The start of 2021 has brought with it high emotions and intense dialogue over the issues of politics, race, free speech and the future of the country. As these issues take the forefront of our national dialogue, it should be no surprise when students begin asking questions about racial justice and other current events.

Whether they glimpsed something on the news or heard a friend or classmate discussing the topic, students are like sponges soaking up information. They are likely to repeat things they hear, often without understanding the full implications.

While the thought of talking about politics with children may seem intimidating or overwhelming—even awkward—it is important to open these types of conversations with children and provide them with informed and helpful resources.
Here are five tips for discussing racial justice issues with children from the online resource EmbraceRace.org:

  1. Start when your children are young. By 6 months old, babies notice racial differences and may show signs of racial bias by age four.
  2. Promote diversity. Choose books and toys for your children that include persons of different races. If your child doesn’t attend a diverse school, consider enrolling them in recreational programs that are diverse.
  3. Develop racial cultural literacy. Encourage your children to learn about the history and experiences of persons of different races and ethnicities.
  4. Be honest and transparent. Children understand and observe more than we may realize. Give your children honest, age-appropriate answers about racism and oppression. Remember it is okay to say “I don’t know.”
  5. Look at your own racial biases. You are a role model for your child. Be willing to examine your own biases and share with your children a bias you have held (or still hold) and how you overcame it.

Teachers can follow these guidelines when talking about current events, politics and racial justice issues in their classrooms.