Tips for Talking to Your Family About Diversity and Emotional Growth
We all have so many questions right now. It can be overwhelming as a parent, teacher, or caregiver to navigate life with our children and families when it all seems so uncertain. MVP Kids has decided to pause, take some time, and reflect on how we can answer some questions that you may have.
Why are diverse children’s books and toys important to have in family and classroom libraries?
The things we surround ourselves with show what we value. Intentionally including diverse toys, books—and, most importantly, friendships—helps children widen the scope of people, things, and experiences they consider “normal” and “good.”
Identifying with characters, culture, and situations in literature is inspirational for children and motivates them to investigate and know the world around them. Stories that reflect diversity, help children gain a sense of confidence in themselves as part of a diverse community.
Consider diversity in the media your child consumes in the art, music, foods, and cultural experiences your family enjoys.
Why is developing emotional health pivotal to my child and family’s growth?
Children grow into responsible members of society when they can process feelings in the correct context with clarity and support. Knowing why they feel the way they do and how to respond in constructive ways fosters unity and confidence.
It is imperative that emotional health is addressed and nurtured within the family from the beginning of a child’s life. If parents and others who care about that child are not the source of comfort, encouragement, and support, the child will look for validation of their feelings and behaviors elsewhere.
Understanding emotions helps a person respond wisely rather than react impulsively when something surprising or upsetting happens.
One of MVP Kids core tenants is helping children and families develop healthy social-emotional health. Our social-emotional learning curriculum supplement, Instill SEL, focuses solely on early learners developing this crucial skill set.
How can I encourage my children to respond to others in kindness?
Children learn the bulk of their behavior through observation, so surround your child with kindness—kindness in the way adults treat them, in the media they consume, in the relationships around them. Through our newest book Light of Kindness, see how LeBron practices different ways to spread kindness to his family, friends, and community.
Always encourage manners. By using our manners, we can show that we care for and respect others.
Teach listening skills. Teach children to listen when others are talking and how to ask questions to show interest.
Inspire helping others. This can be helping up someone who falls, doing chores for someone who isn’t feeling well, or volunteering for a community outreach project.
What are a few tools that I can use to develop a healthy home life?
Create simple, predictable daily routines and develop family expectations (rules) that are flexible and support your values. Our family goals jar is a fun activity to help.
Try narrating your child’s feelings and experiences with descriptive words. Having an extensive vocabulary is an important step toward healthy emotional expression. With activities like Creating Your Own Little Monster or our Instill SEL™ Emotion Cards, you can provide children with emotional vocabulary and teach children to identify and label feelings. This can help them understand, express, and manage their own feelings.
Laugh often! Learn to deal with stress by having a healthy sense of humor.
Parents often find that raising children exposes their own faults, insecurities, hurts, and emotional challenges. If you feel that you cannot lead your child into emotional health and connected relationships because your own relationships and emotional regulation are lacking, see a counselor, clergy, or life coach who can lead you into a healthier lifestyle to share with your children.
We’d love to hear from you about any questions you may have about social-emotional learning, healthy home life, or diversity! We support you and care for your family and classrooms.
As always, you can visit www.MVPKids.com for more information.
About Us
Kids need a safe space to grow up within a world of chaotic influencers. MVP Kids creates trusted, purposeful entertainment that supports your family or classroom's Journey to Character™.