Five Tips for Raising Racially Aware Children

Kira Hudson Banks, Illinois Wesleyan University

Abstract

From my work on race, it seems parents are most afraid that talking about race with children will instill racial bias rather than eradicate it. It is important to keep in mind that children develop an awareness of race in their preschool years. Therefore, we are not inserting ideas into their heads when we are intentional about teaching race. In fact, we can help steer children toward more productive paths rather than simply leaving them to soak up the negative baggage about race.