Talking to kids about race and racism

It's not easy talking to kids about subjects that make adults feel uncomfortable – or that adults might not fully understand themselves. But when it comes to race and racism in America, it's imperative that we start listening, learning, and having these conversations with our kids and with each other. Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum is president emerita of Spelman College, an award-winning clinical psychologist, a national authority on racial issues in America, and author of the best-selling book, Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? And Other Conversations about Race. In this special episode, Dr. Tatum joins Care.com CEO Tim Allen for a discussion about Talking to Kids About Race and Racism. She offers guidance on how to have important – often difficult – conversations with kids of all ages about race and racism that are empathetic, constructive, and compassionate. Listen to this episode to learn: -The harm we create when we ‘shhh’ our kids’ questions about racial difference -How to teach kids how to be actively anti-racist, and ways to discuss racial injustice with children as young as two or three -Why you should feel empowered to ask teachers and caregivers questions about how they’re communicating fairness and difference -The importance of teaching our kids – and ourselves – how to live in a multicultural, multiracial environment -How to answer honestly when kids ask questions about police brutality and protests -Dr. Tatum’s “3 F Strategy' (felt, found, feel) to interact with adults who don’t share your views -The negative effects of using racial microaggressions -Resources to initiate age-appropriate discussions about race with kids, including Social Justice Books and Common Sense Media For more information, visit www.beverlydanieltatum.com, or follow Dr. Tatum on Twitter @BDTSpelman