Talking to Children About Diversity

Family

Diversity and Inclusion

Celebrating Differences

Conversations about differences will look different for each family. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach, the science is clear: the earlier parents start conversations with their children the better.

You are the example your child follows

You are your child’s introduction into the world. What they see you do is just as important as what they hear you say. Like language, prejudice is learned over time. Take every opportunity to teach kindness, celebrate differences, and challenge racism, sexism, heterosexism, and ableism. You have the privilege to teach them that every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.

It’s normal and natural for children to observe and point out differences. It’s our responsibility to help them celebrate these differences and understand how they may affect our lives

Alanna Nzoma, M.D.

Michigan Medicine C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital

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Disabilities: Growing an Inclusive Society through Educating Children

An intimate, casual conversation with Jeremy Warriner, burn survivor and bi-lateral above knee amputee, about discussing disabilities with children. Learn about resources for people with disabilities, tips for supporting children on how to interact with people with disabilities, and how fostering disability awareness in children can help support equity in a more diverse and inclusive world.

Featured Resource

Talking about Disabilities

A part of talking to children about diversity is taking time to talk to them about differences including disabilities. There are many ways to engage in this conversation, and often, it will happen naturally as your child grows more curious about the people in their community. Try one of these strategies to increase your child's disability awareness.

Diversity Learning Series

We brought in experts and community partners to talk about everything from their personal stories, to how to make your home a welcoming and diverse environment, to raising your children to be allies. Check out one or all of the videos from these events.

Authentic Voices Panel

Supporting and Valuing Diversity

Growing Allyship, Advocates, and Disrupters

We must acknowledge — with eyes and minds wide open — the world as it is if we want to change it.

Charles Blow

New York Times

Open Conversations

Don’t ignore differences

Some parents falsely believe they are raising their children to be more inclusive by teaching them to be “colorblind” and that if they don’t talk about color or race, their children will see everyone as the same.

“Acknowledging difference is a key part of raising awareness and making sure people feel seen and that their backgrounds and lived experiences are valued,” says Alanna Nzoma, M.D. Without parents guiding these conversations, other influences from media, their peers and others in society will likely shape your children’s thoughts and perceptions about race.

Learn More

Open Conversations

It’s OK not to have all the answers

Children at around age five are better at talking about their feelings and are eager for answers. They are also becoming more exposed to information they may find hard to process. Start by understanding what they know. Talk openly and search for the answers together.

Talking about Racism

Open Conversations

Use books to spark conversations

Young children learn by looking at and reading picture books. Choosing the right book can be difficult. To spark conversations about race and diversify your bookshelf, look for books with Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) as lead characters having positive interactions across differences.

Book List

Additional Resources

Rely on the experts

Looking for even more resources on this topic? There are so many organizations doing great work. We recommend reading up at these websites:

Featured Resource

30 Days of Pride

Celebrate the LGBTQ+ community through these hands-on activities, family conversations, books, and local events!

Raising Race-Conscious Children

Conversations about racism and discrimination will look different for each family. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach, the science is clear: the earlier parents start the conversation with their children the better.

You are the example your child follows

You are your child’s introduction into the world. What they see you do is just as important as what they hear you say. Like language, prejudice is learned over time. Take every opportunity to challenge racism, demonstrate kindness, and teach them that every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.

Ages and Stages

Why talk about race?

We care about diversity, equity, and inclusion at such a young age because early childhood is a critical time in the development of ideas and attitudes. From birth, young children are learning about differences and develop biases through their environments and our actions.

Learn More

Infants

Babies gaze longer at people who look like them. They recognize differences in skin tones and facial features.

Toddlers

Toddlers watch the way adults respond to differences and mimic their attitudes. They start to spontaneously talk about skin tone and differences.

Preschoolers

Preschoolers are more observant and will talk about similarities and differences. They begin to assign traits to their own and different ethnic groups.

School-aged kids

Kindergarten and first-graders notice that race can be a taboo topic. They have a deeper understanding and more questions about racial stereotypes and injustices.

Words Matter!

The words we use have power.

To find out which term is best, ask the person what they prefer.

Person First Language refers to the individual first and the disability second (e.g. a child with epilepsy). People with disabilities are people who have individual abilities, interests and needs. Learn more.
Gender Inclusive Language is language that respects a person’s preferred terms, name, and pronouns. Use gender-neutral language when you are unsure of pronouns (e.g. them/they). Learn more.
Anti-Racism Language is language that actively opposes racism by advocating for changes in political, economic, and social life. It starts with humility – proactively listening and learning. Learn more.
Inclusive Mental Health Language matters because mental health disorders are more prevalent than you would think and often unnoticeable. Avoid misusing mental health language, like “crazy”, “mentally ill”, and “OCD”. Learn more.

Raising Race-Conscious Children

How to talk to your child about racism

The way children understand the world evolves as they grow, but it’s never too late to talk to them about equality and racism. Here are some age-appropriate ways to start that conversation and explain that racism is always wrong:

Celebrate differences

If your child asks about someone’s skin color, use it as an opportunity to acknowledge differences and similarities. You could say, “We are all human, but we are all unique, isn’t that amazing!”

Be open

Make it clear that you’re always open to your children’s questions and encourage them to come to you when they have them.

Use fairness

Children, especially those around five years old, tend to understand the concept of fairness quite well. Talk about racism as unfair and unacceptable and that we all need to work together to make it better.

Featured Resource

Talking to Children About Race

Children are never too young to learn about diversity! Our "Talking to Children About Race" tip sheet is designed to help parents and caregivers talk to and guide children in conversations about race. Included within this resource are links to books, videos, and articles tailored for both children and adults around topics like race, racism, and white privilege.