40 Ways to Raise a Nonracist Child: A Practical Anti-Racist Guide for Both White Parents and Parents of Color

by Barbara Mathias, Mary Ann French

30 years after the civil rights movement, America is still imbued with the spirit of racism. Despite the best intentions of a generation, children today are still learning the dangerous lessons of prejudice, hate and bigotry. Ultimately, the only way to rid our society of the evil of racism is to teach our children, while they're still impressionable, that color is not an indication of a person's worth. Unfortunately, many parents are at a loss as to how to do this effectively. 40 Ways to Raise a Nonracist Child is the perfect aid for these parents. Divided into five age-related sections, ranging from preschool age to the teenage years, it provides helpful and practical ways parents can teach these important lessons, and contains specific advice addressing the unique concerns of both white parents and parents of color. With topics ranging from how to select toys for toddlers to how to talk with teenagers about what they see on the evening news, 40 Ways to Raise a Nonracist Child is a book all concerned parents will want to have on their shelves.

Genres: Anti Racist, Education, Family

176 pages, Paperback

First published June 7, 1996

Reviews

[Peace Teachpeacenow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book for parents written by two parents, one black and one white. It provides wise advice for addressing issues surrounding race as one's children learn and grow. The book is divided into age sections, starting with infancy and ends in high school. It provides numerous examples and ways parents can react.

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good resource for parents looking for straightforward, applicable ways to combat racist behaviors and ideals. The book takes us through the various stages of a child’s development, including infancy through preschool, early and upper elementary years, young teen, and high school years. It is somewhat repetitive, in that the same advice can be given but in ways that are applicable to different stages of development. It’s nothing particularly mind-blowing, but a great way to come up with idea to engage children about issues of race and discrimination.

[Jamie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a good book for people who are racists but don't want their children to make the same injustices to society. However, for those of us who are not racist, everything is pretty much common sense. There are a few things in there that help with questions your children may ask about other people who are races, and a few tips on integration and learning about other races in a way that is easy for children to understand as well as polite.

[missy jean · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love the idea of the book, but overall I thought it was pretty...well, obvious. Idea 23) Rule out discriminatory remarks. Idea 24) Insist on respect. Idea 30) Listen to and discuss your teen's concerns. Uh, yeah! It just seems like these are fairly intuitive things for parents to do if they are, themselves, interested in being nonracist.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading White Like Me I was searching for tangible ways to have an inclusive classroom. In 40 short chapters, the authors give advice on ways to ensure your teaching (or parenting) is nonracist. Much is common sense, but worth reviewing.
I found the book quite useful.

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit dated, but still thought-provoking advice. These ideas are not boxes you can check off, but real, ongoing work to do. They should be common sense, but I will definitely reread when I need a reminder!

[Terri D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many of these read as "ways to raise a decent human being" or "ways to raise a child," not so strange or radical as you might think.

[Tristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book would be more valuable if I were living in an urban area. A lot of the advise is based on living in areas with large populations/multiple groups.

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd say that it is mostly filled with common sense, but some people's common sense worries me...