With everything that has been happening lately, it is very important for parents to learn how to raise anti-racist children. It can be hard to understand the real complexities that go into this because there’s a cultural disconnect on racism. This isn’t putting blame on anyone. Unfortunately, it is just how our society is, which in turn, has resulted in so many families living in very different realities.
This list of quick tips on raising anti-racist children aims to help parents understand how to raise their kids to be anti-racist–and why it matters so much.
Acknowledge Your Privilege
Don’t run from this fact, acknowledge it. Acknowledging your white privilege doesn’t make you bad or racist. It simply means that you were born White and because of that, although you have problems, those problems are not exacerbated by systemic racism.
Talk to Your Kids About Race
Children recognize race at a very early age, and studies have shown that they tend to gravitate towards their own race. It’s a familiar visual to them, after all. Talk with your kids about race early and often. Teach them that all races are equal and deserve respect and equality. Talk about how sad it is that certain races aren’t able to experience the same type of freedoms that others can. A good example is to talk to your kids about slavery.
Read Diverse Books with Your Children
A key to raising anti-racist children is to include diversity in their lives. Incorporate books that feature main characters who are Black, Hispanic, Asian, and the like. Make racial diversity a part of your child’s worldview early on and you’ll be setting them up to have a diverse mindset as they continue to grow.
Buy Diverse Toys for Your Children
Don’t stop at buying diverse books for your children; make sure to buy diverse toys for them, also. Again, it’s all about making racial diversity and cultural inclusion a part of their upbringing. Dolls and action figures of different ethnicities are excellent options.
Teach Your Kids to See Color
One of the biggest detriments to raising anti-racist children is the “blind trap” that a lot of families fall into. Don’t try to raise children who are color blind. It has been proven over and over that this doesn’t work. When you don’t talk to your children about race, they tend to form their own opinions based on the people around, and what they see on TV, which may not be the truth. Instead, raise children who view all races as part of the same beautiful, multicultural rainbow. It teaches them that it’s both our similarities and our differences that bring us together.
Travel with Your Kids
Travel is the ultimate teacher of life lessons. When we travel with our children, especially to places with different cultures and skin colors, it opens up an entirely new world for them. It allows them to feel more connected to other cultures and ethnicities. Travel also allows children to understand that people do things differently all over the world and that their way isn’t always the right way.
Teach Your Kids Black History
Black history is celebrated only during one month of the year, but the accomplishments of Black people should be talked about and celebrated throughout the year. Tell your kids the truth about slavery or even the Tulsa Race Massacre. You’ll be shocked to find out that children are able to digest more information than we expect. If your kids are too young, then teach them about the beauty of Africa. Teach your children the real Black History, both the good and the bad, so they can get a real, true picture of the struggles Black people have had to overcome over the centuries.
Be Their Example
Perhaps the most important tip for raising anti-racist children is to be the example that they need. Children mimic their parents and learn through actions. In addition to the above tips, be an example of what anti-racism looks like. Speak up when you hear or see racist activity. Discuss any racist activity you see with your children and ask them how they would feel if you or they were treated in such a way. Introduce them to a variety of cultures, music, art, and the like. Show them that the world is full of beauty on every level and in everyone. They’ll learn the most powerful lessons from you.
I truly believe that as parents, we have the most important job. We are our children’s first teacher and have the ability to raise the next generation of children who can change the world. I believe that change will come, as long as we do our best as parents.
How are you teaching the children in your life to be anti-racist? Tell us in the comments!
Karen Akpan is a mom, aunt, and the face behind The MOM Trotter. Her goal is to inspire and encourage families to find a balance between parenting, educating their kids, and traveling the world with kids. She is also the founder of Black Kids Do Travel which is an organization created to bring about diversity in travel and bridge the gap. (Images via The Mom Trotter)
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