Help the Children

Dear Readers,

We are living in an increasingly scary and confusing world right now. This daily horror show is projected across the screen on the evening news and blitzed on social media platforms.

The ravages of the Pandemic and the heroic actions of those on the front lines are dichotomous. The deaths of too many innocent black citizens have been increased by the senseless killing of George Floyd. Such acts against citizens rightly fomented protests for social justice and started out peacefully but, too often, erupted in violence.

I worry these days about how kids are seeing and reacting to adults behaving or misbehaving. With schools closed and summer approaching, children have plenty of time to take it all in–for better or for worse–and they are taking it in, perhaps more than you know.

I’m no psychologist, but I am a parent, grandparent, retired teacher, and kids’ author, so here is my plea for parents, teachers, and those who love or work with kids: Please embrace your opportunity. Take all the peace, charity, death, anger, and violence that kids are witnessing, and watch for teachable moments. But first, give kids a chance to vent, ask questions, and express their concerns. Their sharing should fuel your teaching. I have provided a small list of resources, below.

An important note: No kids of your own? Doesn’t matter. It is incumbent upon every adult to recognize that children are the future. The very near future. Soon, they will be the ones making and enforcing the laws that will affect us all and which will leave a legacy for the generation that follows them. Let’s hope those laws and that legacy are grounded in a strong foundation of inclusion, altruism, peace, and anti-racism. Please do your part.

So, get a clue, Readers. Children are smarter than many people think. Right now, however, they need our help. They are the very near future. Let’s give them the tools and hearts to improve it.

 

Here are some resources that might be helpful:

scbwi.org/black-lives-matter-resources/     (This is the website of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators: anti-racism resources; recommended reading; political/justice organizations; petitions; funds)

embracerace.org/resources/     (31 chapter books to support conversations on race, racism and resistance; anti-racist activism)

readbrightly.com/important-talk-child...     (How to talk to kids about race–books and resources)

harpercollins.com/children’s/books-wi...    (22 picture books to inspire conversations about diversity)