Talking to children about racism, discrimination, and other social justice topics can be challenging and, for some, intimidating. 

Some caregivers might be afraid of saying the wrong thing, while others might wait to bring it up until something happens at school or in the news.

But in a new Thriving Kids podcast, its hosts discuss why children benefit most when caregivers talk to them about such topics directly and early, using clear language.

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In the podcast, Dave Anderson, PhD, senior psychologist and vice president of public engagement and education at the Child Mind Institute, is joined by Isha Metzger, PhD, a clinical psychologist and professor at Georgia State University, to discuss how racism can affect children emotionally and how caregivers can help them to respond.

The discussion involves teaching children how to respond either when they experience discrimination or witness it happening to someone else. Anderson and Metzger also talk about what to do if one’s child is the one who says something harmful – and how to handle the situation directly and calmly.

Other tips provided by Thriving Kids on how to talk with children about racism and discrimination include:

• Start early and be proactive about celebrating diversity at home, while taking part in regular conversations about race and identity.
• Have open and honest conversations with children about racism and discrimination by talking about both individual acts of discrimination and larger systems of inequality. Use books, documentaries, and other age-appropriate media for examples.
• Give your child words and actions they can use in the moment and practice simple ways to speak up when it’s safe – such as calling out a racist joke or refusing to go along with discriminatory behavior.
• If your child experiences racism, validate what they feel and provide comfort and support. Children can feel hurt, isolated, angry, or confused. Let them know that these reactions make sense and keep the door open for them to talk.
• In some situations, you might encourage a child to report racism or discrimination they experience to a trusted school official or counselor. Provide the right amount of support throughout the process based on the level of distress that the child has experienced.