No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background or religion. People must learn to hate and if they can learn to hate they can be taught to love for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite. - Nelson Mandela
Race and racism are tricky, and even incendiary topics.
Adults typically worry that introducing these topics too early can be damaging. Formed by their personal experiences with issues of race and racism, parents and teachers might hold differing views regarding the appropriateness of addressing this topic with children.
Why is it vital to talk about race and racism?
From as early as pre-school, many children begin to display cognitive awareness of observable physical variations, such as skin colour, hair colour and facial features.
As such, they may start to show signs of racial prejudice and even begin ostracising their peers who appear to be “different” from them.
Hence, parents and teachers are obliged to teach and address these critical and complex issues with the children.
How can we address race and racism with our children?
Start By Educating Yourself
Before you can start teaching your child about race and racism, you need to take the time to educate yourself where it stems from, and the way it permeates our society.
Examine your own understanding of race by consulting the readily obtainable resources online. Start by listening to podcasts, watching documentaries and reading abreast of the latest news and coverage in the world. Just a piece of advice: Diversify the content you read.
By doing so, you can be more prepared to talk about the issue and answer queries posed by your child.
Looking To Schools
Schools play a crucial role in reducing racial stereotyping. In schools, more opportunities are created for people of different backgrounds to mingle. Studies have shown that cross-group friendships help to lower prejudice in children.
In Genesis Childcare 1989, our team of teachers strive to create spaces for conversations that many of us have been taught to avoid. They make themselves ready for planned and unplanned opportunities to learn and address such prevalent social issues. Children of diverse races are taught to respect one another and cross-racial friendships are encouraged.
Click here to learn more about Genesis Childcare 1989.
Leading by Example
Children are innocent beings who rarely question what their parents say or do. When it comes to your children, role-modelling is everything. Parents need to lead by example as children pick up cues from trusted adults around them.
Use your words and actions to demonstrate to your children what you believe in. By standing against all forms of racism, injustice, and inequality, your child can mirror your actions and respect all people regardless of the colour of their skin, the language they speak, or other differences.
It can be as simple as interacting regularly with people from different races so that children can mirror their actions. In turn, your child will likely have fewer biases as they get older.
Creating A Safe Place To Share Feelings
Addressing race and racism is not easy or comfortable.
Fostering open, honest communication is one of the foundations for a positive parent-child relationship. When you keep your conversations real with your child, it creates opportunities in space for your child to share their honest emotions and thoughts brazenly.
When discussing such heavy topics, it may evoke robust emotions like anger, hurt, or disappointment. Let your child know that their emotions are valued and allow them to share their own feelings in a healthy way. However, be sure to help them identify ways to express their negative emotions in a healthy manner which may include journaling or doing physical exercises to release the energy from their body.
Genesis Childcare Centre 1989
At Genesis Childcare 1989 in Tampines, we believe that every child is unique and precious who needs to be loved and cherished.
As a leading childcare centre in Tampines, we are committed to nurturing our early learners holistically through various learning areas and positive learning dispositions.
Preschool is the point where the kids usually expend most of their youth and develop ethics and basics of life. This is why we place a strong emphasis on the way our teachers communicate and guide your child to ensure that we unleash the potential in every child.
For parents looking for childcare at Tampines, Genesis Childcare 1989 has had over 30 years of experience in caring for your little ones. In fact, it is one of the leading Tampines
childcare centres with a well-proven record of over 3,000 children graduating from our playgroup.
Similarly, for parents who are looking for an infant care centre in Tampines or a Tampines preschool, Nurture Infant House is one of the leading Tampines infant care centres with more than a decade of experience in providing high-quality infant care programmes that readies your little ones for success.
If you are looking for reliable childcare or infant care in Tampines, why not register with us for a complimentary guided tour? Get to discover the attentiveness that your child will experience with our caring teachers here at this Tampines preschool.
Click here to learn more about our child care centre or click here to WhatsApp us for clarification of enquiries.
Schedule a visit to our centres at these addresses:
Genesis Childcare 1989 (Tampines)
Blk 433, Tampines Street 43, #01-63 (S) 520433
Tel: +65 9666 4141
Genesis Childcare 1989 (Taman Jurong)
Blk 153, Yung Ho Road, #01-41 (S) 610153
Tel: +65 9666 4141
Nurture Infant House (Tampines)
(2 to 18 months Infants)
Blk 433, Tampines Street 43, #01-61 (S) 520433
Tel: +65 9666 4141