{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Thriving Kids","title":"What to Say When a Child Sees or Experiences Racism","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":2549,"description":"Talking to kids about racism and discrimination can feel intimidating. But in this episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson and Dr. Isha Metzger discuss how to start the conversation early, keep it practical, and support kids in ways that match their age and situation.What you’ll learn:How to convey a clear definition of racism that goes beyond “one person being mean”How microaggressions show up in everyday life, even when someone “didn’t mean it”Why kids might show stress from experiencing racism through behavior (withdrawal, irritability) or physical symptoms (headaches, stomachaches)How to help your child respond if they experience discriminationHow to teach ally behavior: what to say, when to get help, and why speaking up in the moment mattersWhat to do if your child causes harm: Reflect → Repair → RelearnKey takeaways:Start the conversation early and keep it going. Don’t wait for a single “big talk.”Use direct, factual language. Kids do better with simple, clear wording.Practice a few “in the moment” phrases your kid can actually say, like: “That’s not okay.”If your child is targeted: validate first, then problem-solve.If your child is the one who said something harmful: stay calm, name the impact, and coach a better next step.From the episode: M&M exercise Use a small bag of M&Ms to talk about difference and unfair treatment:Observe differences (color, shape, cracked shells)Ask: “Are any better than the others?”Connect it to how people can get treated unfairly based on how they lookKeep it simple: same on the inside, differences add valueTips from the Thriving Kids tip sheet:Talk about it. Kids are likely to encounter racism and discrimination at a young age. Put aside any discomfort and talk about these topics with your kids early and often.Be direct and factual. When you’re explaining racism for the first time, it’s important to use clear, straightforward language.It’s ok to show emotion. When talking with your children about racism or specific events...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/MDrkVBxL9DiP-AOjpXeqSeDkDXWr4TZ1Gmxkp6wFi2w/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS8zYTEy/ZWQ4NDgzMTE5YmUw/ZjEzYTJiMjIwNWM5/MDgyMy5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}