The discussion of race with our children in the Black community has not been optional. It’s been an absolute necessity.
Children learn very early on, as early as the first or second year of life that we all are different. They begin to develop biases a few years after that. Children don’t have an issue speaking up about differences, but usually, the parents do. Instead of silencing your children use their curiosity as a catalyst to begin to spark initial conversations.
Discussing racial bias with your children will require you to look in the mirror and confront your own bias. This is key. You cannot try to teach your children something that you are not doing.
Even more important than diversifying your bookshelf (which is important so children can see diverse characters who look different from them), is showing your children how to treat people by the way you live.
Your children see you. What are your children learning from your behaviors and actions or inactions?
How are your children learning from you and your family members?
How are you leading by example?
How do you treat people on a daily basis even when they look different from you?
What are your values?
What type of people are in your circle?
Is your circle diverse?
It starts at home and parents have the power to change the narrative.
I personally believe it is very important to have characters in books who are diverse and represent all races. Below I list 10 children’s books that should be on your bookshelf.
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