MAMP Podcast Ep. #12:Parenting Healthy Mixed-Race Kids

Hello Meltingpot Readers,

On episode 12 of My American Meltingpot, we’re having a conversation about how to raise healthy Mixed-Race children. That is, how do we make sure our children who are more than one race, and possibly more than one culture as well, grow up feeling confident with their sense of identity? How do we prepare them to confront a world that still only seems to see people in Black and white? Joining me for this diverse discussion are two mothers of Mixed-Race kids, who are also parenting experts. 

Sharon H. Chang is an award-winning author, photographer and activist with a lens on racism, social justice and the Asian-American diaspora. She is the author of the critically acclaimed academic book, Raising Mixed Race: Multiracial Asian Children In a Post-Racial World.

Ridvan Foxhall is an occupational therapist and certified Positive Discipline parent educator and coach. In 2006, Ms. Foxhall  founded the Peekskill chapter of the Children’s Theatre Company which is dedicated to building character on stage by instilling in children a sense that they can be a voice of positive change in the world.

If you are a parent of a Mixed-Race child, or maybe a parent in transracially adoptive family, you should probably tune in to this episode. We cover a range of topics from colorism, to the best way to answer that dreaded question, “what are you?”

Feel free to share with me what you think the most important things parents of Mixed-Race children need to know and practice. In the meantime, here are some resources from the show.

Resources from the Show

The number of Mixed-Race children in the USA was at 14 percent in 2015, according to the Pew Research Center. And that number is predicted to rise in the coming years.

Helping Mixed-Race children see themselves in books, television shows and movies is a great way to normalize their experiences. While there aren’t a ton to choose from, there are definitely a growing number of pop culture offerings that feature Mixed-Race children and families. Please check the MAMP bookstore for a list of picture book selections that feature Mixed-Race main characters. Also, consider Sharon H. Chang’s book, Raising Mixed Race, if you want a book for yourself to help you navigate this parenting journey better.

In addition to showing kids  movies and books that reflect their lived experience, also consider building a community of Mixed-Race families and individuals so that your kiddos don’t feel like they are the only ones with a diverse family make-up. If you don’t know where to start, trying connecting with organizations like Midwest Mixed, Loving Day or the Mixed Remixed Festival. Once you tap into these organizations, you’ll find yourself surrounded by Mixie love and community.

To connect with Sharon H. Chang and find out about where she’s going to be speaking or giving workshops, check out her website or follow her on social.

To connect with Ridvan Foxhall, visit her website and/or read some of her essays on Medium.

The Meltingpot Minute for episode 12 was about the dangers of selling one’s home while Black.