Photo by Matt Rourke/Associated Press
We know many of you are devastated by the racially motivated shooting in a Buffalo supermarket that left 10 people dead. We are, too. Our love and support is with the people of Buffalo who grieve the loss of pillars of their community - parents, grandparents, people known for their kind and selfless acts.
Words can be difficult to come by when Black people are repeatedly targeted, and when BIPOC, Jewish and LGBTIA+ communities also face increasing violence. Answers, which may seem elusive, feel even more challenging when the questions come from our children. Just like us, they are frightened, sad and confused. As educators and parents, we want to help them make sense of the world - and ensure they are part of the solution.
We can start by giving our children tools so that they will not only recognize racism, but disrupt it. Here are some resources for talking with children about what they are seeing and experiencing.
Child Mind Institute, Talking to Kids About Racism
Center for Racial Justice, Resources for Talking About Race, Racism and Racialized Violence With Kids
PBS, Talking to Young Children About Race and Racism
Racism and Violence: Using Your Power as Parent to Support Children Aged Two to Five
Teaching For Change: 100 free, downloadable anti-bias education articles
We hope that as you find ways to care for your children, that you also make time to care for yourselves as well.
We are thinking of you.