This episode is a treat!  We talk with Carter’s little brother, Parker, who has Down syndrome.  Parker shares some details of his life and what he wants us to know about him.  We also talk with Carter and Parker’s mom, Kay, about what it’s like to raise a child with Down syndrome.  Parker is a cool guy and he and Kay share some great insights. 

Articles, Studies, & Podcasts Referenced in the Episode

Sharing Down Syndrome

Parker’s Pretzels

We’ll Paint the Octopus Red

Song Credit: “Away” by Geographer and “Beach Disco” by Dougie Wood

This episode is the first in a series called "Let's talk language."  Here, we'll discuss how language can be used thoughtfully to communicate respect. We'll explain the importance of "people first" language vs. "identity first" language. This can be challenging, as not all individuals with disabilities or communities prefer the same thing. It's important to listen to the people you're speaking with and respect their preferences about how they should be referred to.

Articles, Studies, & Podcasts Referenced in the Episode

People First Language by Meriah Nichols  

Autism Self Advocacy Network “Identity First Language” 

Ask an Autistic with Amythest Shaber

Song Credit: “Away” by Geographer and “Beach Disco” by Dougie Wood

In this episode you will hear about "Family History Dinner," an activity we developed to appreciate and learn about our own ancestors. This was a special opportunity to connect with our roots and strengthen our understanding of our own culture. We'll walk you through the steps to host your own family history dinner, whether your family is big or small, and whether you are an expert family history researcher or not. We'll end with instructions on how to download printable templates that will make your family history dinner easy as pie!

Did you know that teaching your children about their heritage can actually build their sense of self? Find out why and learn the vocabulary you need to teach your children about the culture of their ancestors in this episode!

Articles, Studies, & Podcasts Referenced in the Episode

Building a sense of self through culture  

Definitions of nationality, ethnicity, and race

A deep dive into ethnicity

Song Credit: “Away” by Geographer and “Beach Disco” by Dougie Wood

Although slavery is a dark part of our nation’s history, it is important that we don’t turn our backs on the truth. 

This episode identifies some common missteps that parents take when talking to their kids about slavery. It also gives recommendations for teaching your children about this topic in a way that honors the people who endured the atrocities of slavery.

Articles, Studies, & Podcasts Referenced in the Episode

The 1619 Project by the New York Times

Teaching Hard History: American Slavery Podcast

What is Juneteenth? 

Celebrate Juneteenth with your family

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave, Written By Himself 

Tongue-Tied: Slavery is a tough subject. 

Song Credit: “Away” by Geographer and “Beach Disco” by Dougie Wood

You know that it’s time to talk to your older child about race but you haven’t had a minute to sit down and a take dive deep — and let’s be honest, you’re a little overwhelmed when it comes to knowing what to say. 

In this episode you will gain the tools you need to help your child uncover and dispel their implicit biases and understand the importance of practicing humility when having conversations about race.

Articles, Studies, & Podcasts Referenced in the Episode

Blumenbach, Friedrich. On the natural variety of mankind. 

Article discussing Blumenbach vs. modern understanding, Craig Venter/HGP

Article discussing minimal variation between races, or any group of homo sapiens

Life Kit: Parenting Podcast (Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum explains that racism is like a smog)

Implicit Association Test (Scroll to the bottom and click “I wish to proceed.” Click the 2nd blue button that says “Race IAT”)

Strategies to Correct Implicit Bias from the Kirwan Institute 

Song Credit: “Away” by Geographer and “Beach Disco” by Dougie Wood

Some parents have the mistaken idea that their young children are “color-blind” but research shows that this is not the case. The Life Kit for Parents podcast states, “Kids are not color-blind so we cannot be color silent.” When we choose not to teach our young children about race the world teaches them for us, and surely that is not what we want. If we leave it to society our children will harbor prejudices that can be detrimental to our community.  In this episode we will unpack three strategies that you can use to talk to your young children about race. 

Articles, Studies, & Podcasts Referenced in the Episode

Lift Kit: Parenting Podcast 

Children Are Not Colorblind: How Young Children Learn Race

Song Credit: “Away” by Geographer and “Beach Disco” by Dougie Wood

You know that it’s time to talk to your older child about race but you haven’t had a minute to sit down and take dive deep, and let’s be honest, you’re a little overwhelmed when it comes to knowing what to say. In this episode you will gain the tools you need to help your child uncover and dispel their implicit biases and understand the importance of practicing humility when having conversations about race. 

Sources & Links

Race is a social construct:

Blumenbach, Friedrich. On the natural variety of mankind. 

Article discussing Blumenbach vs. modern understanding, Craig Venter/HGP

Article discussing minimal variation between races, or any group of homo sapiens

Implicit Bias 

Definition of Implicit Bias from Ohio State University 

Life Kit: Parenting Podcast

Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum explains that racism is like a smog

Implicit Association Test

Scroll to the bottom and click ‘I wish to proceed’

Click the 2nd blue button that says ‘Race IAT’

Strategies to Correct Implicit Bias from the Kirwan Institute 

Song Credit: “Away” by Geographer and “Beach Disco” by Dougie Wood 

Although slavery is a dark part of our nation’s history, it is important that we don’t turn our backs on the truth.  This episode identifies some common missteps that parents take when talking to their kids about slavery. It also gives recommendations for teaching your children about this topic in a way that honors the people who endured the atrocities of slavery.

Sources & Links 

Using the most current terminology: enslaved/enslaver

The 1619 Project by the New York Times

Teaching Hard History: American Slavery Podcast

I reference an article about the acts of resistance by enslaved people. The article is: African-American Resistance by Bill Fletcher Jr. 

I found the article in this book.

What is Juneteenth?

How our family celebrated Juneteenth

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave, Written By Himself 

It’s Not so Black and White By Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum

Tongue-Tied: Slavery is a tough subject. These tips will help you teach it well. 

Song Credit: “Away” by Geographer and “Beach Disco” by Dougie Wood