[GDSinPA]

I can't think of a single reason to need to introduce black. By that I mean - it should just be a standard part of your vocabulary to describe race and ethnicity. It's not really as "loaded" as it sounds - people use the term regularly, and most people know black is as people here are describing.

[Sleeplvr]

My kids are 4 years old... My son gets confused between black and brown. He knows his skin is brown but can't quite grasp what is black. We've tried to explain race is designated as black but that is not his skin color. I think he's finally getting it. He does seem interested in skin color... he told us last weekend that his skin is brown and Daddy's is gold.

My DD has zero interest in skin color... She grasped the race versus skin color thing and didn't put anymore thought to it.... her focus is eyes. She's been making comments about the shape of her eyes. She has beautiful eyes. You have to do the same thing with skin color... all positive comments. Sometimes offhanded comments from other people about black or brown may come across as negative so you have to watch for that.

One of the first things they teach kids is matching... figuring what things go together and what doesn't. Kids are going to point it out... so it's better to address it before they hear something elsewhere. If you want a positive spin on it handle it yourself instead of doing damage control...

[joskimo]

We have Shades of Black, another one I like is Black is Brown is Tan about a transracial family. H is 4.5 and we've been talking about Black for 6-9 months now - hwo she's brown but called black and I'm pinky but called white. We agree that it's funny. My husband and older daughter are Alaskan Native so beige. We just were matched to adopt a 7 y.o. boy from fostercare who is 1/2 AA 1/2 NA.