Mothers’ Circle: Talking to Our Kids About Race & Racism

Race & racism are difficult topics to talk about, especially when it comes to children. With the ongoing protests about police brutality and systemic racism in the USA – the ripples of which are now being felt in many parts of the world including Singapore – we feel called to providing a safe space for mothers to come together to share their stories about experiencing race and racism as children, and how we might wish to talk to our children about this in a way that builds their empathy and resilience.
⁣
This circle is not a parenting workshop. Rather, it’s a circle for us to welcome our feelings, have open and honest conversations and share resources that we feel were useful in our journeys. This session will be jointly facilitated by Li Ling of Chapter Zero Singapore and Dewi Chen of Terra Luna Yoga.⁣

Once registered, you will be sent a Zoom link for you to log in and join the circle. Limited spots so do sign up soon!
⁣
What is a Mothers’ Circle?⁣⁣
A Mothers’ Circle is a safe, judgement-free and empowering space to share and connect with other mothers. We sometimes invite experts in the parenting field so that we can pick up new tips and tricks on self-care, baby care, parenting and everything else in between!⁣⁣
⁣⁣
A Mothers’ Circle is a space to be seen, heard and understood. The aim is for these circles to:⁣⁣
⁣⁣
– be a source of comfort and support for ALL mothers regardless of circumstance or background ⁣
– empower mothers with resources and tools to guide them in this sacred (but tough as hell!) journey of motherhood⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣
𝗪𝐡𝐲 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐰𝐞 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐤 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧? 𝐀𝐫𝐞𝐧’𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐭𝐨𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠?⁣
Did you know that according to current research, a baby’s brain as early as 6 months old can notice race-based differences, and can internalize racial bias by ages two to four? It’s important to start the conversations early, as by the time children turn 12 or so, they become set in their beliefs! Moreover, with Singapore being a multi-racial society, we believe that it’s even more important for children to start young when it comes to understanding diversity and inclusion, and recognise within themselves and others what racism looks and feels like. Ultimately, teaching our children about race and racism will help them develop EMPATHY, which doesn’t automatically unfold in a child, but rather is a process that happens over time. EMPATHY means that a child: ⁣

– Understands that she is a distinct person from those around her and that other people may have different feelings and perspective than her own.⁣
– Can recognize feelings in herself and others and name them.⁣
– Can regulate her own emotional responses.⁣
– Can put herself in someone else’s shoes and imagine how someone might feel.⁣
– Can imagine what kind of action or response might help a person feel better.⁣
⁣
⁣𝗪𝐡𝐨 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐢𝐫𝐜𝐥𝐞?⁣

Li Ling is a mum of two and a director of Chapter Zero Singapore. Currently pursuing a Master of Education in Early Childhood, she cares about how children may be parented and cared for respectfully and compassionately, and enjoys supporting parents, educators, and caregivers. She strongly believes in the maxim, ‘the change begins with us’. ⁣
⁣
Dewi Chen is the founder of Terra Luna Yoga, and is a mother of one. She is bi-racial in parentage and has grappled with race her whole life. As a trauma-informed yoga teacher and doula, she feels strongly for #safespaces for people to come together and talk about taboo and sensitive topics.