HOw to talk with kids about racism

Racism and discrimination have occurred in America for decades. Yet it can still be difficult to talk with kids about these issues. However, we know that having healthy conversations are important.

Why The “Race Talk” Is Important 
 
Decades of research document the importance of racial and ethnic socialization [1]. For many parents of color, having the race talk is a natural progression of parenting a child in America. However, these conversations can be difficult for both the parent(s) and the child. Especially with the backdrop of events such as discrimination, racist comments displayed on social media, or witnessing direct exposure to microaggressions (subtle messages degrading people from minoritized groups).
 
Tips on Having the Race Talk
 
In a previous post published by the American Psychological Association’s Public Interest Directorate, I discussed several ways to engage in conversations with youth about race and racism. For example, the following tips were noted: 

• Before providing children with your opinion and beliefs about injustice, allow your child the opportunity to give their point of view. For parents of color, children may also need help in developing coping skills for dealing with racism and discrimination they will encounter in the world.
• Keep things simple. As adults we are so used to interacting with other adults that we forget that young children do not view the world in terms of stereotypes, discrimination, and race. Young children view the world in far simpler terms.
• It is important to monitor your negative emotions and “passion” surrounding racism and injustice around your children. Although it may be counter-intuitive (or feel unnatural), displaying your negative frustrations without resolution will not help your child be resilient.
• Be mindful of inappropriate racial socialization. Studies have found it to lead to increased anger among African American youth. One study found that African American boys who reported receiving frequent messages about racism they also reported higher levels of situational anger [2]. It is possible that through socialization these boys were made aware of the unfair treatment experienced by African Americans, but were not given corresponding messages regarding appropriate ways to manage the anger that results when one feels unjustly treated.

 
Written by Erlanger “Earl” Turner, Ph.D.
 
Sources: 
[1] Hughes, D., Rodriguez, J., Smith, E. P., Johnson, D. J., Stevenson, H. C., & Spicer, P. (2006). Parents' ethnic-racial socialization practices: a review of research and directions for future study. Developmental Psychology, 42(5), 747-770.
[2] Stevenson, H. C., Reed, J., Bodison, P., & Bishop, A. (1997). Racism stress management: Racial socialization beliefs and the experience of depression and anger in African American youth. Youth & Society, 29(2), 197-222.

Dr. Earl discusses racism and mental health on ABC7 Los Angeles