Are Kids Racist - How To Talk To Your Kids About Racism - January 2025

Racism. The belief in the superiority of one race over another, which often results in discrimination and prejudice towards people based on their race or ethnicity. In Singapore, we live in a society that is multicultural, multi-religious and multi-linguistic. It’s often hard to avoid the topic of race. Therefore, developing an open mind towards different races in our kids will help prepare them and to guard against any racial discrimination and prejudice. Image Credit: Colourbox Are Kids racist? Children, by nature, are not racist nor are they born with assumptions about people in a specific group. We do not have to teach children how to respect other races. All we have to do is to have trust and respect them simply. If a child feels safe and secure, he or she will respond to racism in the right way. That child will know that racism is wrong and won’t adopt it as their own. Image Credit: NPR How To Talk To Your Kids About Racism? 1. Don’t ignore it It’s not surprising that many parents do not talk to their kids about racism. When asked why many would say that it is uncomfortable, they don’t know what to say or they fear that they would say something wrong and that they want to protect their kids from negativity. But, what if your kids ask you questions and you can’t answer? Push it through. Our discomfort isn’t important than caring for those who are targeted, and silence is what keeping racism in place. 2. Make the message age-appropriate Use specific and readily obvious examples when discussing race. Use simple and straightforward terms and do not give out too much information too soon as they will be overwhelmed. Image Credit: Multicultural Kid Blogs 3. Don’t be “colour-blind.” Do not ignore colours. Recognise it, understand it, accept it, embrace it, and celebrate those differences. At times, you will see parents telling their kids not to acknowledge skin colour because everyone is the same and that it doesn’t matter. But in reality, we all know that it matters. 4. Be a good role model Above all that, everything your child sees and does start from you. It’s cliche but being a good role model to your child is very important. No matter what you tell your child, it still is going to be you and how you exemplify that truth in your daily life. It all starts with you. For more articles, news and baby guidance continue to visit Mamahood.com.sg!

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