in need, there are a lot of worthy causes to support.
- Report hate crimes: become familiar with what constitutes a hate crime and how to report it if you happen to be a witness to one.
- Support your local Chinatown or Asian-owned businesses. The pandemic has affected many local businesses, but Asian-owned businesses, in particular, have been hit especially hard.
More things to do as a family
- The Conscious Kid: A virtual community for families, dedicated to equity and racial justice.
- PBS Kids has a printable poster you can work on as a family and a BINGO game focused on being an ally.
- Explore the concept of skin tones and Melanin with resources like this printable matching game
- Watch the CNN Town Hall on racism. This originally aired on June 6, 2020 but can be rewatched anytime.
