PK through Kindergarten
Life is richer for people who engage socially across a wide range of identities and cultures. Roots of Inclusion shows you how to raise a child who believes people of different races and ethnicities are interesting, admirable, and belong in their lives.
“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”
— Dr. Martin Luther King
Key Strategies
- Talk about racial and other kinds of differences naturally and positively. If parents don’t talk about race, children may internalize that talking about race is shameful and they may be more vulnerable to the messages of people who want to exploit race to make some people feel inferior or to divide people.
- Foster inclusion as you introduce your child to the world. Regardless of your race or ethnicity, one of the best ways to foster an inclusive spirit in your child is to help them see that a wide range of people are worthy of respect and admiration because of who they are and what they have done for the world.
- Take steps to integrate your family’s life. Intentionally cultivate relationships across racial and other divides. Let your child see you being open and curious about people of other races and ethnicities, and what they experience and believe. Let them see you valuing your friendships with them.
Additional Resources
Book: Whistling Vivaldi How Stereotypes Affect Us and What We Can Do, Claude M. Steele
Book: Raising White Kids: Bringing Up Children in a Racially Unjust America, Jennifer Harvey
Roots of Inclusion