Tips for Parents When Discussing Racism with Their Teens

Today, more than ever, our children are growing up in a multicultural, multiracial society. Parenting teens involves deeper conversations about racism, diversity, privilege, inclusion, activism, and how they can use their voices to speak up, stand out, fight, and do the right things.

In my recent conversation with Cristy Clavijo- Kish, a Miami-based entrepreneur and the mother of twin teenage daughters, we covered racial injustice and teenagers, and how they are more in tune, aware, and educated than generations before.

“My girls have been very angry with what is happening in our country against the Black community recently. They grew up in a multicultural, multiracial family. They’re accustomed to service and giving back. They don’t see differences, but equality. They are advocates of justice.”

Cristy is the founder of Los Tweens and Teens–an online bilingual magazine and resource for guiding GenZ. It provides culturally relevant information ranging from trends in technology, college prep, life skills, wellness, cooking, and health & wellness among other topics. “As role models for our children, parents’ personal and professional behaviors need to demonstrate our intention to break the barriers of injustice, prejudice, discrimination, and racism.”

Here are 4 tips for parents when discussing racism with their teens:

1. Conversation matters- Take advantage of things they’re watching or following to create a conversation.
2. Mind what you say- Self-check before talking. Pay attention to what is being posted on social media, the news. Be honest!
3. Encourage ways for them to express themselves- For ex., help a family in need, become involved with a service project, participate in a peaceful protest, anything that says, “I care!”
4. Encourage reading age-appropriate books on the subject, support, and multicultural Black authors.

Cristy’s daughters are part of Class of 2020. Here are her tips for college-bound kids:

1. Set up goals- personal, academics
2. Value family time
3. Take the time to learn everything you can about the college you chose, the town, your roommate.
4. When in school, keep communicating with your parents. They are there for you, always!

For information about Los Tweens and Teens, go to my profile or here:

https://lostweens.com/about

Thank you, Cristy!