Toddler's disturbing comment on a playmate's skin color

[Anonymous]

OP, I think you did the right thing. Your child probably heard that from someone at school or another relative, etc. and was testing out this idea on you. I think you handled this "teachable moment" correctly.

Think of what a wonderful moment in time that we now have Barack Obama as our next President. Our children will learn that anyone can be our leader and that we are all equals. BEAUTIFUL!

[Anonymous]

At age 3, my daughter told me solemnly that the son of my co-worker is "brown." I said, "Yes, his skin is brown, and your hair is longer than his, but you and he are the same on the inside, right?" Her response, "No! I am big." She was just observing her world and reporting it to me. I always try to listen more than I talk. Don't stress out about it too much. Be calm and consistent.

[Anonymous]

OP Here:

Thanks very much to all who shared your experiences and thoughts on this one....I confess that after I posted this, I was very nervous comtemplating the responses I might receive.

People who say parenting is a tough job know what they are talking about, and this incident opened my eyes up to what I expect will be the next, much more delicate, phase of being a mom--trying to guide and teach the kiddos in a way that makes an impact in a positive way. And I thought managing the logistics of raising kids up to this point was a challenge, the diapers, the crying, the sleepless nights...

As an aside, after I told my husband about this incident, he pointed out that our kids will grow up in a world where an African American serving as President is just normal, the way things are--let's hope that during their childhood, a woman can also serve in the same capacity. When I think about how different our children's perspectives will be about the breadth of everyone's possibilities, it blows my mind.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP Here:

Thanks very much to all who shared your experiences and thoughts on this one....I confess that after I posted this, I was very nervous comtemplating the responses I might receive.

People who say parenting is a tough job know what they are talking about, and this incident opened my eyes up to what I expect will be the next, much more delicate, phase of being a mom--trying to guide and teach the kiddos in a way that makes an impact in a positive way. And I thought managing the logistics of raising kids up to this point was a challenge, the diapers, the crying, the sleepless nights...

As an aside, after I told my husband about this incident, he pointed out that our kids will grow up in a world where an African American serving as President is just normal, the way things are--let's hope that during their childhood, a woman can also serve in the same capacity. When I think about how different our children's perspectives will be about the breadth of everyone's possibilities, it blows my mind.