Read through this article with your child and help them brainstorm answers to the questions provided. Invite the opportunity to explore your own family’s values, invite empathy for others, and promote growth of ideas and understanding.
There are many different kinds of families. Some kids have only one parent, or their parents live at different houses. Some kids have two moms or two dads. Some kids are adopted – this means they grew in another mom’s body before coming to live with their family. And some kids live with their grandparents, their auntie or uncle, or another member of their family.
- Who is in your family? Do you have brothers or sisters, grandparents, pets, or others living in your house? Can you think of other people that have a family different or similar to yours?
There are many different kinds of families. Some kids have only one parent, or their parents live at different houses. Some kids have two moms or two dads. Some kids are adopted – this means they grew in another mom’s body before coming to live with their family. And some kids live with their grandparents, their auntie or uncle, or another member of their family.
- Who is in your family? Do you have brothers or sisters, grandparents, pets, or others living in your house? Can you think of other people that have a family different or similar to yours?
Sometimes it’s confusing to see a family that looks different than yours, and you might be curious why their family is different. There are lots of reasons why families don’t all look the same. Families come in all shapes and sizes! They can be big or small, live in different kinds of houses, speak different languages, and have unique traditions.
- Think about something that might make your family different. How does it make your family special? Can you think of another family that has something else special about it?
You might have noticed that some families have different rules, too. One day when I was a kid, my friend came to my house for a visit. While I was eating a snack, she said, “you’re not allowed to slurp your noodles like that, you will get in trouble!” I was confused, because we had no rule about slurping noodles in my family! When I visit other people’s houses, I try to notice what things are important to them. I tried not to slurp when I ate at my friend’s house, so I could respect that rule in their family.
- Have you ever noticed a different rule at somebody else’s house? Does your family try to say or do different things if you have visitors or are visiting someone?
If you do feel curious or confused about a family that looks different or has different rules, that is okay. Everybody feels curious sometimes when they see something new, even adults. But it is important to remember that just because something is different, that doesn’t mean it is weird or bad. The best way to learn about new things and new people is to be kind, and have an open mind to hear new ideas.
- Have you ever been curious about somebody else’s family? Who is someone you could ask if you had a question about different families?
The most important thing is that families are the people that love each other and take care of each other. Families can look different, but that doesn’t change how much love they have to share!