Tag: racial identity

Children’s Books as Mirrors and Windows

We all know the benefit of reading to our children from the earliest ages—reading helps babies develop language, hearing words helps brain development by building a rich network of synapses, and reading creates a caring bond between the child and reader. But did you know another important reason to read to children is that books provide mirrors and windows to the world!

What is Identity Development?

by Debbie LeeKeenan In the early years, from just a few months after birth and during the first year, infants are gradually becoming aware of self as a separate being. They are sorting out “what is me” and “what is not me.” This development of self occurs, when babies progress from noticing human faces to distinguishing both familiar and unfamiliar…

Desegregating Your Child’s Life

by Jasen Frelot Many of us grew up learning that racial segregation was a thing of the past. Even though the laws have changed, the realities of segregation are as alive today as they were in the 1960s. Desegregating your child’s life will not be an easy task, but it is not impossible. Take time to notice who is in…

Talking to Your Kids About Race (and other difficult things)

by Jasen Frelot Talking about race is among the hardest things we are called to do as parents. The very idea of it often brings up bad memories or fears of getting it wrong. But, more than ever, we know that talking to our kids about race is essential to preparing them to exist in an increasingly diverse world. Below…