Reply to How to talk race and diversity with a preschooler?

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Reply to "How to talk race and diversity with a preschooler?"

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[quote=Anonymous]At 3.5, a child doesn't need a thesis-level discussion thrown at him.  They do naturally categorize everything by similarities and differences. Including skin color.  And I do think that needs to be addressed proactively at a young age.  Most experts I've read say to emphasize similarity among people when the kids are this young.  Talk about diversity and differences when they are a bit older. I didn't start talking about racism until my son was 5-6 and he seemed old enough to get the basics. He's 8 now and we've started talking about cultural racism and the role it takes in favoring whites, while either ignoring or actively hurting others.

For now, with a young preschooler, I'd first ask why he thinks a lighter color skin will make him like someone more. See what he says. And in response to some of the comments you've listed, I would have probably said, "skin color is just something someone is born with. It doesn't have any impact on fun. Like I have blue eyes and you have brown. I still like playing monster trucks with you. And I know Joey loves playing with matchbox cars as much as you do." [/quote]

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