Talking to Children About Race and Racism: An Age-by-Age Guide

By CHOC (Children’s Health of Orange County)

“Your child’s understanding of race grows with them — so should your conversations.” — CHOC

CHOC’s guide offers what many parents long for: concrete advice tailored to a child’s developmental stage. From introducing infants to diverse books and toys, to helping teens process systemic injustice, this age-by-age approach takes the guesswork out of when and how to begin.

The value here is reassurance. CHOC reminds parents that it is never too early or too late to start, and that conversations should evolve as children mature. By meeting kids where they are, families can build confidence, resilience, and a lasting commitment to fairness.

Citation: CHOC, Talking to Children About Race and Racism: An Age-by-Age Guide, health.choc.org