Kids talking about skin color - Page 2

[mamazee]

What I've read says that all kids notice skin color, and when parents intentionally or unintentionally communicate in any way that it is not something to talk about, it sends a message that it is SO BIG A DEAL and so awful that it is unspeakable. Like Voldermort or something. What I've always done is acknowledge, "Yes different people look different in many ways, and one way people sometimes look different is to have different color skin.", answer questions , and communicate that all ways of looking are OK. "All heights are OK, all eye colors are OK, and all skin colors are OK."

[mommy212]

As long as it is in  matter-of-fact kind of way I don't see it as an issue. Kids will talk about things like that- for instance, girls vs boys isn't considered sexist or anything. Maybe if his comments are making you or other uncomfortable you could have a conversation about respect and polite conversation or something. Remember, your attitude will rub off on him!

[CatsCradle]

Different skin color is certainly on DD's radar.  We live in hugely diverse city and not only are there peoples of different color, but there are a lot families with differing skin color within their own families!  There are a lot of bi-racial and multi-cultural families in our neighborhood, and a lot adopted kids that are in multi-cultural families.

It is funny, though, how kids see things.  DD and I were in the drug store the other day and the pharmacist said to DD:  "You look a  lot like your mom."  DD said in a matter a fact way:  "I came out of my mom's tummy and I was the same color."  It was funny to me because DD views it as sort of a lottery,  She accepts that there are all sorts of colors and familial situations, and that color is acceptable across the board no matter what the family situation.  It makes me laugh.  :)

[kayleesmom]

i havent had to deal with this yet. great thread.

[aHikaru]

Originally Posted by oaktreemama 

This is not something I would ignore. It is so offensive and racist that it is something we would talk about immediately. Ignoring it does not give a child the necessary feedback when it comes to unacceptable racist comments. Just because she may not understand all the historical implications behind her comments does not mean that they should pass unremarked on!!

I chose to be truthful in my response, so I thank you for giving me an honest opinion and I definitely agree it's something that needs to be closely observed, considering she initially used to call African Americans "Kobe Bryant". It's hard to get a different opinion sometimes because my friends aren't offended by anything, especially a two year old saying a word.

We're all here to get support one way or another, it's completely understandable that I am unable to comprehend why this would be shocking, children are innocent and say the weirdest things, which are not always the nicest things, we all make mistakes in becoming the best parents we can be for our own children.

[cat13]

Originally Posted by cassandraz 



I chose to be truthful in my response, so I thank you for giving me an honest opinion and I definitely agree it's something that needs to be closely observed, considering she initially used to call African Americans "Kobe Bryant". It's hard to get a different opinion sometimes because my friends aren't offended by anything, especially a two year old saying a word.

We're all here to get support one way or another, it's completely understandable that I am unable to comprehend why this would be shocking, children are innocent and say the weirdest things, which are not always the nicest things, we all make mistakes in becoming the best parents we can be for our own children.

A little OT, but I just have to say that this is the most humbling response I've heard in such a long time.  As a soon-to-be new mom, I get so much advice coming my way that I've been so quick to dismiss it all... maybe it's time for me to step back and listen sometimes. Thank YOU for that reminder. :)