Children are Always Listening - Resources for Navigating Complex Topics with Your Littles
It seems that only yesterday the 2020 elections were in full swing. As we step into 2021, Inauguration Day is next on the political docket. The recent months have been trying, with the horrific events at our nations' Capitol only adding to the uncertainty. But, experts say avoiding the subject with your kids is not the answer. After all, kids are like sponges that are soaking up information constantly, making now the perfect time to help them process all they are hearing.
Parenting is no walk in the park, especially when broaching challenging subjects with your little ones. That's why we're sharing a few resources for navigating complex and sometimes scary subjects with your kids - election process, attack on the Capitol, Inauguration Day, and other relevant topics we are facing.
This is not an exhaustive list, but we hope it helps start and guide conversations with the littles in your life. We will continue to share helpful resources through our Instagram. Have more suggested resources, stories and voices to amplify? We'd love you to share with us hello@manhattantoy.com.
Talking to kids about Inauguration Day:
The Our White House Inauguration Celebration Kit for Kids! Created by The National Children’s Book and Literacy Alliance for parents, family members, teachers, librarians, and community leaders.
Everything You Need to Know about Presidential Inauguration a comprehensive, kid friendly, video by Pursuit of History.
Inauguration Day Activities for Kids of All Ages by Sarah Moore of Nashville City Moms Blog
Inauguration Day Activities for Kids from teachstarter.com
Talking to kids about violence at the Capitol:
Talking to Kids about the Violence at the US Capitol By Diane Jones Lowrey of Common Sense Media. Age-based tips and questions to have conversations as a family about disturbing events.
Talking to Kids About Violence at the US Capitol by Jessica Seaman and Tiney Ricciardi of the Denver Post.
Helping Kids Understand the Riots at the Capitol by childmind.org.
How to Talk to your Kids About the Capitol Riots by Harvard staff righter Colleen Walsh of The Harvard Gazette.
How to talk to children about the Capitol riots: An age by age guide by Meghan Holohan of today.com - Experts weigh in on why it's important to explain the news in an honest, age-appropriate way.
10 tips for talking to your kids about the attack on the US Capitol by Dr. Neha Chaudhary, CNN
How to Talk to Kids About Riots a the US Capitol from NPR
Don’t shy away from talking to kids about the Capitol riot. They know more than you think. by Amy Joyce of The Washington Post
Listening and learning - talking to kids about race, racism and racial inequality:
How to Talk to Kids About Race and Racism, from Parent Toolkit, includes advice on how to approach the conversation and other helpful resources.
The Conscious Kid offers a wide assortment of resources as an “organization dedicated to equity and promoting healthy racial identity development in youth”.
Talking to Children about Racial Bias, from HealthyChildren.org, By: Ashaunta Anderson, MD, MPH, MSHS, FAAP & Jacqueline Dougé, MD, MPH, FAAP
Talking to Children After Racial Incidents, featuring author Howard Stevenson, an expert on racial stress and trauma.
Your Age-by-Age Guide to Talking About Race, from 6 months to age 8, from Parents Magazine.
How to Talk About Kids and Race from Brightly, by author and mother Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich, full of studies, citations, and resources.
Why White Parents Need to Do More Than Talk to Kids About Racism, from Times, a study by Margaret A. Hagerman sociologist and author.
From NPR’s Life Kit podcast, Talking Race With Young Children also has a wealth of resources and advice on its episode page.
A large list of other resources from the Center For Racial Justice In Education.
Coming Together: Standing Up to Racism, Sesame Street and CNN’s town hall
Talking to kids about the election process:
What is Voting All About? Five Ways to Teach Kids About Elections by Holy Hays, contributing writer for The Manhattan Toy Company
The Right Way to Talk About Politics with Your Kids, According to Experts by Gail Cornwall of goodhousekeeping.com
Let’s Vote! for parents by PBS kids
Now Is A Good Time To Talk To Kids About Civics by Anya Kamenetz, Cory Turner and Sylvie Douglas of NPR
How To Explain The Election And Voting To Kids by Caroline Bologna of huffpost.com. Here's what parents should know about talking to their children about the electoral college, choosing a candidate to support and more.
Talking to Kids About the Election by Cassandra Spratling The contentious presidential race might be confusing and upsetting. Here's how to help children deal.
Additional resources for talking to kids about difficult topics facing us today:
How to Talk to Kids about Difficult Subjects by Caroline Knorr of Common Sense Media
Caring for Each Other, a Sesame Street initiative to support families throughout the COVID-19 health crisis
THE MOTHERLODE January 8th, 2021 top weekly links by Katie Hintz-Zambrano of mothermag.com
Talking To Your Kids About Coronavirus And Social Distancing by Tara Haelle Senior Contributor at forbes.com
How to Talk to your Kids About Coronavirus by Deborah Farmer Kris of PBS Kids
How You and Your Kids Can De-Stress During Coronavirus by Deborah Farmer Kris of PBS Kids
