Racial Questions

Hello,

I am writing in regards to my god daughter.  She is bi-racial in that her mother is white/caucasion and her father is black/african american.  She will be turning 4 this month.  She has recently been asking her mother about being white like mommy and her friends.  (We live in a predominately white/caucasion area).  She has even stated that she wants to be white like mommy and my wife (her godmother).  

Unfortunately the relationship with her father is not the best, however both parents do try to raise her in a very positive manner.

My questions:
1.  Has anyone else dealt with this?
2.  Any suggestions on how to handle these questions?  So far her mother has been very positive and telling her that she is a beautiful girl and she is beautiful no matter her skin color.
3.  This seems very early for a child to recognize and ask these questions, yes?
4.  Any other help/information is appreciated.

Regards,
kowen

[chigirl29]

I have.  My children are bi-racial.  I am caucasian and my husband is Asian.  My children have dark skin and I have very fair skin.  My six year old said the same things when she was four--I guess that is when they start noticing differences.  We just talked about how people from different parts of the world are different colors.  It helped when we went to his country, and I was the only white person around.  It is normal for her age, and she will grow to become more curious about the African-American side.  My daughter was in a predominantly white school--well-actually--she was 1 of 4 "brown children".

Now, she is at a multi-cultural school and is thriving.  She will learn--just give her time and she will accept both sides.