Talking about Race with Children

ABSTRACT Racism and white supremacy are deeply entrenched in the fabric of the United States. Although race is a social construct, it has real consequences on people’s lives that cannot and should not be ignored. Race plays a significant role in how we view ourselves as racial beings. So much of who we are is shaped by our racial and ethnic identity. Children’s racial and ethnic culture shape how they see themselves in the world and greatly influences their sense of self and identity. As racial tensions increase in our society and the backlash to racial equity is continually challenged, conversations about race and racism are necessary in multiple contexts. These conversations are particularly important to have in our families as all parents have a responsibility in raising the next generation of children that are equipped to challenge racism and deconstruct white supremacy.