Top 5 Family Diversity Books and Lesson Plans

There are no normal families. Although I do know a handful of children who live with one married mom and one married father, they actually tend to be in the minority-- at least within my social circle. My own daughter has absolutely no concept of an "ordinary" family. She is never the slightest bit surprised to learn that one of her friends has a single dad, two moms, or custodial grandparents.

If you want to teach your child about family diversity, many books and lesson plans can help to heighten your child's understanding of what makes a family-- regardless of the kind of family structure of your own household. Here are some of my favorite books and lesson plans about family diversity.

1. A Family Like Yours

This website, my personal project, is designed to educate children about familial diversity using animal families as a model. Did you know that beavers live in nuclear families? That many black swans have two dads? A Family Like Yours is an excellent lesson plan for teaching family diversity-- especially to children who are interested in animals and the environment.

2. Heather has Two Mommies

Perhaps the most well-known and controversial of books about alternative families, "Heather has Two Mommies" has made waves for nearly two decades. Despite its negative reputation in conservative circles, "Heather has Two Mommies" is a great book about family diversity of all types. Despite the title, the book actually explores families of all different backgrounds.

3. Is Your Family Like Mine

The children's book "Is Your Family Like Mine," designed for kids 4-7 years old, helps to illustrate family diversity for a younger crowd. It sends a positive and uplifting message, and its tender storyline is perfect for bedtime.

4. Do I Have a Daddy?

This very well-written book is perfect for teaching family diversity to children with single moms or single dads. Although not tailored to the full spectrum of family models, it is ideal for opening the door of discussion if you are a single parent or an educator who teaches kids from single-parent homes. The book overall produces a positive and uplifting message to kids of single-parent backgrounds.

5. All Families Are Special

As the title implies, this thoughtful, educational book illustrates the "special" nature of families of all types, sizes and backgrounds. It includes families with custodial grandparents, adopted siblings, step-parents, same-sex parents and single fathers. The impressive spectrum in this book makes it one of my favorite home lesson plans for family diversity. Its professional but warm tone makes it perfect for both a home library and as a school lesson plan.