Is It Time to Talk to Your Preschooler About Race?

Is it too early to talk to my child about race?

The truth is – no, it isn’t.

In fact, it may already be overdue.

Research from the American Psychological Association shows that children begin to notice race as early as six months old, and by the time they’re three, they can start forming biases based on skin colour, language, or appearance.

So, while your preschooler may still be learning to tie their shoelaces, their minds are already taking in social cues—and they’re looking to you for guidance.

Why Talking About Race Early Matters

Conversations about race are often seen as “too heavy” or “too complex” for young children.

But silence doesn’t protect them.

Instead, it leaves them to fill in the blanks on their own.

And that’s where stereotypes can sneak in.

For instance, some children have been teased for the way their lunch smells at school.

Others feel embarrassed about the language their parents speak at home.

Some are made to feel “less beautiful” because of their skin tone or hair texture.

These moments may seem small, but they leave lasting imprints.

Talking about race isn’t about highlighting differences to divide – it’s about celebrating those differences so that every child feels confident and proud of who they are.

What You Can Do as a Parent

1. Start with What They Know: Use your child’s surroundings as the starting point. Talk about the people they meet at the playground, the neighbours next door, or the characters in their storybooks. Ask open-ended questions like, “What do you notice about their clothes or names?”
2. Celebrate Cultural Differences at Home: Introduce meals from other ethnicities, play traditional music, or try out simple crafts from various cultures. Hawker centres are a great place to explore local flavours while talking about our shared spaces.
3. Model Inclusive Behaviour: Children learn from what they see. Show respect when speaking about others. Avoid laughing at accents or appearances, and correct relatives gently when needed.
4. Use Age-Appropriate Language: You don’t need to dive into complex historical injustices. You can simply say, “People have different skin colours, and that’s a good thing. What matters is how kind or respectful someone is.”
5. Validate Their Feelings: If your child has been made fun of because of their race, don’t brush it off. Acknowledge their hurt and remind them of their worth. Say things like, “I’m proud of who you are, and I hope you are too.”

Local Places to Visit That Embraces Diversity

• Hawker Centres: Celebrate food diversity. Talk about how different cultures have their own flavours and traditions.
• Heritage Museums: Like the Indian Heritage Centre or Malay Heritage Centre, where exhibits make history engaging.
• Neighbourhoods like Little India, Chinatown, and Kampong Glam: Walk around, explore the sights and sounds, and ask your child what they observe.

These outings can open up natural conversations, especially when paired with storybooks or activities.

Raising Children Who Are Unapologetically Themselves

In a multicultural society like Singapore, embracing diversity is a necessity.

When we talk about race honestly and gently from a young age, we empower our kids to stand tall in who they are and to see others through the same lens of dignity.

Let’s start conversations that shape open minds and open hearts in our little ones!