It can be hard to talk to your children about racism. Some parents worry about exposing their children to issues like racism and discrimination at an early age. Others shy away from talking about something they themselves might not fully understand or don’t feel comfortable discussing. Conversations about racism and discrimination will look different for each family. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach, the science is clear: the earlier parents start the conversation with their children the better. Babies notice physical differences, including skin color, from as early as 6 months. Studies have shown that by age 5, children can show signs of racial bias, such as treating people from one racial group more favorably than the other. Ignoring or avoiding the topic isn’t protecting children, it’s leaving them exposed to bias that exists wherever we live.
Below are a few ways to discuss this topic with your children. They are just suggestions that might help open the topic. up in your family. Most importantly, it is about keeping that dialog open.
M&M Exploration This is one of my favorite activities about race because it is simple and delicious!
Step 1: Open a pack of M&Ms and ask your child to explore them. How many different colors are there? How many total M&Ms are there?
Step 2: Have your child separate the candies by color.
Step 3: Conduct a taste testing of each color.
Step 4: Ask your child, do the different colors have different tastes? Why not?
Step 5: Explain that people are similar. Although we all look different on the outside, we are made of the same ingredients on the inside. The M&M is made of chocolate.
We are made of skin, bones, blood, organs, etc. No matter what someone looks like on the outside, they have the same (biological) ingredients as you do on the inside.
How to Make Skin Tone Play-Dough
Crayons for Every Skin Tone
Sesame Street Town Hall for Kids and Families
Read Aloud of "A Day You Begin"
Below are some GREAT book lists about people of color and how to stand up against racism! Not sure what book to choose? We have an App for that, it's called OurStory!
OurStory App
Diverse Book List
OurStory App
Diverse Book List