HAPPY GRANDPARENTS DAY!
The relationship between grandparents and grandchildren is undeniably important. But is it even more important when the child is multiracial? We think so.
We know that interracial families are on the rise. We know that the multiracial population is the fastest growing group in America. The social support of grandparents is important in early identity of children. Most of us can fondly remember spending time with our grandparents, which led to memories we still have today.
As grandparents to multiracial children, we can enrich their experiences by talking about our own childhoods and lives and give them a wider perspective on other people’s race and ethnicity. We can contribute to their well-being as children of more than one race.
How do we do this? Project RACE Grandparents provides wonderful resources for our grandparent members. Join us today! Membership is free. Meanwhile, here are some ideas:
- Read books together about interracial families and multiracial children. New and wonderful books are coming out all the time. Project RACE Grandparents provides suggestions and reviews of new books. Books like People by Peter Spier are wonderful to use to point out that people come in various colors and physical attributes. We also welcome book reviews by our members and their grandchildren of all ages.
- Introduce your multiracial grandchildren to the wonderful world of coloring using Multicultural Crayons and markers by Crayola. They come in different skin tones of the world. Explain to them that people come in different colors and that they can blend the crayons to get their unique color.
- Seek out dolls with a variety of skin tones, physical attributes, hair styles, etc. American Dolls has a line of dolls that are very diverse. Look for Pattycake Dolls, too.
- Cook together! Teach your multiracial grandchild some of the specialties of your own background, race, ethnicity, and nationality.
- Talk about different cultures and show your multiracial grandchildren your understanding and interest in their background. And listen, too.
Enjoy your day as a grandparent to multiracial children!
Image Source: The Root.com