Parenting is an increasingly complex job. It's layered with essential responsibilities, including raising anti-racist children. In addition to being a Registered Psychologist, I am also a parent, a white parent, who wonders what I can do to engage with this vital work. I have learned that I can do more at home to raise antiracist children and that the responsibility is mine, not that of the Black and Brown communities. I identify as a cis-gender, straight female, European white settler residing in North America on unceded land, married to a bi-racial man, traversing the planet as an immigrant since age 6. I have lived in England, the Middle East, the US, and now Canada, and I have training in Psychology and Women's Studies. Yet, despite my identity and life experiences, I am unsure where to begin.

Maybe you have lived in a world of white privilege and a culture that silences, where discussing race and ethnicity is commonplace. These essential topics may have been taboo in childhood, so you might be anxious about raising an antiracist child. Many parents of color have done this work since the beginning, contrary to what you and I believe. They have been forced to "the talk" ( read or watch) to protect their children. It is high time that we all take responsibility for our children's safety and prioritize being antiracist parents. Instead of allowing guilt, fear, or intimidation to lead to silence and inaction, I highlight the essential building blocks parents can use to start this crucial antiracist journey.

1. Start within. Most articles/books/blogs about becoming an antiracist suggest educating yourself first. It doesn't have to be difficult, even though it might seem daunting. Start searching for "how to be anti racist" or "antiracist parenting." Next, explore how privilege has shaped you. You can read if you're a reader. Many resources will help you in your self-reflection. You can also learn about movies. Although it won't be easy, it is essential. You can soak up everything!
2. Talk the talk. Although challenging, we must begin talking to our children about race and other aspects of human identity as soon as possible. Start small. You might comment about bringing your child's attention to inequity and negative stereotypes instead of turning a blind eye. Or you pose a question. Children are naturally curious, so let them. You can ask, "Have you noticed that all of the characters on this TV series have light skin?" What do you think the reason is? It's important to discuss and practice it frequently. Also, remember that you don't need to know everything. Being able to admit that you are uncomfortable with something or don't understand it can be as valuable as being an expert in the subject.
3. Explore together: With your child, read books, articles, and websites. Watch videos, TV shows, movies, podcasts, audio files, and interviews. Choose the subject of your interest and the media to explore. You will learn exponentially if you include diverse media content. Be an active viewer and take the time to discuss what you have known. These learning opportunities should be incorporated into your daily routine throughout the year, not just in February. It is important to learn together and grow as a family.
4. Make a family dictionary. Get familiar with the key terms you and your children need to understand. Learn about microaggressions, privilege fairness, equality and equity, and many others. These terms may not be well-known to you if you are in your 20's, 40's, or 50's. This is an excellent opportunity for you and your family to get together.
5. Make your home more diverse. This is particularly important for children in their younger years. Books, toys, and games with Black and Brown faces should be purchased. Teaching about fairness, equity, and inclusion is essential.
6. Live the walk: Incorporate diverse experiences into everyday life to encourage experiential learning. Your children will learn to be non-racist and not just racist by accepting opportunities to learn from others. You can shop at a store that is different from yours, go to a concert venue with a different ethnicity, or try new restaurants. These experiences will show your children that you value diversity and appreciate inclusion.
7. Knowledge doesn't have to be formal and dry. These creative ways to teach antiracist content are a periodic, 21-day challenge, 31-day challenge, and for the younger ones.
8. Celebrate diversity - Help your children get excited about the variety and its possibilities. Imagine them eating the same food daily for the rest of their lives. How boring that would be! Please encourage them to enjoy new and different experiences in their friendships. You may notice that your friendship circle and one of your children are predominantly white or not diverse. If this is the case, consider joining classes and clubs with more race and ethnicity diversity. If you need more resources to meet people in your local community, consider going online. Find opportunities to celebrate diversity and inclusion wherever you can.

Anti Racist parenting should be a journey, not a destination. Anti Racist educators emphasize that being anti racist will require us to spend our entire lives learning and growing. There will also be lots of discomforts. It is essential to be open about our mistakes and ignorance while also being earnest in our efforts for meaningful change through our daily actions. You learned much about parenting toddlers and teens when you learned about your pregnancy.