Every evening when we sit down for dinner, we go around the table and each person shares something about their day. I don’t remember when I instituted the game, but now the kids are the first ones to bring it up. It’s always fascinating to hear what each kid will share. Something that I might consider significant might not even be on their list! It’s helping Jaxson become a better listener as each family member takes his or her turn.
On Saturday we started discussing Vietnamese culture because I took them to a the Vietnamese Student Association Family Night at a nearby university. Since the Lunar New Year, Jaxson has a renewed interest in learning the Vietnamese language. Of course I encouraged him by pulling out our Dino Lingo Vietnamese language videos and we’ve been reading Vietnamese books together.
The conversation turned towards African American culture. Both Sophia and Jaxson have been learning about Black History Month in school. Jaxson was so excited to share some things he’d learned last month at preschool.
I looked at him and said, “Jaxson, you know you’re African American, too, right?”
“I AM?!?!” His eyes shown brighter and his smile grew wider. “Wow!”
Sophia then chimed in, “We’re both African American and Vietnamese! Daddy is African American so you’re part African American.”
Watching this interchange made me deliriously happy. Jaxson was thrilled to learn (again)that he was also African American. It was as if he was initiated into a special club. His sister was just as thrilled to help him understand the concept of how he was both.
The funny thing is, it’s the not the first time we’ve talked about how our kids are biracial. I guess when you’re 4 years old, it’s not that important. The conversation was a good reminder that I need to give equal time to both of our cultures and history. Off to the library I go for children’s books about biracial kids and African American history!
What does your family talk about at the dinner table?