Kids Swag and Schmooz Want You to Diversify Your Book & Toy Collection

Kim West, the incredible founder of Kids Swag, recently released a shared Google Doc called Resources for Families Wanting to Diversify Their Book & Toy Collections. It’s a compilation of tools and resources to begin conversations about race, diversity, and black positivity with our children and with each other.

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The guide begins with the questions Kim took into consideration when looking at books and toy collections through the lens of ‘mindful representation’. The idea of being purposeful and intentional about the images and experiences that surround our children, in order to understand themselves while appreciating the differences in the world around them.

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The resource guide recommends many books, videos, clothing and accessories, activities, and even other guides to enrich your child’s life through an early introduction to diversity. There are links to books and groups for parents who are interested in learning more, and a conversation guide parents can use as a reference to introduce different concepts around race and culture at the age your child will be able to take in these lessons. 

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As a resource available online, the list of kids’ products can grow larger as others share the different resources and tools that they have found educational in their homes! If you would like to add to the list, please contact kidsswag@schmooz.ca or use #BookToyAudit on Instagram to share your experiences and favourites. 

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We want to thank Kim for her hard work in putting this guide together, and allowing our CEO, Zoe Share (mother of Sabrina!) to be involved. We hope that by sharing this essential resource that Kids Swag AND Schmooz can help parents to raise kids that love themselves, and appreciate differences!