Some topics can be difficult to talk about and explain to our children. Topics such as mental health, body acceptance, bodily autonomy and racism can be complicated and hard for children to understand and for parents to explain. Despite this, research shows that discussing these topics in age appropriate ways can be vital to children’s mental health and social development, as well as in developing a diverse and inclusive mindset. Children’s books can be a helpful way to broach these topics with our children and give us some guidance as to how to open dialogue on these topics. I have developed the list below of children’s books that can help us to tackle some difficult topics when talking with our children.
- A is for Awesome! 23 Iconic Women Who Changed the World: This book focuses on feminism and diversity by talking about women all over the world who have made great achievements.
- The Feel Good Book: This book helps to introduce the topic of positive thinking and gratitude by helping children to think about the things that bring them joy.
- Don’t Water the Plant: This book talks about the importance of intentional focus and putting time and attention into the positive things in our lives.
- Bodies are Cool: This awesome book focuses on creating body positivity and acceptance of all bodies and disabilities. It also focuses on acceptance of different gender identities.
- Antiracist Baby: This book is a starter guide to talking to children about what racism is and steps to be antiracist.
- The Sour Grape: The focus of this book is on forgiveness and accountability.
- Don’t Hug Doug: This book talks about bodily consent and the importance of asking for consent as well as respecting when someone does not want to be touched.
- We Listen to Our Bodies: This is another book that focuses on bodily consent and warning signs that we might see in our bodies when we are uncomfortable.
- I Can Say NO: This book focuses on teaching children about boundary setting.
- I am Stronger than My Anxiety: This book normalizes anxiety in children and teaches children different strategies for managing anxiety.
- I am Stronger than My Anger: Similar to the previous book, this book normalizes feelings of anger and introduces different anger management strategies.
- It’s Okay to be Different: This book talks about the importance of accepting people who are from different cultural backgrounds, different abilities, and different family structures than our own.
- All are Welcome Here: This book talks about acceptance of all people and the concept that we should be welcoming to all different types of people.
- Diversity Ninja: This adorable book talks about the importance of diversity and the negative impact of prejudice.
- Her Body Can: This books focuses on body positivity.
- C is for Consent: This book talks about bodily consent, how to ask for consent, and how to say no when you feel uncomfortable.