Population statistics indicate that the largest
population of multiracial people is currently in college and that their numbers will greatly increase. However, despite their
growing numbers, they are confronted with special challenges around their racial identity.
Multiracial children can grow up happy and healthy just
like everyone else. Racial identity is influenced culturally and is adaptable, which allows others to make assumptions about
your child's racial identity based on the viewer's perception. These assumptions can be validating or rejecting depending
on the environment in which your child is seen. The issues of " What are you?" "Who am I?" and "Where do I fit?" arise from
the judgments of others in your immediate and extended family, your neighborhood, her school environment, the larger community,
the media, and society at large.
Some
areas that can be challenging to developing a positive racial identity include:
Physical appearance: Is she visibly identified as Black, Asian, White, or racially ambiguous?
Your
family situation: As parents, what racial identification would you advocate
for her? Do you both agree? Do you both participate in raising her? Are there other caregivers...what are their racial identities?
Extended family members: Are they accepting of your interracial
relationship and your multiracial child?
Your community:
Is your community one of color, a mostly white neighborhood, or racially diverse? Do you feel accepted or are you seen as
a curiosity? Is there racial harmony or hostility?
Coaching is a positive approach to help parents as they encounter the complexities of nurturing
their multiracial children.
As
your coach I will use concepts of positive psychology to help you uncover the strengths, skills, and talents you already
have to nurture her development of a positive self-esteem, self-confidence, and a healthy racial identity. I will encourage and support you in exploring ideas, themes, and issues of race, ethnicity, racism, and
the current racial environment with your
children.