Talking To Kids About Protests and Race

​Have you turned on the news to see protesters on your community streets? If so, your kids may questions. Young kids especially may have asked why people were holding signs or why they seemed angry or upset. The news reports on the protests demanding change have started to grab the attention of many people. If you haven't had a chance to talk with your kids so they can make sense of the current events, we offer some tips below for answering their questions and resources parents can use to start a conversation.

​A Teachable Moment
We can foster a more just and caring society when we teach children at an early age to have empathy and to treat everyone with respect and care. The protests and the protesters' demands for change present an opportunity to share your values and beliefs about how we should interact with those around us.

Children as young as three years old begin to notice different races and skin colors. One way to start a conversation may be to compare your skin tone with theirs, noting how your skin looks different. Tell them that EVERYONE has differences, but skin color, height, etc. are part of who we are and what makes us unique. Every child is different. Parents know their children best, and they know what topics their child can handle, but it is crucial to talk to children about race early.
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How can parents prepare themselves?
Doing the next steps might make it easier for parents and kids to talk about sensitive topics like race.

1. Educate yourself. There are numerous books, too many to list that offer insight into the Black American experience. Here are a couple of books to start with, Race Matters, by Cornel West. From W. E. B. Du Bois to Cornel West, African-American intellectuals have helped Americans of all colors understand the sources of racism and the need for change, and "Stamped From the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America" by Ibram X. Kendi.
2. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Many parents do not feel comfortable talking about race with their children. Think about it this way. Talking about issues early on will help kids learn the importance of treating all people kindly and fairly.
3. Take time to recognize any bias you may have. Bias refers to the attitude or stereotypes we have that affect how we think and our decisions. When we are aware, we can avoid passing these views on to your kids or others.
4. Make explanations meaningful. Use your children's friends, family members, or stuffed animals as examples to explain differences and feelings. Using real people and objects to help kids connect and understand the importance of these issues is especially helpful for younger children.
5. Be prepared to listen. Parents can learn a lot from their kids, so be prepared to listen to what they have to say and respond with honest answers to their questions. It is ok to say, "I don't know" or "Let's find out together."

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Questions Children Might Ask
The events you see on TV might make kids feel scared and worried, so talking about it can help them cope with their feelings. The goal is to teach them the importance of taking care of themselves and their community while ensuring they feel safe and secure.

For instance, how we use our words when talking to someone or about someone can be helpful or hurtful. At HealthStart, we teach kids the importance of taking care of themselves and others through our Health Education For Youngsters Curriculum and other programs. Our curriculum includes lessons like, "Words that Pollute." This lesson reminds kids that words can be used as tools or as weapons, and we cannot unhear hurtful words.

When you begin to talk with your kids about race and the protests, it might be helpful to explain some of the things they might see on TV. Below we have listed some questions that kids might ask and ideas for answering them.
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Why are there so many people? Why are they yelling?

Many people are coming together to protest. In a protest, people come together to show that they are upset about something that is happening. They often hold signs and say phrases that tell people why they are unhappy. Protesters yell these words to make others aware of the problem they see. By coming together, they hope to drive change.

​Why are they upset?

Many protestors are upset because people have been treated unfairly because of the color of their skin. Racism is when someone mistreats another person because of the color of their skin. You know that it is super important to treat everyone with kindness, even if they look different than you, but not everyone does this.

​Racism is hurtful and wrong. Black people, especially, have been wronged due to the way they look. Many Black people and others who disagree with racism are protesting to help end racism.

​Can we make racism go away?

Yes, we can. First, we must always be kind and respectful to everyone, with no exceptions. What should you do if your friend says something mean and hurtful because of the way someone looks (or for any reason)? You can ask them to stop. When we speak up, we teach people that it is not ok to say mean things.

​Helpful Resources

• How to talk to your children about protest and racism by Sandee LaMotte, CNN. In this article, parents can find tips on talking to children about race. It is broken down by age groups starting with infants to teens. The report also covers "The Talk," an everyday conversation that happens in Black families.
• Best moments from CNN and Sesame Street’s town hall on racism for kids and parents. Elmo and his dad talk about racism and protesting. This video is a great one for parents and kids to watch and learn from together. The content is a great conversation starter.
• Resources for Race, Equity, Anti-Racism, and Inclusion. A list of books on race, equity, anti-racism, and inclusion, as well as a list of Black-owned bookstores.
• Health Education for Youngsters! (HEY!). HealthStart's curriculum is intended for children ages 3-6. This health and science material teaches physical, nutritional, and social/emotional wellbeing. The lessons teach kids how to take care of their health and how you treat others impacts their health.​

​We hope that these resources will spark a conversation between you and your children. While talks alone will not end racism, this is an excellent first step, because our children indeed are our future, and with our help, they can lead the way to a healthier and more just future for all.

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