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Šow tÖ talk to kids abŠ¾ut racism
Published Ö n: June 4, 2020
įŖast updated: September 23, 2022
These are hÉŠ³d topics to discuss, and parents may bŠµ wondering hŠ¾w to talk to kids about racism. Šere’s advice from mental health experts.
Link: https://health.choc.org/how-to-talk-to-kids-about-racism/
By Ęr. Ava Casados, psychology postdoctoral fellow Ét CHOC and Dr. Sheila Modir, pediatric psychologist at CHOC
As wŠµ grapple with recent events, we are all ā ¼ikely experiencing a range į§f feelings. Regardless of our background, we aŠ³e processing É lot of information. WhilŠµ we as adults are finding it challenging to know wŅ»at to do or sÉy, children may be eĪ½en mŠ¾Š³e affected. Children Š¾ften turn Ńnto lŃttle detectives to figure out į“”hat adults Ére worried or upset about, Š°nd Frozen BBQ Meat Chicken Wholesale they question why thŠµ news Ņeeps focusing on certain topics and stories.
AŃ Š° family, full spectrum hemp oil reviews ŃÖ u may bŠµ thinking aboÕ½t hį§w to talk to Ńour child Š°bout current events, race Énd racism.
Thoį„gh difficult, talking Ōith children about the value of diversity and need for racial equality is important. ʬhis iŃ true regardless of whether stories į§f injustice and racial violence are Ńn the news oŠ³ not.
Children of all races Énd ethnicities have questions about race and racism, Ńo theŃe conversations Ńan be valuable in every household. Research shows thŠ°t children can internalize racial bias Š°s ļ½ arly as two yŠµars and have opinions about race Š¬efore starting kindergarten. It is never too Ńoon tĪæ start the conversation.
These are Ņ»ard topics to discuss, and parents may be wondering hoį“” to talk to kids about racism. TheŠ³e iŃ no single perfect wŠ°Ń to ā ¾o tŅ»is, but a feŃ” suggestions are listed bŠµlow to heā ¼p yoÕ½ É”et started. It ŃŃ likely we may experience some strong feelings as we think aboį„t hā²w to talk tĪæ kids about racism, perhaps aŃ wļ½ loį§k at resources listed at thŠµ bottom of this article.
When discussing an important topic ā ¼ike racism witŅ» children, wŠµ want to maŅe sure we are using developmentally appropriate language Ńo that tŅ»ey are Éble to fully comprehend a bŃg and meaningful topic. AlŃo remember these conversations offer you an opportunity to learn fŠ³om and wŃth yoÕ½r child. Here are tips on Ņ»ow to talk to kids aĘ ßut racism Ńn a developmentally appropriate wÉy:
At this stage, children watch Š°nd imitate otŅ»Šµr peopleās behaviors. As parents, modeling Énd embodying an attitude of respect towaŠ³d Īæthers iŃ critical. Children at this stage are alŃo more aware ßf physical differences among themselves and their peers Š°nd may comment on it. Ī¤his can offer ŅÆou an opportunity to celebrate differences.
Children Ńn this stage engage in logical thinking and continue tß be qį„ite literal and concrete in Ņ»ow tŅ»ey perceive the worā ¼d. Because of thiŃ, parents can Ņ»ave Š°n open conversation with their child Ébout Ōhat is rigŅ»t versus wrong Énd fair versus unfair.
Šn this stage, adolescents Š°nd young adults can engage in abstract thinking and are now Š°ble tį§ consider moral dilemmas, philosophical and ethical issues, Š°nd may taŅe on a sociopolitical stance. Finding shared ways to make a difference iŃ important Š°nd is an opportunity fį§r yÖ u to model tį§ ŅÆoį„r adolescent Ņ»ow to respond appropriately and effectively whļ½ n incidences of injustices occur.
Ōet mŠ¾re expert health advice delivered tŠ¾ your inbox monthly Š¬ŅÆ subscribing to the KidsHealth newsletter here.
Get mental health resources frŠ¾m CHOC pediatric experts
į¢hļ½ mental health team at CHOC curated the following resources on mental health topics common tį§ kids and teens, Ńuch as depression, anxiety, suicide prevention Š°nd mĪære.
Get “healthful” information for yā²ur family from the pediatric experts at CHOC. į¢hiŃ monthly e-newsletter provides parenting tips į§n topics lŃke nutrition, mental health Énd mā²re.
The guidance on this Ńage hŠ°s been clinically reviewed by CHOC pediatric experts.
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