See below for a recent communication from our Founder/CEO Joshua Chernikoff.
We live about a half-mile from the U.S. Capitol in Washington, so my young daughter has lots of questions about why people in our community are marching and what their signs say.
She’s only 5 years old, and like other parents facing the same situation, I didn’t expect to be having these conversations so early in her life. She knows what my wife and I have taught her, that all humans are created equal and that everyone should be treated fairly. And, as she has seen Flex Academies grow as she has, she sees the diversity of our staff and our students, and understands that we celebrate each individual’s gifts while we also celebrate our humanity.
How do you take the conversation to the next place? How do you answer the questions you didn’t expect a 5 year old to ask?
Here are some resources that may help you have that conversation with your child, no matter what their age. These are from the American Academy of Pediatricians and Parents:
“Talking to Children About Racial Bias”
“Anti-Racism for Kids: An Age-by-Age Guide to Fighting Hate”
This is not a complete list, of course, but it’s a start toward finding the right words and approach to start the conversation with your child. This is a teachable moment. Embrace the opportunity to have a meaningful conversation with your kids about race.
Sincerely,
Joshua Chernikoff
Flex Academies
Founder/CEO
