Raising Multiracial Children

May 1, 2020

Parent, teacher educator, and community activist Nayani wrote her first book to address the needs of those parenting children who identify as more than one race. The author focuses on creating a sense of belonging while encouraging multicultural identity development. Nayani begins by giving readers a foundational understanding of race, breaking down the history behind our views on the topic. She defines orientations around race including denial, polarization, minimization, acceptance, adaptation and the pitfalls and growth opportunities in each. Assessing comfort level, finding comfort in uncomfortable situations, being vulnerable, and addressing strong emotions are steps in the preparation process before discussing these issues with children. She advocates a newer model, Conscious Cultivation of Identity, which incorporates contact, communication, consciousness, connection, and community. This text also addresses topics such as microaggressions, intersectionality, and privilege. VERDICT Teachers, day-care workers, parents, and counselors may find grains of wisdom in not only exploring race with children but in fostering personal growth in themselves.

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