Diversity?

[bright sparks]

I also have a number of books depicting other family models outside the nuclear, showing diversity of race, age, sexuality and ability. I don't make a big deal out of it so as to try and respect parent's choices but I make it a normal part of my program and available to all children in the hopes that they will at least develop tolerance and differences and an open and anti oppressive opinion towards others....at least to the extent a child can at this point. As soon as I show parents pictures of how happy their sons are playing with dolls they pretty much all go out and buy one for their son to have at home. I think that at least is becoming more common. My group is all boys right now and there are just days where I will lose my mind if I see any more cars lol but no matter what, a boy can make an automobile out of anything. Last time we had the dolls out, my 2 1/2 dcb was pretending his doll was a plane lol cutest thing ever.

[AmandaKDT]

My husband is black and from Africa, so my daughters are half black. I very much understand that mother's desire to have her child in a more diverse atmosphere. Dolls and books are great, but having actual children to play with that look like you is important too - especially when you are in the minority. I want my girls to feel like they belong in every sense. It made me feel a sense of relief when I visited my daughter's school that she will be attending this fall and saw that there were many different types of children there. My daughters have darker skin and much different hair than the other children in my care, and I feel it is important for them to be around other kids (and adults) that are like them so that I can help ensure that they can have a positive image of themselves and good self esteem.

I wouldn't take their departure personally, even though it does suck to lose them. I don't know if I would have made the same decision as they did, but they obviously felt it was important for their child's welbeing.