Do small children notice skin colour? Research shows that babies notice differences in skin tones within the first year of life - even before they’re able to ask you about it. October is Global Diversity Awareness Month, so it’s a good time to think about the way your family sees difference in the world around them.
Celebrating differences is a wonderful part of raising an inclusive child and, although it might sound like a complex subject, there are plenty of simple ways to get started. Discover five actions you can take, including tips for how to talk to kids about differences and how to choose books and toys that start conversations about diversity.
5 ways to talk to your toddler about difference
1. Describe differences simply
Talk about all types of difference simply and without stigma. Describe people’s skin tones as they are - light, dark, white, pink, brown, black... That way, everyone knows what you mean and it doesn’t feel like something we need to be worried about mentioning. Think of it as another descriptor, like hair or eye colour. You can apply these rules to all visible differences, like wheelchairs, cochlear implants and glasses - although make sure that mentioning the difference is actually relevant.
2. Don’t be embarrassed
If your toddler shouts ‘Why is that man’s skin brown?’ down a busy supermarket aisle, it can be tempting to tell them to be quiet from embarrassment. But this is a great moment for a straightforward explanation. Answer gently and without shame, explaining that ‘Skin comes in all sorts of colours, just like hair.’ Be proud of your child - they are becoming more aware of the world around them.
3. Make storytime diverse
Check your bookcase - does it contain books showing all sorts of different people? Books that normalise people with varied skin tones, abilities and different types of families are a brilliant way to showcase the diverse world to your toddler. Look for stories that demonstrate that difference is everyday.
One Day So Many Ways by Laura Hall, illustrated by Loris Lora shows how children all over the world live their lives - from what they have for breakfast to how they get to school.
Learn how to say hello in lots of different languages in My Say Hello Book by Threadbear Publishing, a cloth book that introduces diversity to the tiniest tots.
A simple way to build an inspiring, diverse library is to start with the Little People, Big Dreams series by Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara. These books tell the life stories of many inspiring people from the past and present - and they do board book editions which are a great way to introduce little ones to people like Maya Angelou, Rosa Parks, Frida Kahlo and so many more.
The Girls and The Boys by Lauren Ace, illustrated by Jennie Løvlie, each follows a group of friends as they adventure through life. They’re all different in looks, personality and talents, but as close as siblings, showing that you don’t need to be the same to get along.
Look Up!, Clean Up! and Speak Up! by Nathan Bryon, illustrated by Dapo Adeola are empowering stories about Rocket, a curious little girl determined to make a difference in the world.
The Great Big Book of Families by Mary Hoffman, illustrated by Ros Asquith showcases all sorts of people in all sorts of families demonstrating that there really is no such thing as normal.
4. Have a simple phrase ready
This one is for you. Unfortunately, we can’t always control what is said within your child’s earshot, and occasionally they may hear something unkind, discriminatory or confusing being said about another person. But we can control how they hear us respond to it. Practice a simple phrase like: "Everyone's different, and that's a good thing." It's only a few words, but it's an easy, calm way to reassure your child in the moment. Your child gets to hear you standing up for what you believe is right, without it being a drama. And you might just find that, one day, they start saying it themselves.
5. Provide a variety of toys
Many children love playing with toys that look like them - and it’s great to provide toys that reflect the diverse world around them, too. Find out more about Tender Leaf’s large range of eco-friendly dolls with different skin tones in Diverse Dolls for a Diverse World. - or have a browse right now:
Diverse sustainable dolls house dolls
25 cm poseable dolls with different skin tones
Tiny diverse dolls with big personality
None of this needs to be perfect…
Children learn about the world around them in small, uncomplicated moments. Carefully selecting toys, books and the words we use around them are what help them to grow up happily in our wonderfully diverse and difference-filled world.