Social Issues of a child of color
Racial Slurs: Someone called me a ****!
Your child comes home visibly upset. After prying it out of them you learn someone in their class made a racial comment that was offensive and unacceptable. As parents we need to keep a clear and level head. When someone goes after our children it's only natural to react first, this usually makes things worse. If it happens in a school setting approach the Principle or teacher about the situation. Let them know you would appreciate them taking the opportunity to educate their students about bigotry and prejudices. It's important as parents work with the school system as a partners in your child's education.
Lack of knowledge for Cultural History. It is important for children to know where they come from culturally and not just physically. Root of origin can explain alot about skin and health issues as well. It will help them understand themselves more.
Holidays: What is Cinco De Mayo? Kwaanza? Juneteenth? World Community Day? Understanding holidays and their purposes will help bring cultural understanding and self awareness. Native American, Latin American, African American, Asian American, Island American history is ALL American history. Talk to your local public and private schools about spending time researching and discussing the different cultural holidays and their purposes.
EDUCATION: Derek Bok said : "If you think education is expensive, try ignorance"
Schools were created to help the family educate. But we've all but given the responsibility of educating our children to strangers in our public and private schools. Children of Color show consistently lower percentages in scoring at grade level than Caucasian and European children.
Our children's education should be just as much of a concern as keeping them out of jail. In some regards it's the same thing. We should spend more time sitting down reading and helping our children with their homework. Whatever happened to Room Parents? You know, when parents signed up with their child's elementary school teacher to help out a few days a month whether it be helping to grade paper, pass out cupcakes for a birthday party, or teach and art project? Parents have discarded being a noticeable force in their children's education. Take the time to visit your child's class rooms unannounced and check up on them, their school work and their behavior. An unruly child disrupts the WHOLE classes learning process. This also insures that your student is being treated fairly as well. At the beginning of each year, let your child's teacher know you will be dropping in from time to time to check on them unannounced. Also let them know you would appreciate immediate contact if a recognizable pattern of misconduct or incomplete work is apparent. Remind them you are partners in your child's education and are willing to help them in YOUR child's educational process. And be willing to be a visible & constant force for their educational success.
Feelings of Isolation: Nobody looks like me! I don't talk like they do.
Teaching our children blessing of their individuality and beauty of their cultural differences will help them to see
each other with eyes of respect and appreciation. In celebrating these things more often children come to realize what makes them special as individual AND that underneath it all they're also the same in many ways.
Unique Physical Traits: My eyes are small. My hair is kinky. I'm short
Overcoming stereotypes in the media and arts.
The Diff in Language and Slanguage.
"The Father of all mankind expects parents, as his representatives, to assist him in shaping and guiding human lives and immortal souls. That is the highest assignment which the Lord can bestow upon man. (“Chapter 16: The Noble Calling of Parents,” Teachings of Presidents of the Church: David O. McKay, 153)"
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