Years before I became a mom, I was chatting with my then-4-year-old cousin about a new friend he had made. “She has two daddies and no mommies,” he noted, the first in his small circle with such a family structure.
“All families look different,” I acknowledged, aiming to teach him about diversity in straightforward, easily understood terms. He seemed to take a moment to consider. Then he looked at me directly in the eyes, nodded, and confirmed: “True. That’s okay. And, all poops look different.” He wasn’t wrong, and I appreciated his funny yet matter-of-fact observation.
Pride month may be over, and it was celebrated widely throughout Westchester during June. Still, it’s always the right time for kids (including, if not especially, young kids) to comprehend the importance of inclusion.
Your kiddos may relate to tolerance and diversity as my cousin did, or they may like to learn from entertaining stories. Here are some of my favorite kids’ books full of lessons on acceptance and pride!
The Family Book by Todd Parr: A classic, colorful description of different kinds of families, including those with step-parents and adopted children. This book is great for reading with little ones. Indeed, as it says in the book, “All families like to celebrate special days together!”
Love Makes a Family by Sophie Beer: Through fun illustrations of families comprised of various skin tones, cultural fashion, and caregiver/couple dynamics, this board book reflects different expressions of love, like comforting a crying child or getting tucked in for bed. My favorite page shows a dad “playing on the weekend” via a tea party with his daughter and a stuffed bunny (it looks a lot like my house!).
Perfectly Norman by Tom Percival: Norman is a “normal” boy until he grows a pair of rainbow wings one day. The book beautifully alludes to the power of self-acceptance and community support via Norman’s desire to hide what makes him different until he feels safe, comfortable, and proud. My kid’s pre-K class loved this one!
Stella Brings the Family by Miriam B. Schiffer: This story is about Stella, an elementary school student with two dads who grapples with inviting the appropriate family member to her class’s Mother’s Day celebration. Its message about familial love in many forms is wonderful!
