Discrimination is generally described in the American dictionary as prejudicial treatment of an individual based on their race. This can also include membership in a specific social category that is undesirable. There are many simpler definitions of discrimination. If we take it back to the preschool and kindergarten level, it can be not playing with someone because they are different. It can also be making fun of someone and using words as the form of discrimination. This early form of discrimination can also include verbalization that someone cannot do things that others can. So, the child doing the discrimination thinks they are better than the other child. It comes down to basic themes like I am better than they are, they look different, or they can’t do what I can do. It’s so easy for us to find what’s different even when we’re young.

Parents need to start talking about discrimination before their children can even speak. They also need to set the best example possible. If parents don’t want their children to discriminate, they need to not discriminate. They also need to talk about discrimination and what it is, what its causes are, and how to combat it.

It’s also easy to stop these early forms of discrimination if parents and teachers recognize and address them quickly. Schools try to do a good job at recognizing discrimination in all its ugly forms and addressing it quickly. Parents can do the same by having an open dialogue with their child about daily events. This includes not just asking what you learned today but asking about who children played with, what they play, what happened during lunch, and asking about friends. These simple conversations can lead to understanding situations that may arise where children need guidance. It gives parents the opportunity to talk about discrimination if they feel it appropriate in different situations.