Life balance: Teach your kids about race and diversity

The Black Lives Matter movement has made all of us think about how we can make society fairer. Emma discusses what parents can do to raise children who will embrace a diverse world

on-white people are twice as likely to be abused by a stranger, two in five LGBT people have experienced abuse, those from BAME groups are twice as likely as white people to be stopped and searched, 35 per cent of LGBT workers have hidden their sexuality for fear of discrimination, and black graduates earn 23 per cent less than white ones. We all need to help bring about change – and that includes better educating the next generation.

OPEN THEIR EYES

Talk about inequality with your children by giving examples. Buy them books, show them films, take them to museums (when you can) and educate them about the struggles minority groups face. Kids respond better to real-life examples, not staged discussions, so if you’re watching TV together, talk about why certain groups are often portrayed in stereotypical roles.

BUILD FRIENDSHIPS

Make an effort to speak to parents from other ethnic groups or in same-sex partnerships. When my boys were little, playground dropoffs were divided, not because women from the BAME community were avoiding white mums, but because over time they realised they weren’t being included. If you don’t have a diverse social circle, your kids are likely to believe that there is an underlying reason for this. Attend events where you may be in the minority to help your kids to celebrate diversity and respect equality.

CHALLENGE VIEWS

If your child says or does something discriminatory, try to find the root of the action, or comment, then explain why it is wrong. Lead by example and bring up kids to see diversity as a positive. My boys understand their male white privilege – they know it isn’t fair, and they are willing to fight for a better future because, as white men, their voices will sadly be heard more loudly. We need every child to challenge discrimination, and know that being white makes their lives unfairly easier. Then we can start to change things for the better.