{"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.\n\nWhat you’ll learn:\nHow to convey a clear definition of racism that goes beyond “one person being mean”\nHow microaggressions show up in everyday life, even when someone “didn’t mean it”\nWhy kids might show stress from experiencing racism through behavior (withdrawal, irritability) or physical symptoms (headaches, stomachaches)\nHow to help your child respond if they experience discrimination\nHow to teach ally behavior: what to say, when to get help, and why speaking up in the moment matters\nWhat to do if your child causes harm: Reflect → Repair → Relearn\nKey takeaways:\nStart the conversation early and keep it going. Don’t wait for a single “big talk.”\nUse direct, factual language. Kids do better with simple, clear wording.\nPractice a few “in the moment” phrases your kid can actually say, like: “That’s not okay.”\nIf your child is targeted: validate first, then problem-solve.\nIf your child is the one who said something harmful: stay calm, name the impact, and coach a better next step.\nFrom the episode: M&M exercise \n\nUse a small bag of M&Ms to talk about difference and unfair treatment:\nObserve differences (color, shape, cracked shells)\nAsk: “Are any better than the others?”\nConnect it to how people can get treated unfairly based on how they look\nKeep it simple: same on the inside, differences add value\nTips from the Thriving Kids tip sheet:\nTalk 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.\nBe direct and factual. When you’re explaining racism for the first time, it’s important to use clear, straightforward language.\nIt’s ok to show emotion. When talking with your children about...","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}