On episode 26 of the My American Meltingpot podcast, we’re talking about parenting confident Mixed-Race children with educators, Ridvan Foxhall and Sharon H. Chang. This is our second rewind episode and it’s a good one. As parents of Mixed kids, Sharon, Ridvan, and I all share personal experiences and practical tips and resources for raising Mixed Race children who are confident in their multi-ethnic identity. We cover everything from colorism to traveling to ancestral homelands. We know this parenting journey isn’t always easy. Hopefully this episode will help pave the way.
Guests on the Show
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, Ridvan 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.
What do you think is the most important thing parents of Mixed-Race children need to know and practice as part of their parenting agenda? Leave a comment below.
Resources for Parenting Confident Mixed-Race Kids
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.
Mixed-Race children need to see themselves in books, television shows and movies. This is a great way to normalize their lived 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. Check out the website Multicultural Kid Blogs for a plethora of resources and inspiration.
Consider Sharon H. Chang’s book, Raising Mixed Race, if you want a book for yourself to help you navigate this parenting journey better.
Diversity and inclusion expert, Farzana Nayani has a new How-To book coming out this April called Raising Multiracial Children: Tools for Nurturing Identity in a Racialized World. I know Farzana and I’m sure her book is going to be great!
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, try 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.
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