I’d run through different scenarios in my head, but was still not prepared. I couldn’t give my baby an adequate answer.
“Mom, what does BLM say?”
It was during our evening walk around the neighborhood.
My response was simple enough for a three-year-old: “It means you’re a queen, Averie.” Her eyes lit up. “I’m a QUEEN??!!” Now when she sees a BLM sign, she squeals with excitement.
For Asa, it wasn’t as cut-and-dry. He noticed a photo of George Floyd outside, and asked who he was. I used this case to give context around the bigger Black Lives Matter conversation, keeping a few things in mind.
Ask for Guidance
Before I take a deep dive into a conversation with the kids about heavy subjects, I take a moment and ask God to lead the way, and grant me wisdom and patience during these talks. Raising a young child in the faith is a major responsibility that I don’t take lightly. Like every other area of parenthood, I seek God’s face first and foremost.
Come Up With a Game Plan
Make sure you and your spouse are on the same page.
Even before the kids asked about the BLM movement, hubby and I agreed that it was time for the talk. We were hoping to watch CNN’s recent townhall program together and discuss it as a family, but the kids beat us to the punch. Even though it didn’t go they way we planned, we had our talking points ready.
They Can Handle More Than You Think
Give your child credit. Between school, news, and conversations with peers, you’d be surprised at what they already know. Asa already knew – at length – about racism, bias, discrimination, and the civil rights movement, so it wasn’t such a heavy lift for me. He was receptive and engaging which quickly eased my concerns about his ability to understand what was happening in our world.
Spare the Details
There’s a way to communicate the seriousness of an issue to your child without inflicting trauma. We all want our children to be well-rounded individuals, but PTSD is real for young Black kids.
It’s Not a One-Time Thing
Don’t be surprised if your child has questions down the road. Unfortunately these incidents are likely to happen in the future, which may draw nationwide attention and prompt our kids to seek even more answers.
Talk to me moms…how have you handled discussing (if at all) race relations with your young kids?