One might expect that after living in a diverse, multicultural society for so many years, we would have progressed into compassionate and accepting individuals regardless of skin color. Unfortunately, racism has been prominently featured in the news and on social media platforms lately, which might lead your child to ask questions about its implications. What impact does this have on our children and how can we approach this sensitive topic?
While it’s natural to shield your child from distressing news and unfortunate events, you can provide an honest explanation that is suitable for their age. You are familiar with your child and can gauge the amount of information they can process.
I believe the initial step is to reassure your child, regardless of their age, that it is acceptable to talk about this subject and encourage them to ask any questions they may have. This can be a bewildering period for your child, just as it is for adults.
If you have a young child, be sure to in-still values of kindness towards others, regardless of their skin colour, beliefs, or background. Emphasize our shared humanity and the importance of treating everyone equally. Teach them that diversity is valuable and encourage them to celebrate the differences among individuals of all backgrounds.
If you have an older child, encourage them to ask questions and talk about any social media reels they have watched. Give them the chance to share their thoughts freely on the subject. Let your child know that they can always ask about anything they don’t understand at any time.
If you have a teenager encourage them to express their feelings on the topic without worrying about being judged.
Encourage your child, regardless of age, to embrace their uniqueness and learn about diversity. Emphasize the value of understanding different cultures, as it enriches our world. Teach your child to appreciate people’s differences, fostering empathy and understanding. Help them see that there is a lot to gain from diversity, as we live in a world where everyone can learn from one another.
Most importantly, instill in your child the value of kindness towards everyone and the beauty of a diverse world.
Imagine how dull it would be if we were all the same.
Love Eliza x