8.12: Raising Multiracial Children

First Name Basis Podcast

Growing up as a multiracial child, I often felt my racial identity shifting and developing — heck, even as an adult I do! Navigating what it means to be multiracial continues to be a journey for me, which is why I was so excited to be able to interview Dr. Jennifer Noble.

Dr. Jenn, as she’s known online, is a licensed psychologist, parent coach and associate professor of psychology, who shares her expertise both in her private practice in Los Angeles and online. She focuses on identity and mixed race experience as she works with mixed race teens, BIPOC women and other marginalized groups.

In our conversation, we discuss:

• The experience many multiracial children have of shifting identity development.

• How parents can help their multiracial children prepare to answer questions about their identity.

• Affirming identity in the face of other people’s assumptions.

• How terminology can change based on where the mixed race person is in their identity journey.

• Building resilience in kids and their parents through open communication.

I hope any of you listeners out there who are multiracial or raising multiracial kiddos leave listening to this conversation feeling like you can be more fully connected to your family and your identity. And for anyone who is monoracial, I hope this gives you a better understanding of how you can support the multiracial people in your life.

Invite Jasmine to work with your school!

Are you a parent or teacher who wants to help your school turn good intentions into positive action by making anti-racist education a priority? First Name Basis is here to help!

Jasmine Bradshaw, the host and founder of the First Name Basis Podcast, is an anti-racist educator and former second-grade teacher who has a passion for helping schools make real change. Whether you’re looking for a keynote speaker at your next PTA event, want to implement our Ally Elementary curriculum at your school, or need someone to consult with your school and provide teacher trainings, Jasmine is your go-to resource.

Email [e-mail] or visit firstnamebasis.org/workwithme for more information!

Get your Little Allies Activity Book

If you’re looking for activities for your kids or students to do that are both fun and meaningful, we’ve got something for you!

Our Little Allies Activity Book is now available! It’s a coloring book that is focused on allyship, and all the activities are based around anti-racism.

The Little Allies Activity Book includes:

• Color by number

• Protest I Spy

• Dot to dot

• Anti-racist word search

• Black history unscramble

• And more!

Get your hands on it today by heading to firstnamebasis.org/store!

Articles, Studies & Podcasts Referenced in the Episode

Dr. Jenn’s website, which includes information about Mixed Life Academy

Dr. Jenn’s Instagram account @drjennpsych

Dr. Noble’s therapy practice website

Multiracial Bill of Rights by Dr. Maria Root

“One Drop of Love” by Fanshen Cox

“50 Experiences of Racially Mixed People” by Dr. Maria Root

Video of a mom in England giving her son a shirt to tell him he’s leaving the school where he’s been bullied

Song Credit: “Clapping Music” by BrightestAvenue and “Sunshine” by lemonmusicstudio