I is for Inclusivity

Inclusion is a universal human right…

Irrespective of our race, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, physical or cognitive abilities we should all feel included. However, both consciously and subconsciously we are fed a constant stream of images throughout our lives which are often anything but inclusive. As citizens of the world and as parents we must educate ourselves and our children, listening and learning, reading and watching, consuming and talking about the richness and diversity of people. We must open our hearts and minds to accept and embrace our differences, so that each and every one of us knows that we matter and feels empowered to be anything and anybody that we want to be! We’ve put together five of our favourite brands for mothers and children, doing their bit to promote inclusion.

Not Only Pink and Blue

The first online marketplace for children’s clothes, books and toys that challenges stereotypes, Not Only Pink and Blue is packed full of colourful, fun, inclusive products for ALL children! Featuring a handpicked collection from small, inspirational, quality brands, there are no girl/boy filters and everything is gender-neutral or unisex. Set up by Clare Willetts, it’s about giving children as wide a choice as possible. So, no more dolls ‘only’ for girls, or superhero books ‘just’ for boys. All colours are for all children. All toys are for all children. And all children should see themselves in the books that they read.

While Clare acknowledges there is absolutely nothing wrong with ballet-dancing girls who like pink or football playing boys who like blue, she does believes it should be a matter of choice. That children should be left to decide what they like for themselves rather than being conditioned by pre-existing and often harmful stereotypes. That they should be given the opportunity to grow up as individuals in a world of equality where there are no limits to our children’s dreams and they truly believe they can be who and whatever they want! www.notonlypinkandblue.com

Mums Like Us

Founded by Sally Darby in 2017, Mums Like Us is a network for disabled mothers. After having her first daughter in 2013, Sally who suffers from MS, scoured the internet for experiences of mums with disabilities and although she found a huge number of brilliant mothers both online and personally whose help and support in the whole parenting business was truly invaluable, she struggled to find any kind of online community for those in her specific position. So, she decided to start one!  Supportive and friendly, Mums Like Us, opens up conversations around disability and motherhood. It’s a space to talk, to share resources and ideas, ask for advice, where you don’t have to be afraid to say it how it is – if you’re having a rubbish day, or if you are having a great day. There is no judgement. On a bigger scale, Sally wants to widen the discussions beyond the group, and get the message out there that disabled people do have children, that they need to be acknowledge and catered for, and the world made a little more accessible for all! Read our interview with Sally in our Stib Meets series HERE, find out more at www.mumslikeus.org or join the Facebook group HERE.

Make Motherhood Diverse

Open the website for this award-winning platform and the first line you read is ‘Make Motherhood Diverse is an act of inclusion.’ Curated by author and blogger, Candice Braithwaite, MMD is on a mission to challenge the single story of motherhood we are fed, to widen the representation of motherhood within our society to include mums from each and every walk of life - black mums, brown mums, differently-abled mums, those caring for children with additional needs; mums with tattoos, piercings, pink hair or those who just don’t care about their appearance; the gay mums, the plus-sized mums, the working-class mums; or those who fit in to several of those boxes. MMD is a space dedicated to giving visibility and a voice to all those versions of motherhood, representing every experience equally, democratically and inclusively. Take a read of any one of the stories from mums spanning a broad cross-section of society or tune in to the platform’s podcast hosted by writer, archivist and activist, Remi Slade. Listen, learn, celebrate our differences and come together over our commonalities. www.makemotherhooddiverse.com

Philly & Friends

This children’s lifestyle brand aims to add a drop of colour in the sea of children’s products while instilling confidence and self-love through the power of representation. When founder, Vese Aghoghovbia, had her daughter she quickly realised there weren’t many quality children’s books that featured black or minority ethic main characters (less than 1% shockingly!). Consequently, she set about creating her own so that her daughter and other children could see the world for the richness and diversity that it offers. Other products followed and the brand now includes wall art and affirmation cards all born out of Vese’s desire to give children the opportunity to grow up seeing beauty in themselves and others, and know that they matter! Each purchase from Philly & Friends sponsors a book in to the hands of underprivileged children. Check out the free printables too! www.phillyandfriends.com

Wolf + Friends

A social network bringing together over 150,000 special needs parents, caregivers and providers, to help them make well-informed decisions regarding their children’s wellbeing, education and future, based upon advice from specialists and the experiences of others, and enabling them to thrive in every walk of life! It’s a great place to share stories, get answers and find support from other parents raising children with autism, ADHD, anxiety, developmental delays, mental health issues, learning disabilities, behavioural challenges, Down Syndrome, sensory processing disorder and more, all in a private, judgement-free setting. There’s a host of services provided by experts from paediatricians to occupational therapists, speech and language therapists to art therapists, plus virtual events, classes, courses and workshops, and a shop full of products designed specifically for children with unique developmental needs. www.wolfandfriends.com

Diversify Their World

We also want to give a shout out to Instagram account, Diversify Their World. This brilliant feed provides tonnes of ideas and resources to help introduce more diversity and inclusion in to the everyday lives of our children. From gender equality and equal opportunities, to race, disability and sexual orientation, it includes books, podcasts, tv shows, food, craft activities and small brands to ensure our children are seeing colour, shape, size and all abilities represented in their learning and playing tools from day dot! Please do give them a follow on Instagram HERE!