Adults have a difficult time talking about and confronting racism, so it's no wonder parents, guardians and caregivers often struggle to find the words and approaches to engaging with children and teens around these issues. Talking about race, inclusion, and equity is uncomfortable because of the emotion, trauma, shame, and fear that is involved, but not talking about it causes far more harm.  Not talking about racism is ignoring that there is a problem; it is saying that the oppression and danger our families, friends, classmates, colleagues, neighbors and community members experience in their everyday lives is okay.

We advocate that it is vital that conversations about race, inclusion, and equity begin at a very young age.  Simple interactions even starting when our children are babies, demonstrate how we navigate difference in our own lives and can be meaningful in laying the groundwork for raising socially conscious children.  We've collected a wealth of resources to help adults educate themselves about how to engage with young people about race and racism, including antiracism toolkits and books that support conversations about racism, equity and social justice.