What does family diversity mean to you?
I always say to the students who I teach, that it would be a boring world if we were all the same – as individuals and definitely families. When I think about my own family – there’s nothing quite like ‘us”, and I am sure you’d say the same for your family.
It’s interesting to me to know that the definition of family has changed over the years. So, what makes a family and what does “family diversity” mean to you, and how can we get our kids to appreciate, value and accept their family context and identity?
What makes a family?
Families are diverse, that’s for sure…think about the many ways people use to describe their unique context…some families have just one person, mixed genders – and their pets too. When describing their family, some will include extended family members, even close neighbours and friends and in some cultures, the entire village! Some families like mine live all over the world. Some adopt and foster children. Some are united by culture, beliefs, faith, ethnicity – and some sadly are not united about these things. In our modern-day society, multi-generational households, single parents and same sex couples are all what makes a family.
While every society, culture and religion has slightly different ideas about the place of the family in the community, we all pretty much all agree that the family, is of fundamental importance.
But for some, it’s a group of people who belong are close and share common values, of similar age, gender, religious beliefs, sexuality, shared history or cultural practices.
In any family, whether by blood or choice, everyone deserves love and acceptance. It’s the bond that matters most, ensuring each member feels valued and embraced.
Here are some reasons why family diversity matters and why it’s so incredibly important for children to grow up valuing the uniqueness of their family:
Understanding our World
Supporting Personal Growth: Learning about family diversity can challenge one's own assumptions and biases about what is a ‘normal’ family. It builds empathy by exposing children to different perspectives and experiences, ultimately promoting personal growth and self-confidence.
Supporting formation of identity
By learning about family diversity, children gain an understanding of the different ways families are structured, It’s life!! They become more inclusive, understanding that families are all different learn how to be accept, respect and have empathy for the differences they see in families all around them. When this happens we reduce stigma and discrimination against those whose family structures are different.
Preventing Stereotyping and Prejudice
Stereotyping and prejudice often stem from ignorance or lack of exposure to diversity. By learning about diverse family structures, children grow up to be less likely to rely on stereotypes or make unfair judgments about people based on their family arrangements. This helps combat prejudice and promotes a more tolerant and inclusive society. This makes us safer …as individuals and living together in communy.
Supporting Individuals and Communities
People work together when a community embraces diversity. Understanding family diversity promotes equal access to the resources and support services that are tailored to meet the unique needs of various family types within community groups. When our kids see and experience these things we give them hope and a vision for how this world can be.
Here are 5 gorgeous books about families to help educate, support, open up conversations and ultimately help your child to be respectful, empathetic and kind. No matter what we might believe a family should look like.
Families by Jayneen Sanders: Celebrating diversity in families
An introduction to the various types of families. It celebrates the fact that every family is unique and encourages children to accept that there are many variations. For children aged 2-6 years.
All About Families by felicity Brooks and Mar Ferrero
Published in 2018 by Usborne for children aged from 9-12 years about family diversity.
Families Can by Dan Saks
This is a book about diversity and family, illustrated by Brooke Smart for kids aged 1 to 3.
The Great Big Book of Families by Mary Hoffman
Families are different and through this book, the author shows kids that these differences are normal.
Love Makes a Family by Robie H. Harris
Love Makes a Family is a book about the many different families that there are. It was written by Sophie Beer for kids aged 1 to 3.
It’s Easter time this week in Australia and we have a few days off to celebrate and love our families, in all of their diversity. Reading one of these books can support you as you share stories about your life and share special times together.
Our families matter and after all, our family members are the people we love.
