Dear StrongStart families,

Here is important info from our knowledgeable and lovely community partner Anita Olson.

  • Purpose Society is offering a free 4 week program to help build community and connections through anti-racism using arts, crafts and culture! Program starts Oct 20th at 10-1130 AM in the New Westminster Welcome Centre (Burnaby families are welcome to join!), child minding available – if you are interested in the Building Community & Connections program please register by calling Elizabeth @ 778-727-0786 or email Elizabeth.cottam@purposesociety.org
  • All kids need a strong identity as well as a sense of group belonging, but racism hurts the healthy development of both. Encourage your child to “Breathe, Feel, Share” when something stressful related to race happens. Take some deep belly breaths, feel the emotions and think of words to describe them, and share the experience with a trusted adult (source: Sesame Street). Learn more at @ www.feelingsfirst.ca
  • Children learn from their parents, caregivers, community and elders. They will copy and follow adults’ actions, including how to interact with others. Caregivers and parents are very influential as they help kids understand this complicated, flawed and often unfair world. Your words and actions matter. Here are some ideas on how to talk about race, racism and anti-racism with preschoolers. Learn more @ www.feelingsfirst.ca.
  • Visit your public library, borrow and read books about different people and cultures like this book by Todd Parr: “It’s Okay to Be Different”, published by Little Brown Book for Young Readers. (This is my little add-on).

What you can do to discuss racial equality with young children:

  • Don’t be afraid to talk about differences. “Did you know that people are born with different skin colours?”
  • Share how biases make you feel and why. “It makes me sad that rules allow certain groups of people to be treated differently.”
  • Frame things as fair and unfair. “This book included white inventors. That’s unfair because _______ invented things too.”
  • Distinguish between different and weird. “Just because something is different, doesn’t mean it’s weird. Differences should be celebrated!”
  • Respect and encourage your child’s curiosity. “That is a good question…I don’t know the answer, but let’s learn together.”

Meet me in the Park! Free one-on-one consultations at your favorite Burnaby Park with me, Anita. Ask your questions, concerns and curiosity about your 0-5 year old child’s development, behaviour, child – caregiver relationship, effective strategies, and parenting information. Call/text or email Anita 604-723-9548 or email aolson@fsgv.ca to set up an appointment. Virtual appointments are also available! 

Anita Olson – Early Childhood Community Consultant (ECCC) – supporting parents/caregivers with children ages 0-5 years old.

Take care of yourself and each other,

Ms. Lillian