Updated: Feb. 8, 2021
Originally Published: Sep. 28, 2017
Kids are keen observers of the world around them, very much aware of what makes them unique compared to their friends. They notice differences like height, gender, eye color, and skin tone. The real challenge lies not in their observations but in how we, as adults, guide them through these realizations.
Teaching our children to treat everyone with kindness and respect is vital, but ignoring these differences or failing to encourage open dialogue can lead to confusion. Doyin Richards’ book, What’s the Difference? Being Different is Awesome, provides a fantastic avenue to spark these important conversations about diversity and how to appreciate those who may not look or act like them.
Inspiration Behind the Book
In an interview, Richards explained that the idea for this book emerged in 2015 after the tragic events surrounding Michael Brown’s shooting. He noted, “People seemed more focused on choosing sides based on race rather than understanding the facts.” He aims to foster understanding between different races by educating the younger generation.
Today, discussions about race and diversity are more necessary than ever. Parents must engage their children in these conversations early, as avoiding them can perpetuate ignorance. “How can a child empathize with someone from a different background if they grow up believing we’re all the same? We’re not the same. Raising racially aware children means embracing and celebrating our differences,” Richards emphasizes.
Target Audience
Targeted towards children aged 3 to 5, this book is perfect for the age when kids start interacting with others outside their family. They become more cognizant of their surroundings, making them receptive to the lessons of acceptance and understanding.
Richards points out that racism is a learned behavior. “The difference between the most enlightened person and a racist is that everyone loved everyone as babies,” he says, “but outside influences can change that.” Kids, however, tend to play with anyone who shares their sense of fun, regardless of what they might look like. “Kids will play with anyone until an adult tells them not to,” Richards asserts.
The Message
The message is clear: “You may not look like your friends, but it’s those very differences that make you special,” says Richards. With the current state of social dynamics, we as parents and caregivers must prioritize teaching empathy and acceptance to our children. Promoting a colorblind mindset is not only ineffective but dangerous; instead, we should encourage our kids to appreciate the beauty in diversity.
Additional Resources
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Conclusion
In summary, Doyin Richards’ book is a timely resource that encourages children to embrace diversity and learn the importance of acceptance. By having these conversations early, we can help foster a generation that celebrates differences and understands the value of empathy.
Keyphrase: children’s book diversity acceptance
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