How to talk to children about César Chávez and his sex assault allegations, according to therapist

California public school guidelines have identified César Chávez as a role model and a critical figure in the labor movement as schools teach children about him as early as fourth grade.

But with the new allegations that Chávez assaulted women and children, some parents are grappling with the question of how to talk to their children.

Jovanna Kelly, marriage and family therapist from the Valley Family Center in San Fernando, it’s important for parents, who were also taught for decades about Chávez and considered him a hero, process the new information first. If parents need help, they should seek professional help.

“Two things can be true at once,” Kelly said. “He could have done a lot of amazing things for the Latino community, and he could have hurt people.”

Ultimately, talking about Chávez is a way to remind children about taking accountability without feeding them his hero story only.

“It’s really important to teach them the whole story. Who was César Chávez, from birth until death, which includes, unfortunately, some of the bad things?”

Speaking about Chávez is also an opportunity to teach children about blindly idolizing people.

“It’s important to let them know that they are human, and they are going to fail. They’re not perfect,” she said.

And to highlight that Chávez’s alleged actions are inexcusable, kids should know about victims.

“It’s important for us to listen to the victims and take accountability,” Kelly said.

If adults are having a hard time processing the information, they should not be afraid to be vulnerable with their children and let them know what their parents are experiencing, according to the therapist.