HOW TO
TA L K TO
KIDS ABOUT
RACE One of the most meaningful ways we can start to create change surrounding racism, equality, and inclusion is by opening up the conversation with our own children at home. But if you’re unsure of how to get started, we asked MAED founder and mom of two Denise Vasi for her tips on speaking to kids about race. HOW CAN PARENTS BEST APPROACH THE SUBJECTS OF RACE AND RACISM WITH THEIR KIDS?
WHAT DO YOU THINK IS MOST IMPORTANT FOR PARENTS TO GET ACROSS IN THIS CONVERSATION?
There’s not one right way to do it, but I would say, you don’t need to over-complicate it. Keep what it is you want to say honest and straight to the point. If the conversation is hard for you to have, share that with your children. Listen more than you speak, and if you don’t have an answer for one of their follow-up questions, it’s okay to admit that and revisit their question later.
The facts. Teach them about melanin in skin, about Black history, explain to your children that Black people and POC are treated differently, acknowledge white privilege. The more openly you discuss race and skin color, the easier it will be for your children to identify bias and prejudice.
56
M I N I s u m m e r ‘20
HOW ARE YOU SPEAKING TO YOUR OWN KIDS ABOUT RACE?
We are having really open conversations.
