What about the Children? : Five Values for Multiracial Families

Multiracial identity brings both gifts and challenges—for kids and their parents. Beyond questions about skin tone and other physical characteristics, children may wonder where they fit in the world and why people treat them differently. Parents may find themselves ill-equipped for situations they never faced in their own childhoods. What about the Children? deftly provides families formed by interracial marriage or transracial adoption with the guidance and tools they need to help their children embrace, celebrate, and confidently navigate all parts of their heritage. Author Nicole Doyley shares the challenges of growing up biracial without much guidance for navigating her Black and white worlds as well as the intentionality with which she and her Jamaican husband raise their children. Drawing on a wealth of personal anecdotes, expert insights, and practical advice, she illuminates five core values to help multiracial families thrive. From raising one’s own awareness of cultural differences to humbly seeking a diverse community of support to honestly preparing children for specific aspects of racism, What about the Children? covers both the basics and nuances of raising children with a sense of pride in their heritage and a strong, resilient sense of self. Each chapter includes examples featuring families of various multiracial makeups, questions for readers to reflect on, and suggestions of age-appropriate action steps.