Raising mixed race children in a world still obsessed with labels can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With thoughtful guidance, warm intention, and a few practical strategies, parents can help their multiracial kids thrive confidently in all parts of their identity.
Recently, actress and Sister Sister alum Tia Mowry spoke out about her personal journey with racial identity and “not feeling black enough.” The 46-year-old shared a lengthy Instagram 12-slide pictorial post about her situation.
The Family Reunion actress shared, “There were moments I questioned where I belonged,” she continued. “Even as a mixed kid, I knew I was Black. But growing up, the world around me didn’t always reflect that back to me. I had to go on a journey to fully understand who I was and what it meant to walk through this world as a Black woman.”
Throughout the on-going custody battle between Jodie Turner-Smith and ex-husband, Joshua Jackson, the desire to help daughter, Juno, grow into a confident biracial person has taken front-and-center.
So just how do parents navigate raising confident biracial children? Well, experts agree on one foundational truth: racial and cultural conversations need to start early and keep going over a lifetime.
“What parents and caregivers model for their children and how different races, ethnicities and cultures are talked about will have a huge impact on how a child feels about their own identity,” Michelle Felder, a licensed clinical social worker and play therapist based in New York City, said in an interview with Care.com.
“Being intentional about exposing children to various identities can help foster an appreciation of diversity and pride in who they are.”
Take a look at these expert backed tips to add to your parenting toolbox on how to raise secure mixed race children:
Start early and keep talking: Discuss and talk about heritage, identity, and race openly, even with toddlers. The earlier the conversations start, the better.
Share your family story: Talk about where each parent comes from and what it means. If you don’t know, this would be the perfect opportunity to do a deep dive into your ancestry as a family.
Model pride in all backgrounds: Let kids see you value both heritages and traditions.
Prepare them for bias: Gently discuss potential discrimination and equip them with coping strategies. Unfortunately, they will eventually come across bias and ignorance. Give them their own set of tools on how to deal with such moments in a healthy manner.
Offer culturally relevant media: Representations matters! Use books, shows, and toys that reflect both sides of their identity.
Create community contact: Remember, it takes a village! So, join multiracial groups, festivals, or online spaces where your biracial and mixed children can see themselves, making it easier for them to connect with others that share their same experiences.
Normalize identity shifts: Validate that feeling more connected to one culture at times is okay .
Listen and validate emotions: When kids ask “Where do I fit?” acknowledge their feelings and have a discussion with them, without judgment.
Let them define who they are as a mixed race person: If someone asks their race, empower kids to identify how they feel.
Be open to change: As children grow, so does their identity. Be prepared to revisit conversations as kids mature.
There’s no perfect roadmap, but with intentional conversations, cultural pride, community support, and emotional openness, parents can help mixed race children develop a secure, confident sense of self.
Photo Credit: FreePik.com; Khloe Kardashian Instagram; Jodie Turner-Smith Instagram; Tia Mowry Instagram
