I have a 21 month old daughter, Gracie. She hasn't had a lot of exposure to the world as we rarely leave our tiny town or small circle of friends. However, last week when the power went out we ventured out to a large town to get dinner. About half way through our dinner another family came in to the restaurant and were seated a few booths down from us. Right away Gracie started pointing her finger, scrunching up her face, and saying "ewww". They were a black family. I wasn't sure what she was "ew"ing at but it had something to do with that family and it embarassed me. We left about 15 mins later when she wouldn't let up. I spoke to a friend about it who assured me that she is a baby who hasn't had a lot of exposure to other people and besides, we don't know what she was referring to anyway... so I shouldn't worry. My suspicions were confirmed Sunday night though when we had to go to Walmart. The exact same thing happened. 
I know that she is a baby. I know these people are different and new to her. But I don't want her offending anyone and I don't want people see it as a reflection of my opinion. How do I teach a toddler that people are people no matter what they look like? Especially when we only see people who are different than us on a minimal basis? Right now I've just been pushing her hand down when she points and saying "No, that is mean". Do I continue as I am and worry about the "all people are created equal" discussion later on in her life?
I know that she is a baby. I know these people are different and new to her. But I don't want her offending anyone and I don't want people see it as a reflection of my opinion. How do I teach a toddler that people are people no matter what they look like? Especially when we only see people who are different than us on a minimal basis? Right now I've just been pushing her hand down when she points and saying "No, that is mean". Do I continue as I am and worry about the "all people are created equal" discussion later on in her life?
