CINCINNATI — Amidst this moment of national unrest after the death of George Floyd, one therapist said it's not too early or too late to talk about racism and the history of racist ideas with your child.
You don't have to be an expert on the subject, family therapist La Shanda Sugg said. She suggests starting small with internal work and understanding the history behind racism and the realities of inequality in the world.
Taking your child to a protest is also a good jumping-off point to talk about these topics, but Sugg said that can't be the end of the conversation.
"It shows a part of how change happens, it gives a part of the history of the country and it shows diversity," Sugg said. "But, if you're not pairing it with, 'And here are the systems they're fighting and we're part of that system,' then you're doing yourself and your children a disservice."
There are books for children which discuss racism as well, and a plethora of online websites to help people discuss racism with their child.
Some children's books which discuss race are;
- "The Undefeated" by Kwame Alexander
- "My Hair is a Garden" by Cozbi A. Cabrera
- "Let's Talk About Race" by Julius Lester
- "Malcolm Little: The Boy Who Grew Up to Become Malcolm X" by Ilyasah Shabazz
- "Let It Shine: Stories of Black Women Freedom Fighters" by Andrea Davis Pinkney
You can also visit mamademics.com or thelaborsoflove.com for other resources to help talking to your child about race.
