Recently, as a country, and even on a global level, we have seen an incredible amount of change and sometimes uncertainty.  It seems we are at a time in our society in which shifts in perspectives are happening. This blog is about anti-racism resources that we here at Blue Bird Day have put together to assist parents when it comes to having conversations about these topics.

There is an increase of recognition, awareness, and transformation occurring to dismantle systemic racism and to prevent any form of discrimination. Gracefully, so many from all walks of life have beautifully joined together to create a great new way of thinking and to approach the process of learning and growing as a challenge we can tackle together.  

Being the type of parent to introduce and support differences is becoming a commitment for us all. Teaching our children to become their best selves, to connect to others no matter their race or background, and to build a world where our children feel safe, included, and happy is possible and what Blue Bird Day is dedicated to. 

As uncomfortable as it may be at times, as much as it may be unknown territory, all of us here at Blue Bird Day are here to support you and your families as our country continues to move forward in creating a more just and fair world – for all people.  

We understand it can be hard to identify where to start or how to start having conversations with our kids about very hard topics. With that said, we have compiled resources to assist the conversations and help organize some of the information that is available on the topic of anti-racism: 

• “They’re not too young to talk about race!” :  This infographic from The Children’s Community School outlines when research shows that children begin to notice race differences in peers and others. It’s a great resource for all parents to know when it is appropriate (and important) to begin talking to kids about race.  
• “Beyond the Golden Rule” by Teaching Tolerance Publications : Teaching Tolerance provides free resources for educators and parents regarding social justice and anti-bias. “Beyond the Golden Rule” is a parent guide for how to prevent and respond to prejudice with children ranging from preschool to 17. The guide also has expert questions & answers to give various viewpoints, as well as helpful tips for how to approach topics. 
• Lee and Low Books: Lee and Low Books is a great resource to find inclusive books that portray people of all colors and ethnicities. Their mission is “to publish contemporary diverse stories that all children could enjoy.” In addition to bringing more equal representation to books, they also work with unpublished authors and illustrators of color.  
• A Kids Book About…: A Kids Book About stories come from authors who all have different backgrounds, experiences, and stories to share. Some of the topics covered in their book series include racism, disabilities, belonging, and anxiety. 
• Blue Bird Coloring Sheet: Our wonderful OT, Linda, created a coloring page about loving and respecting our differences that kids can enjoy coloring. 
• Our team has also found social stories for our older kids who may be more observant and aware of what is happening in the world, including understanding protests and having different skin tones. If you are interested in a copy, please let your Blue Bird team know.  

Blue Bird Day is here to stand with you, and we will all overcome this together. We will continue to openly welcome feedback and dialogue about these real issues facing us today. Please let us know if there are more resources you have been looking for but unable to find; as always, we are here for our Blue Bird families!