International Family Equality Day (IFED) takes place on the first Sunday of May, with the next celebration on 4th May 2025. It began as a way to support LGBT families and promote their rights but has since grown into a global celebration of all family types.
IFED is a great chance for early years practitioners to celebrate family diversity and create an inclusive environment where every child feels valued and understood, promoting the British value of mutual respect and tolerance.
Understanding family diversity
Families come in various shapes and sizes, including single-parent households, same-sex parents, blended families, extended families, and families with adopted or fostered children. Acknowledging this diversity in our settings helps children appreciate that love and support define a family, rather than a specific structure.
Why celebrate International Family Equality Day in early years settings?
We know that early childhood is such a formative period during which children develop their understanding of the world and their place within it. By celebrating IFED, we can:
Promote inclusivity: Ensuring that all family types are represented and respected within the setting fosters a sense of belonging among children
Challenge stereotypes: Introducing children to diverse family structures helps undo any preconceived notions and biases they may encounter elsewhere
Enhance social skills: Encouraging discussions about diversity aids in developing empathy, respect, and open-mindedness among peers
Implementing International Family Equality Day celebrations in our settings
To effectively celebrate IFED, we can incorporate a range of activities tailored to young children:
1. Inclusive storytelling:
- Diverse books: Curate a selection of storybooks that depict various family structures, cultures, and traditions. Reading these stories aloud can spark conversations and questions among children
- Family book creation: Encourage each child to create a page about their family, compiling them into a collective “Our Families” book for the classroom, which can also be shared with parents
2. Family tree projects:
- Personalised trees: Assist children in crafting their own family trees, allowing them to represent their unique family dynamics creatively
- Discussion circles: Incorporate group discussions in your day where children can share stories about their families, promoting understanding and appreciation of differences and similarities
3. Cultural exploration:
- International Cuisine Day: Invite families to share traditional dishes from their cultures, providing a sensory experience that celebrates diversity
- Music and dance: Introduce songs and dances from various cultures, encouraging children to participate and learn about different traditions
4. Expressive arts and design:
- Family portraits: Provide materials for children to draw or paint pictures of their families, displaying the artwork to honour each child’s background
- Diversity collage: Create a collaborative collage that includes images representing diverse families, fostering a visual appreciation of inclusivity
5. Community engagement:
- Guest speakers: Invite family members from different backgrounds to share their experiences, offering children real-world insights into family diversity
- Field trips: Organise visits to local cultural centres or community events that celebrate diversity, providing experiential learning opportunities
Creating an inclusive environment beyond International Family Equality Day
While celebrating IFED is a significant step, growing an inclusive environment requires ongoing commitment:
- Inclusive resources: Ensure that books, toys, and learning materials reflect a diverse range of cultures, abilities, and family structures
- Staff training: Provide regular diversity and inclusion training for staff to equip them with the knowledge and skills to support all children effectively
- Policy development: Establish clear policies that promote equality and address discrimination, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for every child
Parent engagement
Involving families in IFED activities strengthens the all-important home-setting connection and reinforces the values of inclusivity:
- Family workshops: Host workshops where families can share their traditions, stories, and experiences, enriching the learning environment
- Collaborative projects: Encourage families to participate in creating classroom displays or contributing to cultural events, fostering a sense of community
- Open communication: Maintain open lines of communication with families to understand their backgrounds and incorporate their perspectives into the curriculum
Conclusion
Celebrating International Family Equality Day in early years settings is a great way to recognise the many different types of families in our society. By including diverse activities and creating a respectful, inclusive environment, practitioners help children grow into accepting and empathetic individuals. Embracing family diversity enriches learning and prepares children for life in a multicultural world.