Kids and Racism - How to Teach them Not to Hate

"Kids are born open-minded."

Many people (including me) believed this for years. The idea was that a kid who was afraid of people who were different must be raised by bigots. That kids are naturally "color blind" and welcoming to all diversity.

Not true.

The child development research just doesn't bear that out. Many kids are skeptical of new situations and new people. Many of us - and toddlers especially - fear change and difference. If we want to raise kids who are actually open-minded, actually interested in diversity? We have to actually teach them to do that.

Teach Kids Not to Hate?

It doesn't sound like a fun weekend activity, or car ride conversation. That's why it can be a layer of some fun activity, or other conversation. It just has to be intentional.