How Do We Talk To Our Children?
By: Andie Summers
I had a tough time trying to explain to my 12 year old what’s happening in the world right now. I don’t want to scare her. But honestly, scaring her while she’s safe at home, tucked into her comfy bed, with her happily married, biological parents in a quiet suburb doesn’t compare to the psychological and physical effect today’s climate is having on others, not to mention why. I’m realistic about my privileged life. And I’m so grateful for it. But there are things I’ll never understand so how can I effectively explain them to my children?
When I was growing up I thought my parents had all the answers. Maybe they did. Maybe I just didn’t have tough questions. My daughter has questions that I don’t have answers to, and I tell her so. I tell her that she and I may never be able to relate to what or how our minority neighbors, friends, classmates, coworkers feel. But when we hear the stories of anger and fear what we can do and should do is LISTEN and support them in our own way, whether it’s through prayer or protest or both.
If you’re having a hard time talking to your kids, Sesame Street and CNN are teaming up to host a conversation with families about racism in a 60-minute show called Coming Together: Standing Up to Racism. The kid-friendly episode airs on Saturday at 10AM. Big Bird and his neighbors Elmo, Abby Cadabby and Rosita will team up with CNN anchor Van Jones and national correspondent Erica Hill to answer audience questions.