Stronger Together: Talking with Kids about Racism, Hate and Violence

“We believe it is the diverse backgrounds, opinions and experiences that each member of our global organization brings to the table every day that allows us to provide the care and support children and families need. We know we are stronger together because of our diversity. We will never waiver in our commitment to this core value.” - RMHC

Ronald McDonald House Charities is stronger together because of our diversity. We pride ourselves on being an organization welcoming of all families, and celebrate the differences that make each of us who we are. At RMHC, it’s the love of our family and wanting what’s best for our children, not just today, but in the distant future, that binds us all together.

If you are struggling to find a way to talk with your children about race, prejudice, and other important topics, here are some resources available on Red Treehouse to help you get the conversation started.

Read & Learn

• Parents Magazine - An Age-by-Age Guide to Fighting Hate

  This age-by-age breakdown of ways to discuss racism with children from birth to adulthood, was compiled by Parents Magazine with the input from experts in the field of Child Psychology.

• ChildMind.org - Racism and Violence: How to Help Kids Handle the News

  This article specifically focuses on ways for parents to discuss the challenging topics children are seeing in the news in an effort to help them process their feelings and emotions.

• The Center for Racialized Justice in Education - Resources for Talking about Race, Racism and Racialized Violence With Kids

  This list of resources for families and educators is ever changing and growing. It includes interviews, articles and real-life examples of conversations with children.

Watch & Listen

• Sesame Street and CNN - Coming Together: Standing Up to Racism

  CNN's Van Jones and Erica Hill partner with "Sesame Street" for Coming Together: Standing Up to Racism, a town hall for kids and families.

• Conversations with William James College - Talking With Children About Race: 10 Tips For White Parents

  Dr. Elana Wolkoff, Associate Professor of School of Psychology, offers a collection of tips to help white parents engage in conversations about race with their children.

Act

• Roots & Shoots USA - What is Systemic Racism?

  The Jane Goodall Institute’s Roots & Shoots Program has compiled a list of “one click” actions that youth can take to move the conversation beyond talk and into action!