Families come in all shapes and sizes. However, your child has a limited perspective. For most of their existence, they’ve only known your household. They can sometimes experience mild culture shock when they enter the world and discover that others are quite different.
You know that some children have two dads while others have none and that adopted youth may look shockingly different from their parents. What’s a gentle way to showcase the beauty of this diversity for your little one, encouraging inclusivity and acceptance? Your bedtime story is an excellent place to start. Here are 11 books you can read to your child to teach them about families.
1. And That’s Why She’s my Mama
It’s natural for children to ask about where they came from, especially when one of their friends has a pregnant mom. For many who adopted their children as infants, this occasion reminds them that they must tell their little ones their story, which can create considerable stress. How can they emphasize that giving birth alone doesn’t make you a parent?
“And That’s Why She’s my Mama” explains that a mommy is someone who takes their child to the park, makes their favorite foods and kisses their boo-boos better. It doesn’t matter that she didn’t hold you in her belly — she’ll always keep you in her heart. It’s a beautiful way to introduce the reality of adoption to your children.
2. “The Family Book”
When your child enters daycare or preschool, they’ll meet tons of new friends. While this contact with others helps them build their social skills, it also introduces them to those with differences.
Some families are tidy, while others have messier houses. Some families consist of one mommy — others have two dads. Reading about the different types prepares your child to accept these differences as a natural part of human life.
3. This Is How We Do It
How do families live in Japan? What’s recess like in Uganda — what games do siblings like to play together? “This Is How We Do It” explores the lives of seven families around the world. It’s a glorious way to introduce your little one to multiculturalism while finding the common threads that unite all humanity. It’s also a fun introduction to various traditions for people of all ages.
4. Who’s In My Family? All About Our Family
Animals have families, too and using them as children’s book characters helps teach about differences in a fun way. In “Who’s in My Family? All About Our Family,” you and your child join Nellie, Gus and their family on a trip to the zoo. There, they encounter other clans consisting of various groupings, teaching them that sharing your household with others is perfectly normal.
5. All Bears Need Love
Many children grow up in households where they only see one color. If your social circle consists primarily of others who look like you, your child could fall prey to stereotypes about people of different races.
“All Bears Need Love” features a brown bear who arrives at the city zoo, frightened and alone. When a friendly polar bear embraces him and promises to be his mother despite the grumblings of the other animals, the little cub discovers that love is love — even if it looks different than expected.
6. Do You Sing Twinkle?
Divorce is sometimes inevitable and can be the healthiest thing — but it takes a toll on children. One of the scariest aspects happens when a child’s parents marries someone else, which can confuse little ones or leave them resentful. “Do You Sing Twinkle” follows the story of a boy whose new family helps him adjust after his mother remarries and contains a special note for parents to facilitate discussion.
7. Stella Brings the Family
Stella’s class is having a Mother’s Day celebration — but there’s a small problem. What’s a girl with two dads to do? This innovative youngster has multiple people who care about her and implements a lovely solution that teaches about inclusivity and the different shapes and sizes families can take.
8. Sometimes It’s Grandmas and Grandpas
Grandparents often step in to help with parenting when the birth parents aren’t available. It’s natural for children to have curiosity and questions, and “Sometimes It’s Grandmas and Grandpas” answers them with a series of comforting and playful exchanges between the main character and her Nonnie and Poppy.
9. In Our Mothers’ House
Some of the families on the block don’t like Marmee, Meema and their kids. However, their home overflows with love and everyday fun activities like cooking dinner, laughing and dancing together. The other children in the neighborhood gradually learn that it doesn’t matter how many moms or dads a family has as long as they share love.
10. Fred Stays With Me
Kids have a lot of questions when their parents divorce. Where will they live? Where will they keep their favorite things? “Fred Stays With Me” tells the story of a little girl who manages the stress of her parents’ divorce with her pet dog’s help, providing continuity as she moves from home to home.
11. Two Is Enough
Some clans only consist of two people — and that’s okay. The protagonist of “Two Is Enough” longs for the big families, complete with reunions and weekend barbecues, that some of her classmates have. However, they realize that two is all you need to have fun and share family’s love, comfort and support.
Teach Your Child About Families With These Books
Your child only knows your family until they get out into the world. They can experience a bit of shock when they realize not all households are the same.
Promote inclusivity and acceptance by teaching your child about families with the above books. Make bedtime a special treat where you celebrate the many shapes and sizes that families can take.