Tips for Having Conversations About Race and Racism with Children:

You don't have to be a certain race to have these conversations. The important thing is that you're having them, and a helpful first step is acknowledging race and celebrating diversity.

•Find a good time. Set up a time and place to talk when kids are not distracted or using electronics.

•Talk in a safe environment where your child will not feel bad for asking a question.

•Tell the truth. Give your child accurate information in kid-friendly words that you are sure they will understand. But actually talk about it.

•Acknowledge awkwardness. Let your child know it can be an uncomfortable topic for some people to discuss, then highlight why you are talking about it.

•Be patient. Children often need to hear the same information several times to process it and ask all their questions.

•Listen to your child and be supportive. Let your child know that you want to hear what they have to say. This lets your child know that their parent is someone they are able to talk to, and that you love them unconditionally.

•React positively to questions. This lets your child know it is okay to talk to you and ask you questions.

•Ask for more time. If you are not ready to talk about something or don’t have an answer, be honest. This is better than changing the subject or avoiding the conversation.

•Show by example. Practice what you preach is key and allowing for and initiating dialogue in your home is an important first step.

Some Helpful Resources and Reads:

• Are kids too young to talk about race?

• Youtube Reading of "Let's Talk About Race" by Julius Lester

• "Say Something" by Peter H. Reynolds

• 31 Children's books to support conversations on race, racism and resistance

• The Conscious Kid on Instagram has book recommendations and resources

• Anti-Racism For Kids 101: Starting To Talk About Race

• Talking to kids about #blacklivesmatter

• 10 tips for teaching and talking to kids about race

• Sesame Street and CNN Racism Town Hall

• Resources for Self Care While Responding to Racism and Acts of Violence for HES Families

• Harvard Public Schools Anti-Racism Resources

Child Friendly Resources for Explaining Coronavirus to Your Child

Resources for parents communicating with students about COVID-19