(2026) What do parents want? Relevant content and formats for resources to address issues of racism, antiracism, and xenophobia with youth

with Deborah Rivas-Drake, Victoria Vezeldenos, Gabriela Livas Stein, Dawn P. Witherspoon, Tiffany Yip, Christia Spears Brown, Enrique Neblett

Abstract:
Diverse U.S. parents seek to engage in conversations about racism and immigration injustices with their children. To inform the design of a free resource hub and curriculum, we interviewed 62 parents of 3–17 year olds across 6 demographic categories (Asian/Asian American, Black, Latinx, Multiracial, Native American, White). We explored the question: “What content (substance and format) would be useful for parents in addressing issues of race, racism, and immigration with their children?” Analyses yielded multiple cross-cutting themes addressing both the substance and format of resources parents viewed as important for addressing these topics. Four content themes include: (a) Desire for Credible, Non-partisan Information; (b) Testimonials as Windows and Mirrors; (c) Age Appropriateness; and (d) Systems and Intersectionality. The two main format themes to emerge were: (a) Multiple Modalities and Sources and (b) Interactive and Ready-made. Implications for the development of ethnic-racial and antiracism socialization interventions and other resources are discussed.