The kids are learning about positive self Identity with this Proud to be ME self portrait.
When it comes to Mixed Heritage there are many questions others and our selves have about appearance and ethnicity, just to name a few.
I have been very clear that promoting positive identity is a must. I want to be the foundation for the self-esteem my kids are building.
We created this craft out of simple materials you may already have at home.
Supplies used:
- Paper- decorative and construction
- scissors
- crayons
- glue
Creating Proud to be Me Craft:
Allow your child to choose what skin color, clothes, facial features and expressions they use to create their proud to be me self portrait.
This craft not only allows you to see what your child sees in themselves but it creates an organic space for conversation about appearance and Mixed roots.
During the creation I talked to the kids about our families in CA and NJ. We talked about the languages we speak, the foods we eat and the different colors in our families.
I told them they are Black and Mexican but momma likes to call them Blackxican.
I reassured them they were very special to have two great cultures.
We discussed what they were adhering to their portraits.
Little Man picked tan paper. He then drew small brown eyes, cut black hair, and 2 big arms. I asked him what he was proud of or what he loved the most about himself. He said his black hair. I have a feeling this has something to do with dad’s recent hair changes. He also said his strong muscles like daddy. lastly, he mentioned his brown eyes like momma.
I asked him What do you tell people when they ask you what are you?
He said “I’m Blackxican momma and a strong big boy!”
He is so proud of being Little Man. I am just as proud.
Little Lady also chose the tan paper. She tore and cut brown hair, drew big black eyes, a big smile, and cute nose. She immediately went and chose a cute pattern for her dress too.
I asked her the same as little man and she said she has gorgeous hair and black eyes like daddy and a beautiful dress like mama.
But when I asked her what she tells people about herself she said
“I’m Black like my daddy and I’m Mexican too like you mama?”
She began to say her skin is like daddy’s recently I wondered if this was something she might have heard from someone or if it’s just an observation of hers. I know she likes to hear she’s Mexican because she knows Papuchoni (my dad) is Mexican and he speaks Spanish. I praise her and reassure her she is like daddy and momma because she was made of love.
I feel confident that they are well aware they are mixed and that having different heritage may make them different but that they are special and loved.
It’s never to early to be proud of who they are and have great self esteem.
Do they know how to handle a question about who they are?
Is it important to you that they know about their Mixed Heritage?
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