Black Lives Matter: Why?!

We hear that word (WHY?!) multiple times a day from our kids; especially the littlest ones.

The last few days have been no different.

Inside our homes, our kids are asking questions.

WHY…

…. is the world the way it is?

…. don’t they like us?

…. are people so mean to our friends?

….aren’t they doing anything?

…. does she matter more/less than me?

…. are our friends not safe?

…. are we/they not loved?

…. are they doing this/that?

…. WHY?! WHY?! WHY?!

Sometimes friends, we don’t have the answers to their why’s. And, sometimes, we don’t want to give them the real answer.

BUT – now more than ever, it’s important for us to have those hard conversations with our children. Now more than ever, we need to get uncomfortable. Now more than ever… we need to also LISTEN more than we speak.

Our children, they WILL lead the way.

From the late Whitney Houston, “I believe the children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way. Show them all the beauty they possess inside. Give them a sense of pride, to make it easier. Let the children’s laughter, remind us…”

Here is our ongoing list of resources to promote healthy conversations between you and your children (we’ll update as we find more great resources):

31 books to support conversations on race, racism and resistance

How white parents can use media to raise anti-racist kids

Talking to Kids about Race (National Geographic)

Something Happened in Our Town

Epic Books – Little Heroes: Courageous People Who Changed the World

Anti-Racism for Kids 101: Talking about racism

Racism & Violence: Using your power as a parent to support children ages two to five.