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A World of Diversity
6 Tips on Talking to Your Child About Race
By Sharen Hausmann
Remember that children often model adult behavior. What parents and family members say and how they act toward others can directly influence a child's attitudes, beliefs and interactions with others. Pay attention to what you say in front of your child, and never allow generalizations, hateful expressions or racial jokes in your home.
3. Encourage Your Child to Learn About OthersFill your child's library with books from around the world and about people from different cultures who have helped shape our world such as Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Theresa and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Visit Web sites that have child-friendly ethnic crafts and recipes, or visit cultural museums and ethnic restaurants with your family.
Locate books and movies that portray individuals of your race or ethnicity as positive role models. Talk to your child about leaders and historical figures of your race so that he or she will be proud of their heritage and identity. Establish support networks for your child among relatives, neighbors and the greater community to help build his or her self-esteem.
Due to interracial marriages, blended families and international/transracial adoptions, the number of mixed-race families is increasing. Encourage multiculturalism by embracing the language, traditions and customs of every family member. If your child is multiracial, encourage him or her to celebrate and recognize all parts of his or her heritage. Support your child by helping him or her develop coping skills to handle questions and comments about his or her racial background.
