How to Talk to Your Child About Race and Racial Differences

Talking to your child about race and racial differences should start at a young age, according to Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance, an organization based in Holland, Michigan. Babies as young as 6 months old can notice different skin colors and by 3 years of age develop a preference for some races over others. Discussing racial differences will help your child understand the importance of acceptance, tolerance and embracing other cultures.

Instructions

    • 1

      Talk about differences. Your child may notice differences in people aside from skin color. For example, she may notice that the neighbor has curly hair. Affirming that some people have straight hair, while others have curly locks, and stating that it is great to have such differences, sets the stage for race discussions.

    • 2

      Use visuals. For example, ask your child to crack a white egg into a bowl. Then have her crack a brown egg into the bowl. Explain that while they are both different colors on the outside they were the same on the inside, just like people.

    • 3

      Provide toys and books promoting understanding of different races. This is especially important if your child's social circle does not yet include various races. Buy books that have characters of a race different than that of your child. Include a variety of races in her baby doll collection. While reading the books and playing with the dolls, discuss how racial differences sometimes also mean cultural differences.

    • 4

      Tie commonalities with differences. When your child points out that another child's skin is a different color, acknowledge it and then point out something they have in common. For example. "Yes, Sally's skin is white and yours is brown, and you both love singing." This sends the message that different skin color does not necessarily mean different interests, hobbies or goals.

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