My daughter is almost 4. We live in a predominantly white area. Her preschool has 1 black teacher who she adores. On several occasions now she has thought her teacher was the Amazon driver in our subdivision or another person we pass at the store. She has now also made this mistake with one of her Asian friend’s mom. I’ve spoken to her about how just because we don’t live in a racially diverse area there are lots of people in the world who don’t look like us and look like her teacher and her friend’s mom. What else can my husband and I do?
First, remember that your child isn’t confusing non-white people because she’s bigoted or because she can’t understand, intellectually, that there’s more than one Black or Asian person in the world. We all use pattern recognition skills to identify people based on characteristics. Younger children can only start with who they’re exposed to.
Since you mention your daughter confusing her teacher, an Amazon driver, and Black people you pass in stores, it doesn’t seem like you live in an entirely white area. But it seems like her teacher may be the only Black person either of you interact with on a regular basis, with others either being strangers (people in stores) or service workers (Amazon drivers). If your friends, family, and acquaintances are almost exclusively white, it’s unfortunate but not unsurprising that your daughter mistakes non-white people for one another. That isn’t a problem for children; it’s a problem for the adults who raise them. Nia goes into more detail in her excellent article here.
In an upcoming newsletter, we’ll discuss diversifying your friend group without tokenizing or imposing on non-white spaces. You can also look at the books, films, TV shows, and videos you share with your daughter. Are there non-white characters in leading roles? When was the last time your daughter consumed media with exclusively white characters? What about media with exclusively Black, Asian, and other non-white characters? As adults, we model for younger people who we value seeing, listening to, and caring for.
As you do, be prepared to talk not just about race but racism—and the other -isms that perpetuate inequity. It’s not enough to teach children about different identities. We also have to help them understand how these differences affect how they’re treated. As a four-year-old, your daughter will start witnessing this soon. You can use these resources to learn more.
Felecia Phillips Ollie DD (h.c.) is the inspiring leader and founder of The Equality Network LLC (TEN). With a background in coaching, travel, and a career in news, Felecia brings a unique perspective to promoting diversity and inclusion. Holding a Bachelor’s Degree in English/Communications, she is passionate about creating a more inclusive future. From graduating from Mississippi Valley State University to leading initiatives like the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Equal Employment Opportunity Program, Felecia is dedicated to making a positive impact. Join her journey on our blog as she shares insights and leads the charge for equity through The Equality Network.
Reading your work is like sipping from a cup of intellectual ambrosia. The richness of your ideas and the smooth flow of your prose create a literary elixir that nourishes the mind and satiates the thirst for knowledge.
Attractive section of content I just stumbled upon your blog and in accession capital to assert that I get actually enjoyed account your blog posts Anyway I will be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you access consistently fast
Your blog is an intellectual sanctuary, a refuge for those seeking respite from the mundane. Each post is a literary citadel, fortified with the ramparts of profound thought, protecting readers from the siege of intellectual mediocrity.
Hello Neat post Theres an issue together with your site in internet explorer would check this IE still is the marketplace chief and a large element of other folks will leave out your magnificent writing due to this problem
Hi my family member I want to say that this post is awesome nice written and come with approximately all significant infos I would like to peer extra posts like this
I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here The sketch is attractive your authored material stylish nonetheless you command get got an impatience over that you wish be delivering the following unwell unquestionably come more formerly again since exactly the same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this hike
I just could not depart your web site prior to suggesting that I really loved the usual info an individual supply in your visitors Is gonna be back regularly to check up on new posts
Attractive section of content I just stumbled upon your blog and in accession capital to assert that I get actually enjoyed account your blog posts Anyway I will be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you access consistently fast
Thank you for the good writeup It in fact was a amusement account it Look advanced to far added agreeable from you However how could we communicate
Thank you for the auspicious writeup It in fact was a amusement account it Look advanced to far added agreeable from you However how can we communicate
helloI like your writing very so much proportion we keep up a correspondence extra approximately your post on AOL I need an expert in this space to unravel my problem May be that is you Taking a look forward to see you
Wonderful web site Lots of useful info here Im sending it to a few friends ans additionally sharing in delicious And obviously thanks to your effort
You have a way of making each of your readers feel seen and heard That’s a special quality that not all bloggers possess Thank you for creating a safe space for us
Your blog is a constant source of wisdom and positivity Thank you for being a ray of light in a sometimes dark world
Your blog has become my go-to source for inspiration and motivation I am so grateful for the valuable content you provide
Your blog posts never fail to entertain and educate me. I especially enjoyed the recent one about [insert topic]. Keep up the great work!
Have any favorite blog posts or writers? Share them with us in the comments!
From start to finish, this blog post had us hooked. The content was insightful, entertaining, and had us feeling grateful for all the amazing resources out there. Keep up the great work!
Your blog has helped me become a more positive and mindful person I am grateful for the transformative effect your words have had on me
I couldn’t stop scrolling and reading, your content is truly one-of-a-kind. Thank you for all the time and effort you put into creating such amazing content.
From the insightful commentary to the captivating writing, every word of this post is top-notch. Kudos to the author for producing such fantastic content.
Thank you for providing a positive and constructive space for discussion It’s refreshing to see a blog with a kind and respectful community
I’ve read several just right stuff here. Certainly price bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder how a lot effort you place to create this kind of great informative website.
Wow, wonderful blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your site is great, as well as the content!
I just could not leave your web site before suggesting that I really enjoyed the standard information a person supply to your visitors? Is gonna be again steadily in order to check up on new posts.
Thank you for the good writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it. Look advanced to far added agreeable from you! However, how could we communicate?
I am not sure where you’re getting your info, but good topic. I needs to spend some time learning much more or understanding more. Thanks for magnificent info I was looking for this information for my mission.
I’ve read several just right stuff here. Certainly price bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder how a lot effort you place to create this kind of great informative website.
What i don’t understood is in reality how you’re now not really a lot more smartly-favored than you might be now. You’re very intelligent. You understand therefore significantly in terms of this topic, produced me personally believe it from a lot of numerous angles. Its like women and men are not interested except it is one thing to accomplish with Woman gaga! Your own stuffs outstanding. Always care for it up!
Wow, wonderful blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your site is great, as well as the content!
Nice blog here! Also your site loads up very fast! What host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host? I wish my site loaded up as quickly as yours lol
I couldn’t stop scrolling and reading, your content is truly one-of-a-kind. Thank you for all the time and effort you put into creating such amazing content.
Your writing is so relatable and down-to-earth It’s like having a conversation with a good friend Thank you for always being real with your readers