53) How to talk to your kids about race with Isabel Cruz

In today’s episode, we’re bringing a workshop right to your podcast feed! Join Isabel Cruz, a DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) advocate and educator, as she leads an insightful and supportive conversation on raising culturally aware children in a diverse world. Living in the Netherlands, a melting pot of nearly 200 nationalities, offers endless opportunities to teach our kids about cultural appreciation and understanding.

This episode is not just about theory—it’s a conversation that will leave you better equipped to navigate sensitive topics with your children, whether it’s through books, events, or real-life encounters. How do we answer our child’s questions when they ask about differences—like why someone may look different, or why someone is wearing something unique? Isabel shares strategies to help us answer honestly, compassionately, and without discomfort.

This workshop-style episode is perfect for parents who want to help their children grow up with a better understanding of the world around them. Tune in now, or come back to it whenever these important topics come up with your little ones.

Books to explore with your kids:

Antiracist Baby
Global Babies

All Are Welcome
Our Skin: A First Conversation About Race

I Walk with Vanessa

Saturday

Under My Hijab

My Family Your Family

Anything by Mylo Freeman (Instagram: ⁠@mylofreeman⁠)

Find some of these books at Monti's World - located in De Pijp, Amsterdam and other local stores like Colourful Goodies, Bijlmer Bookstore, and Indo Shop

Links:

This is a good article to share about why Mylo Freeman created the Princess Arabella series

Colourful Goodies in Noord specializes in books and dolls that offer a wide range of representation

Bijlmer Bookstore
Indo Shop
Kies Kleurig

For more on the Keti Koti celebration in Amsterdam, visit:: https://ketikotiamsterdam.nl/

Resources for parents to raise anti-racist children:

• Books:

• Coretta Scott King Book Award Winners: books for children and young adults

• 31 Children's books to support conversations on race, racism and resistance

• Podcasts:

• Parenting Forward podcast episode ‘Five Pandemic Parenting Lessons with Cindy Wang Brandt’

• Fare of the Free Child podcast

• Integrated Schools podcast episode “Raising White Kids with Jennifer Harvey”

• Articles:

• How White Parents Can Talk To Their Kids About Race | NPR

• Teaching Your Child About Black History Month | PBS

• Your Kids Aren't Too Young to Talk About Race: Resource Roundup from Pretty Good