Celebrate Pride with These 4 Kids Books Recommendations
Pride Month offers a unique chance to celebrate love and experience diverse representations of sexuality and gender identity. But how can you talk to your kids about complex topics like these? And how do you know what’s age-appropriate?
It’s completely expected to feel awkward, uncertain, and even a little nervous when talking to your children about topics like these. The most important thing you can do in these conversations is be honest. This helps create a foundation of trust; as your child grows and matures, they’ll know that you’re someone they can turn to for help and clarity.
If and when you’re struggling to find the words, a book can really help. They provide new frameworks and fresh language to help us understand the world.
Here are four book recommendations from Lydia Atkins, LMFT, Little Otter Therapist and LGBTQIA advocate, to read for a joyful and inclusive storytime this Pride Month.
Read these books with your child to celebrate love in all its forms this Pride Month:
1. And Tango Makes Three, by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell
And Tango Makes Three is based on the true story of two male Central Park penguins who make a non-traditional family. Recommended for children 2-5 years old.
2. All Kinds of Families, by Suzanne Lang
All Kinds of Families is a whimsical book that illustrates a range of family constellations with the message that love is what binds families together. Recommended for children 2-5 years old.
3. Who's in a Family, by Robert Skutch
Who's in a Family explores different family structures with diverse racial and cultural representations, including gay and lesbian parents. There's a page in the book where children can represent their own families. Recommended for children 4-8 years old.
4. Julian is a Mermaid, by Jessica Love
Julian is a Mermaid tells the story of a young gender non-conforming child who is embraced by their Abuela. It very clearly illustrates early transgender identity exploration. Recommended for children 4-8 years old.
Lydia has 20 years of experience working with young children and their families in school, hospital, home-based, and virtual settings.
Who does she work best with? The question should be who doesn't she work with!
Learn why you'll love working with Lydia here.
Lydia is passionate about the transformative power of early intervention and believes that therapy is most successful when diverse family constellations and identities are fully affirmed. She brings years of experience and advocacy work within LGBTQIA communities.
"Children begin learning about gender norms from caregivers and surrounding culture beginning in infancy," Lydia shared.
"Research has shown that by 5, they have internalized gender rules and formed strong ideas regarding which behaviors are acceptable or unacceptable based on one’s gender," she added. "When children’s interests and abilities are counter to the gender rules they’ve learned, self-esteem may suffer and developmental exploration can become constricted."
"At Little Otter we support children’s active exploration of gender identity and expression as foundational to the development of a healthy sense of self. Parents have a central role in shaping children’s sense of safety surrounding gender related experiences. I look forward to discussing this important topic and its relevance to your family!"
Start your Little Otter journey at the link below.
