are my children too young to be taught about racism?

Question

i have two bi-racial children aged 6 and 5. I know that in a world filled with ignorant people they are are going to come across racism in their day to day lives and need to be prepared but i think that they are still babys and i want to protect them as much as i can. When should I start telling them about racism and how it would affect them

Answer 1

Oh I don't know how good of an idea it is to 'prepare' a child for something they may not understand. You might end up making them worry about it more than anything. Maybe you should talk about racists the same way you talk to your kids about 'strangers'. You could teach them about it now but not in a way that you're expressing fear that might make them scared of all people. Let them know that there are 'stupid' people out there that say mean things about other people based on how they look, etc.. Make sure they know that it happens to everyone at some point and that we've all had to deal with it so they don't start thinking certain races are 'bad' and others aren't. Make it less of a conversation about racism and more of a conversation about how it's not nice to pick on people for their appearance, just like it's not ok to make fun of 'fat' people or something. At that age, they shouldn't encounter much more than name calling, if anything, and they should know how to deal with that. Some of the more serious stuff about racism should wait until they are a little older, maybe closer to 8. I don't remember what age kids learn about slavery in the US but that might be a good time to address some of those race related issues.

Answer 2

I was three years old the first time I experienced racism. I can't remember whether or not my mother explained it to me, but I certainly knew what racism was by early elementary school. Knowing what it is, and being subjected to it, are two very different things. I don't think I really had to deal with race issues 'til I was about nine. Things are much better in the US now for bi-racial children, than they were in the 70s and 80s (I'm in my 30s). It's really important to make sure your children are well-educated about the issues that have faced the ethnic groups they come from.

Answer 3

Start as soon as you feel they will understand. But make your examples on a level they can... Temper your training by encouraging them to be happy with how God made them.. and that they have a reason and purpose for being in this earth..

When they face ignorance they will not be so shocked and hurt..

You are a good mother for preparing your children for these unfortunate facts of life...

You go girl!

Answer 4

Start teaching them life lessons now. Just as you start sex education when they are very young (i.e, body parts, bad touching v. good touching, etc.), start teaching them about race, not necessarily racism. LIfe experiences will give you opporunity to address racism head on. Talk about both heritages and let them ask you questions. Last week my kids wanted to talk about Dr. King. Perfect opportunity to discuss the circumstances that propelled him into history. Just tonight, my 6 year old asked about a ***** Baseball League poster in our den. I explained what the ***** Leagues were and why they were formed. Don't shelter them from history. Let them hear it from you and explain the mistakes and how we should treat each other now. People (both kids and adults) are bound to say cruel things to them in life. It happens to all of us. Give them the armour they will need. Just keep it age appropriate.

Answer 5

If your children are out in public,go to school or anywhere outside your home..chances are they have already been exposed to racism. The best way we have to totally eradicate racism is through education. We can never educate our children too early. It does not have to be detailed but in general describe as wrong.

Answer 6

No, they are not too young. Racism is an important factor to know about, and there is still racism in this world we live in. It is important for your children to know about racism and to know that's it's okay to be from a different place or have a different skin color.

Answer 7

No, they're not too young. But you don't need to go into details at this age. Just explain to them what racism is and how ignorant it is.

Answer 8

That is a very tough question and I understand your dilemma. The problem is that they are old enough to be aware of negative remarks but not old enough to understand why. I think you just need to tell them that the world is full of nice and good people but unfortunately there are some who are not so nice because of their ignorance..

Answer 9

I think that when they ask, you tell. Telling them about racism may worry them about it happening before it does. Whether it be watching TV or out in public, they will find out sooner or later. Just be prepared when they ask.

Answer 10

Leave out the gruesome details, but yes. The earlier the better. Also tell them to hold their heads up no matter what, because they will experience it. Sad world.