I vividly remember the first day my daughter, Mia, started at her new preschool. As I anxiously waited with other parents, the teacher opened the doors and released the children one by one. Suddenly, a little boy dashed out, gleefully announcing, “There’s a new kid in our class, and she’s brown!” His mother quickly shushed him, her eyes darting around nervously, unaware that the “new brown kid” was my Black daughter. She bent down, wrapped an arm around her son, and hurriedly left the scene, clearly flustered.
This incident highlights a common issue: many white parents feel uncomfortable discussing race with their children. Instead of engaging in these difficult conversations, they often choose avoidance, vague statements, or neutrality, which ultimately doesn’t help anyone—and this has become increasingly apparent in recent times. My diverse family often faces the repercussions of parents who shy away from directly addressing racism. Without providing their children with the necessary understanding of racial issues, they miss the chance to foster anti-racist mindsets. Fortunately, there are practical steps parents can take to raise children who are aware and actively against racism.
Understanding anti-racism can feel daunting; it’s a long-term commitment that requires ongoing effort. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t start teaching your kids about these crucial topics right now. It’s perfectly fine to learn together as a family. You don’t need to have all the answers before initiating these conversations.
1. Enjoy Movies and Shows That Address Race and Racism
Spend time watching films as a family that focus on racial themes. Some excellent choices include Ruby Bridges, Remember the Titans, Akeelah and the Bee, Hidden Figures, and 42. Don’t restrict your viewing to stories of oppression—also explore films where Black characters take the lead, such as Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, KC Undercover, Family Reunion, Black Panther, and Family Matters. After watching, engage in discussions about the narrative, characters, and historical context, relating it to current events.
2. Cultivate a Diverse Friend Group
Encourage both adults and children in your family to form friendships with individuals from various racial backgrounds. Authentic relationships can naturally foster understanding. However, it’s important to recognize that having friends of color does not alone make someone anti-racist. Make sure your friendships are genuine and not merely token relationships. Also, assess your community spaces, including places of worship and extracurricular activities, for their diversity.
3. Discuss Racial Terminology
Equip your children with the vocabulary needed to engage in meaningful discussions about race. Teach them what terms like “anti-racism” mean, and clarify why some phrases are inappropriate. For instance, terms like “black on black crime” or “the race card” often perpetuate harmful stereotypes. Address racist language head-on, and model how to call out racism directly, such as when a family member makes an inappropriate joke.
4. Read Books That Promote Racial Equity
Select children’s literature authored by people of color that feature protagonists who reflect diverse backgrounds. According to research by Lee & Low, only 7% of children’s books published in 2017 were written by Black, Latinx, or Native authors. Seek out stories that avoid stereotypes and provide accurate, enriching representations of different cultures.
5. Support BIPOC-Owned Businesses Together
As businesses gradually reopen, consider using your family’s entertainment and dining budget to support establishments owned by Black, Indigenous, or people of color. Whether it’s purchasing books from a Black-owned bookstore or ordering takeout from an Asian-owned restaurant, your spending choices can teach your children the importance of economic equity.
Every small step counts when it comes to teaching your children about diversity and inclusion. Remember, you are learning alongside them, demonstrating that their choices about what they read, watch, who they befriend, and where they spend their money matter. For more insights on raising anti-racist kids, check out our other blog post here or explore expert resources on pregnancy and home insemination at Make a Mom. Additionally, WebMD offers excellent information on fertility treatments, which can be found here.
Summary
Raising anti-racist children requires intentional action and open discussions about race. By engaging with diverse media, fostering inclusive friendships, teaching relevant terminology, exploring diverse literature, and supporting BIPOC-owned businesses, parents can cultivate understanding and empathy in their children.
Keyphrase: Raising Anti-Racist Children
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