How to talk to children of color about racialized violence

We have had many discussions in our office this week about the violence being unleashed on us, especially people of color, in this country. We worry especially about how this is impacting our children.

We asked Dr. Allison Briscoe-Smith for her wisdom that we can share during these difficult times. Her research has focused on trauma/Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and how children understand race. She has worked broadly on these topics and has served many families and schools on matters salient to these issues.

Below are some resources that she shared with us.

  • The American Psychological Association issued a press release with some solid links to child specific resources which you can find here.
  • The National Child Traumatic Stress Network has great resources too which can be found here.
  • For thinking about how to support kids of color Embrace Race has provided a great space for dialogue and support. Dr. Briscoe-Smith has done several webinar and podcast-type events with them in the past.
  • We need to focus more on the need for us to be well and think about how we are managing as we talk with our children. Here are links to her previous talks- “Supporting kids in the wake of racialized violence” and “Nurturing resilient kids in a world of racial aggression and violence.

Please feel free to share this information.

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