The Fight Against Racism Starts At Home

Want to know how you can make a difference when it comes to inequality? Read on for my thoughts on why the fight against racism starts at home.

Have you ever just sat back and watched the innocence of kids at play? I shared a story in this post last year about my 5 year-old daughter. We were on vacation and took the kids to the play area at our resort. We ran into another little girl, and she and my daughter INSTANTLY started playing. I don’t even think they asked a name, age – none of that. They just jumped right in! (They actually ended up being the SAME age and had the SAME name. And, yea, that was pretty cool and ironic. But none of it mattered to them.)

They didn’t see race. 

They didn’t see social status. 

All they saw was another girl who wanted to play.

If we could only see the world through the eyes of a child.

The recent murders of Ahmaud Arbery and George Floyd hit me hard, and really got me thinking about this.

A lot.

We’re already dealing with a lot with COVID-19 – the illness itself, having to separate ourselves from loved ones, and the state of the economy. On top of that, we have to deal with the explicit hatred that STILL exists in our world today. 

These deaths are perfect examples of the racism, stereotypes, prejudices, and biases still being passed down in certain families today. 

Why can’t we just live our lives through the eyes of child? Why can’t we be blind to race, and just see people as the unique human beings they are? To connect without preconceived prejudices? Why the constant suppression, hostility, pure evil and disrespect?

Systemic racism has been present for a LONG time in so many areas of our lives. But, there’s one thing we have to realize as a country when we’re frustrated about the lack of change. Racism doesn’t start in the White House, state capital buildings, schools, or workplaces.

The fight against racism starts at home

Babies come into this world with blank slates. Pure innocence. This innocence can be ruined by life experiences, and things that are taught and poured into them.

A lot of parents don’t realize how much of their mannerisms, thoughts, and beliefs are picked up by their children. Whether intentionally or not. You live with someone long enough, you’ll start talking and thinking just like them. Especially when it comes to a vulnerable child.

They absorb everything.

Like sponges.

The blatant racism we still see today isn’t just something people were “born” with. Nope. It was passed onto them. And unfortunately, something they’re likely passing on to their kids.

You can make a difference

When will we, as parents, become more aware of the things we pour into our kids? More careful of the example we set?

What if we become a generation of parents that truly raises our kids to be color-blind, and to live without bias? To respect the next person as their equal. No matter what they look like, how they talk, or where they’re from. To never feel like another soul is beneath them because their skin is a little different.

The fight against racism starts at home.

We literally have the future of this country in our hands. Right in our homes. It’s a huge responsibility. But this change has to start with us. We can no longer rely on politicians and other people in “power” to shape our world. Your kids are looking to you for guidance. If you were raised to believe your race was superior, it’s time to stop that thinking at YOU. Don’t pass that on. Stop this deadly cycle of hatred NOW.

To get the conversation started, grab this printable Racism Conversation Starters For Kids. This is a conversation that needs to be had!

Be the change that you wish to see in the world

Mahatma Gandhi

We as parents need to constantly drill into our kids the importance of kindness, respect, and acceptance. Be an example. A positive one. That’s what the world needs right now. We have to stop tainting our kids and burying the pure innocence and color-blindness they were born with. 

We have to stop.

Maybe we can learn a thing or two from our kids.

Maybe we need to start seeing the world through the eyes of a child.

I’ll be frank and personal:

I’m raising black babies in this world today. Kids I try to protect with everything in me. But I especially worry about my 2 black sons. Heck, even my husband. My dad. My brothers. I worry that one wrong word, one wrong look, one wrong step will ruin their life. All because they were born into the skin they’re in. 

And it’s not just the men.

I can’t breathe…

So many of us can’t breathe right now. We’ve been smothered for a very long time. Our cries for help unheard. 

Something’s gotta change. 

And that change can start right there in your home. 

I’m begging you to make this nation a safer place for my babies. For all our babies. You may feel helpless and hopeless right now. Convinced that it’s impossible for the state of our world to change.

Heck, it’s been this way for decades.

But, we ALL play an important role.

Even if it’s just one child at a time.

If you’d like to go a little deeper, here are a few tips for teaching your kids to be inclusive.

The American Academy of Pediatrics also offers these tips for Talking to Your Kids About Racial Bias.

Don’t feel bad if you haven’t set the best example for your kids. Just realize that the time to make a change is NOW.

Work to create the world as it should be

Michelle Obama

If you’re looking for help with getting the conversation started, download this printable with Racism Conversation Starters For Kids below. It includes a list of questions/statements to spark conversations with your kids. And questions/statements cards that can be printed, cut-out, and used as a family. It’s a conversation that should be had!

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If you love these tips, be sure to check out my 170+ page digital library, filled with step-by-step instructions and  the tools you need to create effective routines, manage your time, prepare meals,  clean your home, care for your kids – and so much more!