Children’s author Pascha Adamo shares tips on diversifying your child’s playroom.
West Virginia author Pascha Adamo is an advocate for diverse representation in the books and media our kids interact with throughout their young lives. “I write children’s books out of need, of wanting to see that representation,” Adamo says.
Adamo’s series, Cece and Roxy, tells the story of Cece, a young, mixed-race female protagonist as she explores the world around her with her newest friend, Roxy: a pitbull-mix pup her family is caring for while a friend is deployed with the armed forces.
“It’s really important for us to acknowledge that diversity isn’t a tagline,” says Adamo. “Moves towards more diverse media shouldn’t be because we feel we have to do it, but because that’s how it is—that’s what we are.”
Getting started with more diverse content can be overwhelming for parents who are new to it. “What do we need to do? What do we need to consider? How can we do it right?”
Adamo shares her ABCs on getting started right at home:
Acknowledge there is a need to cultivate diversity in your child’s playthings. A person can act only when they have acknowledged there is a need.
Be intentional to choose playthings that do not promote negative, stereotypical, or cultural stereotypes. These stereotypes may require a person to evaluate their unknown biases. Be intentional to break stereotypes, tell the truth, and build compassionate readers.
Choose to purchase books from authors with the intended perspective. Perspective and experience matter in writing and sharing written stories. Continue to ask questions yourself, seek assistance, and educate yourself to help educate your kids.
Adamo’s biggest piece of advice while learning these ABCs? Grow with your desire to better advocate for representation across all platforms and continue to learn as your kiddos do. “Answer their questions when they have them,” she says. “If you don’t know the answer, find it.” What better way to learn than together?
You can grab a copy of Cece & Roxy’s latest adventures for your little one at paschadamo.square.site.
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