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How do you talk to kids about race and privilege without the shame, sugarcoating, or awkward silence?
In this episode of Odd Moms On Call, Chelsea, Tianna, Lindsey, and Brittany get real about the tough but necessary conversations every parent needs to start.
From picture books and Disney movies to privilege checks and cultural appreciation, we share personal stories, parenting wins and fails, and practical tips to help you guide your kids through big topics with empathy and honesty.
We also dig into:
- What “privilege” actually means (hint: it’s not a dirty word)
- How to handle it when your kid says something racist or ableist
- Ways to model empathy without downplaying your child’s feelings
- Where cultural appreciation ends and appropriation begins
- Why silence and denial make us complicit—and how to do better
Resources and book recommendations are included at the end, so you’ll leave with tools you can use today.
Key Takeaways:
- Privilege isn’t about guilt—it’s about recognizing unearned benefits so we can raise more empathetic, aware kids.
- Books, shows, and toys with diverse representation are powerful tools for starting conversations early.
- Kids will make mistakes, repeat harmful phrases, and push back; curiosity and openness create teachable moments.
- Cultural appreciation is rooted in learning and respect, while appropriation treats cultures as trends.
- Silence around privilege and injustice isn’t neutral—it perpetuates harm. Speaking up, even with discomfort, matters.
Memorable Soundbites
- “Saying privilege isn’t real doesn’t make you neutral—it makes you complicit.” – Lindsey
- “Privilege is just an unearned benefit. It doesn’t make you bad, but it does make you responsible.” – Chelsea
- “Curiosity is the difference between cultural appreciation and appropriation.” – Tianna
- “When kids say something harmful, don’t shut them down—get curious and make it a learning moment.” – Brittany
- “Our kids will inherit the lessons we model. Silence and denial can’t be one of them.” – Chelsea
Resource List (from episode)
For Parents:
- So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
- Raising White Kids by Jennifer Harvey
- Parenting for Liberation by Trina Green Brown
For Kids:
- Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry
- The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson
- Anti-Racist Baby by Ibram X. Kendi
- All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold
Other Resources:
- Code Switch (NPR podcast)
- The Conscious Kid (Instagram & Patreon)
- EmbracingRace.org
Got a hot take you want to share?
Send us a message, or email us at Oddmomsoncall@gmail.com. We might just talk about it on the show!
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