Never. Bias begins in infancy and is a natural brain function involving sorting, categorizing, and making sense of the world. Early childhood studies have shown that biases can emerge based on race, gender, and social categories (Baron & Banaji, 2006; Dunham et al., 2013).
We have the power to reroute some biases through neuroplasticity (the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life) at age 12, which offers us a beacon of hope, underscoring the immense power of parents and educators to shape a child's understanding of diversity and inclusion from a young age (Knudsen, 2004; Johnson et al., 2011). (Stay tuned for an upcoming blog with tips on how to help reroute biases for children over 12.)
Tips:
Using the power of language as an inclusivity tool, such as when helping young children with puzzles, we can communicate equal values for the same and different. Using a farm puzzle as an example, encourage the child to put the pieces in their matching slots and then regroup to find all of the pieces with animals, those with nothing in common, and again for the pieces with the same color but not the same shape with an equal celebration of all focuses on teaching about differences but also helping them understand and appreciate them. We might encourage finding and explaining ways the pieces have similarities and differences as they grow.
A wide variety of toys, books, and media featuring various representations, experiences, and perspectives can inspire an inclusive understanding of the world.
Highlight the importance of understanding and accepting differences to disconnect from the notion that differences are negative.
Avoid stereotypes about characteristics. For example, mobility needs can be recognized as a critical experience of someone in a wheelchair while underscoring that being in a wheelchair is not the totality of their experience or who they are.
Model openness to learning for your child by continuing your learning.
Comments