At Imagine, we recognize that every child’s family story is unique. While traditional Mother’s Day and Father’s Day celebrations may feel exciting and joyful for some children, they can also feel confusing, emotional, or isolating for others.
Every family looks different, and every family deserves to feel seen, valued, and celebrated.
Children thrive when they feel safe, included, and proud of the people who care for them most. Creating inclusive classroom experiences helps children understand that there is not just one way to be a family. Some children may live with parents, grandparents, siblings, guardians, foster families, or other loving caregivers. What matters most is the love, care, and connection children experience every day.
Sometimes, small shifts in language can make a big difference in helping children feel a sense of belonging.
Matching the Language to the Goal
If the goal is to help children feel:
• Included
• Connected
• Proud of their family
• Emotionally safe
We can begin by using open ended, relationship centered language.
Instead of focusing on labels, we can focus on connection and care:
“Who would you like to make this for?”
“Tell me about someone special in your life.”
“Who helps take care of you?”
“Who makes you feel loved?”
“Let’s celebrate the people who care about us.”
These simple shifts allow children to define their own important relationships and honor the people who support them most.
What Does This Look Like in Practice?
Allow Children to Choose
Rather than assigning a specific person for activities or gifts, allow children to decide who they would like to celebrate.
Bring Families Into the Classroom
Invite children to bring family photos or share stories about important people in their lives. This helps children recognize and appreciate the many ways families can look and function.
Keep Projects Flexible
Avoid pre writing titles such as “Mom” or “Dad” on classroom projects. Open ended materials create space for every child’s experience and family story.
Listen and Follow Children’s Lead
Children may identify parents, grandparents, siblings, neighbors, foster parents, guardians, or other meaningful caregivers. Following children’s lead helps foster confidence, identity, and emotional connection.
What Inclusion Looks Like Across Age Groups
Infants & Toddlers (0–36 Months)
- Display photos of important people in children’s lives
- Name and talk about familiar faces
- Read books featuring different family structures
- Sing songs using family members’ names
Supports attachment, recognition, and belonging.
Twos
- Invite children to talk about people they love
- Create simple “special people” photo cards
- Explore books showing many family types
- Encourage caregiving play in dramatic play areas
Supports identity development, language, and connection.
Preschool & Pre K (3–5 Years)
- Create a “My Special People” class book
- Invite children to draw or talk about important people
- Use open ended conversations about care and relationships
- Encourage storytelling around families and community
Supports empathy, self expression, and social understanding.
Teacher Language Guide
Try Saying:
✔ “Who would you like to make this for?”
✔ “Tell me about someone special in your life.”
✔ “Who helps take care of you?”
✔ “Who makes you feel loved?”
✔ “Let’s celebrate the people who care about us.”
Avoid:
✘ “Everyone has a mom and dad.”
✘ “Make this for Mommy.”
✘ “Take this home for Dad.”
✘ “Boys make this for Mom, girls make this for Dad.”
The Takeaway
Small shifts in language can create big shifts in belonging.
When we move from asking, “Who is your mom or dad?” to “Who are the special people in your life?”, we create space for every child to feel proud of their family story.
At Imagine, we believe every child deserves to feel seen, celebrated, and connected to the people who love and care for them most.