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Dear Resource Parents -
With all that is going on in our world today, it is important to have tools to talk to kids. As a resource parent, you can assume children of all ages are exposed to information about what is happening in our nation today. They may overhear adult conversations, see a video on YouTube, or watch news coverage of protests. Children may be worried for their own safety or that of their family and they likely have questions about what the protests mean, why people have been killed by police, and if they are safe. The American Academy of Pediatrics (website: https://services.aap.org/en/news-room/news-releases/aap/2020/american-academy-of-pediatrics-condemns-racism-offers-advice-for-families-for-how-to-talk-to-their-children/ )outline the following recommendations shared by Dr. Heard-Garris and Jacqueline Dougé, MD, MPH, FAAP, co-author of the AAP policy statement on racism:
Below are some additional resources to help with these conversations:
A CNN/Sesame Street Town Hall for Kids and Families “Coming Together: Standing Up to Racism” will air on Saturday June 6th at 10:00 a.m. The show will talk about racism, the recent nationwide protests, embracing diversity and being more empathetic and understanding. More information is available at the link below:
https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/02/us/cnn-sesame-street-standing-up-to-racism/index.html
The American Psychological Association
https://www.apa.org/helpcenter/kids-discrimination
Center for Racial Justice and Education: Resources for Talking about Race, Racism and Radicalized Violence with Kids
https://centerracialjustice.org/resources/resources-for-talking-about-race-racism-and-racialized-violence-with-kids/
healthychildren.org: Talking to Children about Racism
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/emotional-wellness/Building-Resilience/Pages/Talking-to-Children-about-Racism.aspx
Below is a short video from University of Missouri Disaster and Community Crisis Center on Helping Children to Cope with Media Coverage of Community Racial Trauma:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Qtn2ZFx6ZM&feature=youtu.be
I hope your find these resources helpful. These circumstances can provide an opportunity for teachable moments, to challenge and correct stereotypes and to model for children how they can make a positive difference in their communities. If you have additional questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s caseworker.
Thank you for the important work you do to support children and families.
Bobbi L. Johnson, LMSW
Associate Director of Child Welfare Services
Office of Child and Family Services
Department of Health and Human Services