A few parents have asked me how to talk to their children about race. It’s a big topic!
One thing I’ve learned is that science shows that neither race nor ethnicity can be found in the human genome. (Sources below!) Therefore, race is a social construct, a way society has grouped people over time. This debunks myths that any one race is ‘smarter’ or ‘wired better’ than others. Statistically, it’s just as likely that I have a similar DNA match with my Chinese neighbour as with my English neighbour.
I’ve shared some of the questions parents have asked me:
When and how should we discuss race with children?
There’s no such thing as too young when it comes to talking about race. Children start noticing skin colour and differences from an early age. Talking openly helps them make sense of what they see and hear.
If you’re struggling with how to word it, (we are all the same doesn’t quite work!), use books such as:
My Skin, Your Skin by Laura Henry-Allain, brilliant for ages 4+
Mixed: A Colourful Story by Arree Chung, great for ages 3+
Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes by Mem Fox and Helen Oxenbury, perfect for ages 0 to 5
Should we just say “we’re all the same”? Aren’t differences better ignored?
It’s easy to want to focus on what connects us, and yes, kindness and shared humanity matter. But saying “we’re all the same” can overlook the experiences and identities that make each of us unique.
No two people are the same.
Each of us brings our own cultural references, the food we eat, the music we love, the stories we tell, the traditions we share.
That diversity is what makes life rich.
Talking about those differences helps children value and respect them, in themselves and in others.
Sources
Miriam Njogu, Photography +, Brighton and Hove, Sussex 
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