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Expert Q&A
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| By Harriet S. Worobey, M.A. Early Childhood Educator Director, the Nutritional Sciences Preschool | ||
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How can I teach my 3-year-old about racial diversity?
Research findings indicate that by age 5 -- and often as early as age 3 -- some children will make racially discriminatory remarks. However, these children usually do not feel any of the hostility that adults might display. In other words, these kids may not really feel any racial hatred or anger, despite their words.
Research also shows that children ages 5 to 9 (I realize your child is only 3) who score high on scores of racial prejudice, typically change their minds when they talk to children who score low on prejudice. Furthermore, the best way to help a child not make bigoted remarks is to discuss the ways that people are similar, instead of focusing on their differences.
I am sure that books are available but I do not know of a particular title. Your child is so young, I would pick up a picture book that shows children of all colors and races and talk about the similarities people share. A good overall book on how to communicate effectively with your children is How to Say It to Your Kids.
She might be old enough to understand that she would not think it fair if people made fun of her because of the color of her eyes or hair. Ask her how she would feel if someone gave all kids with different color eyes than she has a gift, but withheld the gift only because her eyes are different. If she is able to understand that would be unfair, perhaps she will begin to understand that her remarks are unfair. If she watches shows like Sesame Street, maybe you could discuss how all of the characters are different and there is nothing wrong with that.
Whenever she can point out similarities among people of all races, or whenever she says something positive about someone of a different race, make sure you praise her and tell her you are proud of her. You can practice that by having her make up stories about people of color she sees in picture books. You can help her with the stories or make them up yourself -- always being sure to ascribe qualities to the characters that are positive.
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