When explaining systemic oppression to kids, especially white children, Dr. Nurenberg says it's extremely important to create a safe space for kids to ask questions and make mistakes. "Remember, white kids may not have much experience with the subject, so too much discomfort can make them retreat," Dr. Nurenberg explains.
Keeping this in mind, he advises parents to build up slowly, get kids thinking about how their race plays a role in oppression, and just let them start thinking. Otherwise, Dr. Nurenberg says their discomfort could potentially result in three unhelpful things: relief, guilt, or a white saviour complex. Creating a space where kids feel able to ask questions and make mistakes is what will help them continue to educate themselves on how to become actively antiracist allies.