Friday, June 5, 2020

Talking to Kids About Racism

As the recent events in our collective history unfold, there have been questions in my mind. What is mine to do? How do I approach the topic of racism with the children in my life so they feel safe? And what advice would I give parents? Our teaching invites us to turn to prayer or treatment and look within. This morning my prayers were answered in the form of an article in the New York Times, California Addition ~ and in an add I heard on the radio. I love how Spirit works!

The New York times article had 5 main tips. The full article is here > (New York Times ).

"1) All parents should talk to their children about racism."
“We should all be having conversations with our children that the color of your skin in this country, specifically, will dictate your experiences in the world,”  
The article also encourages you to follow the lead of your child. If they approach you, be prepared to have a discussion with them at their level of development. 

"2) Be honest with yourself and with your children." "When talking about racism, it’s important for parents to also check their own thoughts for biases, unconscious or not." 
The article gives a great example of using imagination to enter into dialog and further states that if your children are asking about it, they are ready to listen. 

"3) Have diverse books around for children to read." Personally I love this one as I am always on the hunt for children's books that represent diversity and inclusion. The first 3 books are picture books for younger children, the last is for middle school and teens. They are: Black is a Rainbow Color - Last Stop on Market Street - Each Kindness and Stamped: Racism, Anti-racism & You. 
The only one I've read (so far) is Last Stop on Market Street. 

I'll also add another author that I personally love and that is Matthew Paul Turner. He's written 4 children's books, When God Made You, When God Made Light, When I Pray for You, When God Made the World. His books are beautifully illustrated, non-secular and the children in them represent diversity of all types. While they do not address racism, they do bring a spiritual aspect to the stories that allow children to feel love and loved just as they are. 

"4) Allow for questions even when you don’t know the answers." "You may not have the answers to questions like, “Why is this happening?,” but it’s important to hold space for them and explain how you feel, nonetheless." 

"5) If speaking with black children, let them know their lives matter and encourage their whole identity."“Your life doesn’t matter just because of how big or important you are. It’s not about how great your grades are or how many trophies you won. You matter just because you exist. Because you’re here.”  
I encourage you to read the full article! 

Tomorrow - June 6, 10 am eastern time - CNN is teaming up with Sesame Street with a Town Hall for Children and Families . Here is the Link on how to watch it. -  CNN & Sesame Street 
This is the item I heard about on the radio.

Most of all, keep talking, hugging your children and letting them know how special they are. If you haven't yet joined our Sunday Youth Zooms ~ reach out to me at susan.robinson@cslsr.org for the links. We are having fun staying connected and keeping our Spiritual family active.

Love and Blessings to you all ~ Susan
(Photo credit to Andrew Seaman - on Unsplash)






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