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Licensed clinical counselor says now, while difficult, is the time to talk to your kids about racism and protests

Erin Wiley, the executive director of the Willow Center, says that though it's hard, it's important to be honest when telling children what's going on in the world.

TOLEDO, Ohio — Professionals say it's a hard time right now talking to your kids about the protests and racism in the world. 

These are some of the images of protesting children being shared on social media. 

Erin Wiley, a licensed clinical counselor and the executive director of the Willow Center acknowledges that with a protest happening almost everyday, it's hard to shield your children from the reality of injustices and racism.

"If children, especially anxious children see something over and over, their perception depending on their age and understanding is that it's never ending," said Wiley. 

Wiley says now is the time to openly speak to your children when they have many questions to ask. 

"I think that it's really important that we're honest with kids. But that we don't get overly emotional ourselves. In a way that would scare them. I think being able to explain that sometimes bad people hurt other people and there's been an incident where a police officer hurt someone and everyone's upset about it," said Wiley. 

Wiley says keeping things simple with children is key. 

She, a mother herself admits you may not have all the answers but you can reach out for help. 

"You can easily go to Google or YouTube and find awesome organizations run by people of color who have videos and suggested books for kids to be able to learn more. So if you feel inept and you're not sure what to say there's so many resources if you go online," said Wiley. 

These are some of the comments on our Facebook post today of what some of you feel. 

"I'll have that talk when my kids are at the right age to understand everything," Andrew David posted.

Regardless of age, if you do have the conversation, even when things are going so great, Wiley encourages you to have a positive outlook. 

"When we get overwhelmed as parents and it's upsetting to us to see what's happening, I think it's important to refrain and remind ourselves and our kids that something really great is coming because so many people are frustrated and upset about injustice," said Wiley. 

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