EP 13 - How to Talk to your Child about Racism

There is so much unrest at the moment following the death of George Floyd - a black man who died from asphyxiation whilst in police custody because a white police officer knelt on his neck for 9 minutes.

Understandably there is anger and protests are appearing across the globe.

In this episode, I give guidance to Parents in how best to talk to their children about racism and how the deep-rooted bigotry within many of our societies has to change. There is no going back to the “status quo.”

As parents, we are our child’s first role model. We help them shape their values and their beliefs - we can, therefore, shape how we heal systemic and historic racism. The change starts with us, parents. 

What can we do as parents?

1. Practice Self Care and Self Awareness
2. Educate Yourselves - Understand White Privilege
3. Have Age-Appropriate Conversations
4. Acknowledge Your Child’s Curiosity
5. Mind Your Language - What to Say
6. Validate Everyone’s Feelings
7. Address Past Mistakes
8. Nurture Respect
9. Develop a Growth Mindset
10. Be the Voice of Change The internet is full of suggestions on how to learn more and how to make a difference. Here are a few suggestions which are only the tip of the iceberg :

MOVIES to Watch :

13th
The Innocence File
The Help
Dear White People
When They See Us
Hidden Figures
12 Years a Slave
The Butler
American Son

Books to Read :

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings – Maya Angelou
White Fragility – Robin Diangelo
Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race - Reni Eddo-Lodge
Their Eyes Were Watching God - Zora Neale Hurston
I Am Not Your Baby Mother - Candice Brathwaite
So You Want to Talk About Race - Ijeoma Oluo

Petitions to sign: Justice for George Floyd on change.org

Social Accounts :

@blklivesmatter
@stop_hate_uk : www.stophateuk.org/donations
@showracismthecard
@colorofchange
@theconsciouskid

Details of all further podcasts can be found on my website :
📍www.caigraham.com/podcast

Music Credits : MBB : https://soundcloud.com/mbbofficial/happy