At this point in time, most socially aware parents know that talking to their kids about race is important. But when do you start? Kindergarten? First grade? Or much earlier? This might come as a surprise, but talking to toddlers about race isn’t just possible, it’s important… especially for parents who have the luxury of seeing this as a choice.
This year, though, as celebrations are postponed, moved online or canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, my heart sinks as I wonder: Who will hug the queer kids in the absence of physical Pride events?
One of the best things, to my way of thinking, about becoming a senior citizen is being a grandparent. We get to see Anthony several times a week in the summer, and pre-pandemic, we would take him on vacations, and to local museums, the aquarium, the bounce house and playgrounds. Our enjoyment was always enhanced by watching him having so much fun.
Campers, it’s time to celebrate summer! This week, #CampCaribu welcomes sunshine, long days, and special moments with friends and family. Get ready for stories about fun adventures in the outdoors, from cities to seasides, food trucks to fairytales. You can also try the summer drawing pages in the Caribu app, and color with a (grand)child on a Video-Call! Although if it’s not summer where you are, this week’s books and activities will warm your heart wherever you read and play.
Father’s Day has arrived during a moment of reckoning and reflection in our nation. The country finds itself in the midst of a massive uprising demanding racial justice and condemning police brutality. Americans are discussing race in ways seldom seen in the country’s 244-year history, creating a national dialogue that transcends socioeconomic barriers which typically stall meaningful action.
According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, fathers who engage with their children through shared book reading see a boost in their own parenting skills while also raising their preschooler’s school readiness and behavior.
With many families stuck together at home due to the coronavirus, it’s given many the opportunity to bond with each other, specifically fathers and their kids.
Whether it is your first Juneteenth or your 40th, you can find some opportunities to learn and to commemorate the holiday using the Caribu app. Start by picking a Juneteenth coloring page to work on together and spark a conversation with your (grand)child. To find one, tap the ‘Activities’ tab and search in the ‘Anti-Racism’ category. Select a Juneteenth image, and contact a family member over a Caribu Call. Color in some of the Juneteenth pages together, and share your thoughts about this important day.
Juneteenth is a reminder that our freedom was fought for and not just handed over to us. It’s the blueprint for the hundreds of movements that followed to further guarantee that freedom was achieved.
“We sang you from a wish, We sang you from a prayer.” With these heartfelt words in English and Plains Cree, Richard Van Camp begins ‘We Sang You Home’/’Ka Kîweh Nikâmôstamâtinân,’ a beautiful picture book tribute to parenting. The book is featured in the Caribu app as part of this week’s #CampCaribu Week 2 “Father Figures” summer reading.