E03 Parenting Strategies for Talking About Police Violence with Dr. Cedric Alexander

The intersection of police violence and racism has been at the forefront of worldwide conversation recently.  Not that Black and brown people are new to experiencing police violence.  In fact police forces used to be very active in the controlling and coraling of slaves as part of their official duties. The policing of Black and brown bodies was literally built into the scaffolding of our country.   Having these conversations with our children can be tricky, and yet it is essential to prepare Black and brown children to handle police interactions. If change is going to come, it is also critical to prepare our White children to understand current events and stand strong as allies.  

Most White Americans are raised to believe that police officers are protective factors for our communities.  Many young children idolize police officers and imagine growing up to be heroes themselves.  Yet the data is clear that Black and brown people are far more likely than White people  to be seriously injured or killed in interactions with police. 

As the parents of Black children, do you assume your child is safer in all-White communities than in predominantly Black settings? 

Do you notice you avoid conversations about high profile cases of police violence because you don’t want your child to feel bad about themselves? Or mistrust ALL police officers? 

As a parent would you like to know exactly what to say to your child about police violence? 

In this episode I am joined by seasoned psychologist, law enforcement expert, CNN analyst and author Dr. Cedric L. Alexander for candid conversation about the complex issues of racism, police training, and community safety.  We offer concrete tips for when and how to talk to Black (and White) children about these sensitive issues. Come have a listen and you will leave with strategies and scripts to protect your children and try to make change. 

What you will learn in this episode

• What works to minimize bias in police departments

• Concrete things parents can ask their local police departments

• Strategies to minimize harm during police encounters (even when we know this isn’t the answer)

• What to say when your child asks you about Black people being killed by police officers