Talking to Children About César Chávez and His Allegations: Insights from a Therapist

Therapist Advises Parents on Discussing Controversial Allegations Against César Chávez with Children

California public school guidelines currently recognize César Chávez as a prominent role model and a significant figure in the labor movement, teaching students about him as early as fourth grade. However, recent allegations accusing Chávez of assaulting women and children have left some parents uncertain about how to approach conversations with their children regarding his legacy.

Jovanna Kelly, a marriage and family therapist at the Valley Family Center in San Fernando, emphasizes the need for parents to process their emotions related to these revelations before discussing them with their children. “Two things can be true at once,” Kelly states. “He could have done a lot of amazing things for the Latino community, and he could have hurt people.”

According to Kelly, addressing Chávez’s story requires a nuanced approach that reflects both his contributions and the troubling allegations. She highlights the importance of teaching children to take accountability while avoiding an overly simplistic portrayal of his achievements. “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?”

The conversation also presents a valuable opportunity to impart lessons about the dangers of blind idolization. Kelly advises parents to remind children that public figures are human and can make serious mistakes. “It’s important to let them know that they are human, and they are going to fail. They’re not perfect,” she says.

Additionally, Kelly stresses the necessity of acknowledging the victims in light of the allegations against Chávez. “It’s important for us to listen to the victims and take accountability,” she asserts.

For parents struggling to process this complex information, Kelly recommends embracing vulnerability in their conversations with their children. Being open about their feelings may help facilitate a more meaningful dialogue about these challenging topics.