Summer break offers a rare pause in the rush of the academic year. Bedtimes are later, the pressure of homework is off, and many families are spending more time together. That makes it the perfect season to connect more intentionally with your kids—not just about plans and playdates, but about values, identity, and justice.
This summer break, I’ve been soaking up every sunny moment with my son and my nieces and nephew. We’ve spent hours at the pool splashing, laughing, and learning who can hold their breath the longest. These fun-filled days are more than just play—they’re powerful opportunities to connect on a deeper level. When I gush over how much I love the texture of my son’s hair or the deep browns the sun brings out of his skin, he learns to take pride in his African features. Whether we’re sharing snacks, reading stories in the shade, or talking about what fairness means when someone doesn’t want to share their floatie, we’re laying the foundation for empathy, courage, and care.
In a world where racial violence and injustice continue to dominate headlines, children are watching. They have questions. And even if they’re not saying them out loud, they’re forming beliefs about who matters and how power works. The good news? You don’t have to wait for your child to bring it up. You also don’t need a Ph.D. to guide them. With a mental health-informed approach, you can raise socially conscious kids without overwhelming them—or yourself.
Start Where They Are
Children process information differently depending on their developmental stage. That means your 5-year-old and your 15-year-old need very different things from you in conversations about race and justice.
- For little ones: Use stories, picture books, and questions like “What do you notice about these characters?” or “Why do you think that was unfair?” My youngest niece recently pointed out that all the superheroes she saw on a coloring sheet were “boys with light skin.” That one comment turned into a beautiful chat about representation.
- For school-age kids: Watch short videos or read kid-friendly news together, then pause and ask what they think and feel. If you follow me on social media, you’ll see that one of my nieces recently tried out for her school play and got the lead role, a strong character who embodied Black girl magic! We all showed up to support her and used it as an opportunity to reinforce her strengths and pride!
- For teens: Encourage them to think critically. Ask how they feel about what they see online. Talk about activism, allyship, and coping. My eldest niece is a preteen more into her friends than ever, and I often search for topics to connect over. One of the easiest things I’ve found is pointing out something I saw on social media—it is guaranteed to start a passionate discussion about her perspectives.
Remember: The goal isn’t to give kids all the answers. It’s to build trust, curiosity, openness, and a foundation of shared values.
Use Racial Socialization as a Tool
Racial socialization is the process of preparing children to navigate race-related experiences. Research shows that when done intentionally, it helps children build pride, resilience, and coping strategies.
There are three main themes you can focus on this summer:
- Cultural pride: Teach them about their heritage and the beauty of their culture.
- Preparation for barriers: Let them know that unfair treatment exists and help them plan how to respond.
- Egalitarianism: Emphasize fairness, empathy, and common humanity.
In the summer months, this might look like:
- Visiting a cultural museum or Juneteenth celebration
- Watching a documentary or movie together (this month, we’re watching “Hair Love” and “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse”)
- Role-playing how to speak up when something feels wrong
- Talking after a protest or community event
Even after a day full of pool noodles and popsicles, those moments in the car or winding down at bedtime can turn into real conversations. Don’t miss them.
Keep It Light and Real
You don’t have to turn every moment into a lesson. In fact, your child might tune out if they feel like every hangout turns into a lecture. Balance is key.
- Infuse play with purpose. Sidewalk chalk messages. Books on the beach.
- Follow their lead. If they bring up something heavy, sit with it. If they change the subject, follow that, too.
- Be honest about your own feelings. “I felt sad when I saw that video. Let’s talk about it together.”
- Leave space for joy. Celebrating resilience is part of healing.
My toddler doesn’t yet have words for injustice, but I see his curiosity and sensitivity every day. When his cousins cheer him on for something new, or when we all clap for someone being brave, he learns—through love and laughter—that kindness matters. That family, friends, and community matter.
What if You Don’t Know What to Say?
It’s OK to admit that. You can say:
- “That’s a great question. Let’s find out together.”
- “I don’t have the perfect words, but I’m here to listen.”
- “That makes me feel a little sad, too. But I’m glad you told me.”
Modeling uncertainty and compassion helps kids see that they don’t have to be perfect to speak up—they just have to be brave and willing.
Final Note
Justice work isn’t just for adults. Our kids are watching us all the time—and the values we model now are shaping the world they’ll inherit. By taking advantage of the slower rhythms of summer, we can plant seeds of empathy, courage, and community that will bloom long after school is back in session.
Let’s raise kids who care deeply, think critically, and act with compassion.
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