How to Talk to Children About Racism with Parents Anonymous® Inc

We join with people around the world and are deeply distressed and outraged by the senseless, ongoing violence directed at black members of our communities.

CLAREMONT, Calif. - Californer -- In order to stand with the Black Community and take a stance against racism, Parents Anonymous® Inc., the nation's premier family strengthening organization, is sharing strategies on how to talk to children about this critical issue.

"The long history of police brutality against people of color has raised many concerns with parents about how to address the issues of racism and prejudice in America today," says Dr. Lisa Pion-Berlin, ACHT, ACSW and President and CEO at Parents Anonymous®.

Here are a few strategies on how to have age-appropriate, open discussions with children and youth regarding the recent traumatic events and the systemic racism that plagues our society.

• Explore ways to process and address your feelings surrounding these issues within yourself so that you are better able to discuss these events with your child. Self-education on the deeply rooted issues that led to these events; self-care such as meditation, breathing techniques, and taking breaks from social media; journaling your feelings and thoughts; or calling the California Parent & Youth Helpline (more information on this below).

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• Talk about racism and prejudice. Racism and violence are topics that parents and caregivers are sometimes hesitant to address.

• Be calm and factual. Create a safe space for you and your child to express emotions and model healthy ways to address these feelings. Help them process their feelings and information by talking to them calmly, honestly and in a way they will understand.

• Talk with your children of all ages about ways that they can take action and make a difference. Discuss ways that they can personally fight against racism, prejudice, and discrimination, such as stepping in, in a calm and peaceful way when you see an injustice occur or joining peaceful protests to fight against systemic racism.

• Children may be overhearing adult conversations, watching videos on social media platforms, or witnessing news coverage of violent protests.

https://caparentyouthhelpline.org

Parents Anonymous® is encouraging the people of California to take advantage of their California Parents & Youth Helpline. Please reach out to talk to one of their trained helpline advocates to receive trauma-informed, evidence-based emotional support and resource referral. The California Parents & Youth Helpline operates 7 days a week from 8:00AM-8:00PM PST.

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Call or text: 855-4A-PARENT (855-427-2736) or email: info@CAParentYouthHelpline.org and LIVE CHAT with a trained Helpline Advocate.
https://parentsanonymous.org/.

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