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We all hope that our children will grow into adults who value and fight for an inclusive society, but how do we get there? One way we do that here at Vivvi is by using the framework of “mirrors and windows.”



Young children learn through experiences, observations and experimentation. As they grow and experience more, they begin to form their own knowledge and thoughts about different kinds of people based on how they see people from various backgrounds represented in their life.



That’s why the concept of “mirrors and windows” is so helpful with young children—a mirror reflects a child’s experience back to them; a window gives them a chance to see into the lives of others.



Incorporating the “mirrors and windows” approach at our Vivvi campuses looks like diverse representation in books, posters, and toys that reflect various ethnicities, family structures, and abilities.



We also foster discussions that encourage empathy and recognition of differences, providing a balanced view of children’s own lives and the lives of others.



Developing a strong sense of identity is crucial for young children because it forms the foundation for self-confidence, emotional resilience, and social interactions. When children recognize who they are in terms of culture, race, family, and values, they feel validated and secure, which enables them to explore their environment and engage with peers in a healthy way. This understanding promotes respect for themselves and others, helping to build inclusive communities.



There are many different ways we can make sure our young children grow into adults who value an inclusive society.



Here are a few ways to encourage your child to learn about and appreciate diversity:



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">1. Give your bookshelf an overhaul.</h4>



Diversify your picture books to showcase diverse characters in a variety of settings. Think: various ethnicities, family structures, and abilities. This is truly “mirrors and windows” in action!



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">2. Choose diverse dolls and toys.</h4>



Dolls and miniatures are how young children make sense of so much of the world. Providing your child with diverse <a href="https://www.discountschoolsupply.com/stem-curriculum/manipulatives-blocks-games/block-accessories/differently-abled-block-play-figures---set-of-6/p/21844?utm_campaign=B2C%20Weekly%20Newsletter&amp;utm_source=hs_email&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_content=292461670&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz--cvef9Kuz7Ez9WmJhjelNp8U-azFuB1QizxIpizBsZTPSW0VDbFVBGIDhNi3tnMnXvPJwwDT_0nNIvvuwjVZCaRaYxTw">dolls</a> and toys, help your children understand everyone belongs.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">3. Evaluate your schools and extracurricular classes.</h4>



Send your children to schools, classes and enrichment programs that hire professionals, from leadership to support staff, from diverse backgrounds. This helps your children understand that education and learned skills are things everyone can achieve.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">4. Be intentional about the role models in your life.</h4>



Choose pediatricians, dentists, and other high-earning professionals from varying backgrounds. This intentionality will show your children <a href="https://vivvi.com/blog/family/articles/5-ways-to-infuse-anti-racism-into-your-childs-daily-life">skin color doesn’t signify value or ability,</a> and all people can do important, respected work.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">5. Diversify your playdates.</h4>



Have <a href="https://vivvi.com/blog/articles/planning-a-playdate">playdates</a> with children who have different types of families and varying abilities. Help your child understand from an early age that not everyone has the same life, experience, and abilities they do.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">6. Don’t “shh!” your child.</h4>



When your young children start to express that they notice differences in people&#8217;s skin color or hair texture, let them talk about what they see. Don’t “shh!” before they get the chance to understand what they’re seeing. Gone are the days when we ask children not to talk about differences. This is how you raise children who appreciate and celebrate differences.



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Parents can use “mirrors and windows” to play a vital role in reinforcing diversity education at home by engaging in open conversations about differences, encouraging curiosity, and modeling inclusive behavior. Simple steps like discussing different family structures, cultures, and abilities in a positive light or using media (movies, shows) that depict diverse characters can create a strong foundation.



Creating an environment of inclusivity and diversity at a young age isn’t just about teaching children tolerance; it’s about giving them the tools to thrive in a diverse world. Educators and parents should collaborate closely, ensuring that both home and school environments support these values.&nbsp;



Early childhood is a critical time to introduce diversity education because children are forming their first impressions of the world. By learning to appreciate differences from a young age, children are more likely to grow into adults who are empathetic and culturally competent. At Vivvi, we aim to ensure that every child feels seen, respected, and understood, building a foundation for lifelong learning and acceptance.

The concept of “mirrors and windows” helps young children develop a sense of identity and appreciate differences in others.

Mirrors and Windows: Teaching Children About Identity

Here at Vivvi, we&#8217;re always on the lookout for simple, meaningful activities that can keep little ones engaged, especially when the weather turns chilly. One activity we use often at Vivvi that works across all ages — from infants to preschoolers — is sensory bottles. They’re easy to make, fun to play with, and can double as a calming tool when things get a little too chaotic.



Sensory bottles are also a great way to sneak in some play-based learning! They enable infants to develop visual tracking skills while they watch objects move inside the bottle. Toddlers love shaking the bottles and discovering what happens next, while preschoolers can describe what they see, asking questions and making connections. Sensory bottles are also an easy, indoor activity, and you can make them with your child using things you already have at home.



Here are 5 sensory bottle ideas you can try with your little ones:



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sensory Bottle Ideas</h2>



<a href="https://www.noguiltmom.com/kids-activity-make-your-own-lava-lamp/?utm_campaign=B2C%20Weekly%20Newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_rmPpx1ZhAHk0VSDBWdj8sDZkG-CbDFFaHI8gRKkAKcjdXMdsxl7zvZjcaSh5t2dlTkbs12xpPN68wri3HRVuCQxcM7w&amp;_hsmi=326290706&amp;utm_content=326290706&amp;utm_source=hs_email" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">5-Minute DIY Lava Lamp </a>



What you need: an empty water bottle; vegetable oil; water; food coloring of your choice; Alka-seltzer tablets How to Helps Children to Learn: This sensory bottle engages children&#8217;s visual senses with colorful &#8220;lava&#8221; movement while introducing basic science concepts like density.



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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1000" height="554" src="https://vivvidotcom.wpcomstaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/lavalamp.png" alt="" class="wp-image-6110" srcset="https://vivvidotcom.wpcomstaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/lavalamp.png 1000w, https://vivvidotcom.wpcomstaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/lavalamp-300x166.png 300w, https://vivvidotcom.wpcomstaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/lavalamp-768x425.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<a href="https://preschoolinspirations.com/how-to-make-a-color-changing-sensory-bottle/?utm_campaign=B2C%20Weekly%20Newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz--X5npr1XJ5vENgDwS5M1pozP_e45oO3agm2Qw2ULfLxNV0IPaDSdrQ3rnuj2sfwz_3Yv0CyR-_S2ZZ00_VXVijPGXfXA&amp;_hsmi=326290706&amp;utm_content=326290706&amp;utm_source=hs_email" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Color Changing Sensory Bottle</a>



What you need: Liquid watercolors; Primary Candy Dye Color Set; Mineral Oil; Clear Corn Syrup; Clean small water bottle; 2 Funnels OR mixing containers with spouts (one for the oil and one for the corn syrup); Spatula How to Helps Children to Learn: This sensory bottle engages children&#8217;s visual senses with colorful &#8220;lava&#8221; movement while introducing basic science concepts like density.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="530" src="https://vivvidotcom.wpcomstaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/How-to-Make-Color-Changing-Sensory-or-Discovery-Bottles-by-Preschool-Inspirations-8.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-6116" srcset="https://vivvidotcom.wpcomstaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/How-to-Make-Color-Changing-Sensory-or-Discovery-Bottles-by-Preschool-Inspirations-8.jpg 800w, https://vivvidotcom.wpcomstaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/How-to-Make-Color-Changing-Sensory-or-Discovery-Bottles-by-Preschool-Inspirations-8-300x199.jpg 300w, https://vivvidotcom.wpcomstaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/How-to-Make-Color-Changing-Sensory-or-Discovery-Bottles-by-Preschool-Inspirations-8-768x509.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></figure>



<a href="https://theimaginationtree.com/diy-i-spy-bottles/?utm_campaign=B2C%20Weekly%20Newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz-939AUwPD30mqWJOsd7_4mzF_KAplLg53iP40rRolXvMHQgylpwuZNDsoX4fhLp8Np_4dNxpD_Yv6rmv7WMLdNrkhHIfg&amp;_hsmi=326290706&amp;utm_content=326290706&amp;utm_source=hs_email" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">I Spy Bottles</a>



What you need: Empty, clean and dry plastic bottles; Your choice of filler material (ex: dyed dry rice in various colors, lentils or mini alphabet beads); Mini toys; cars/ dinosaurs/ butterflies/ bugs/ ladybirds/ flowers/ leaves; Wooden/plastic alphabet letter set How to Helps Children to Learn: Work on focus and observation as children search for hidden objects, promoting cognitive and language development.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="820" height="495" src="https://vivvidotcom.wpcomstaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Sensory-bottle-beads.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-6119" srcset="https://vivvidotcom.wpcomstaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Sensory-bottle-beads.jpg 820w, https://vivvidotcom.wpcomstaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Sensory-bottle-beads-300x181.jpg 300w, https://vivvidotcom.wpcomstaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Sensory-bottle-beads-768x464.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /></figure>



<a href="https://www.lifescarousel.com/nebula-in-a-bottle/?utm_campaign=B2C%20Weekly%20Newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz-82bg4IXT94IjZ6RrepsU2nA-wzlrkG9LAeJUsBx4baq-10icyuWoBwJWOwJ_M4T7Eel4vxWJVB5VUGndNMg1VnX7TdrA&amp;_hsmi=326290706&amp;utm_content=326290706&amp;utm_source=hs_email" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nebula in a Bottle</a>



What you need: Empty Water Bottle; Cotton Wool Balls; Acrylic Paint; Fine Glitter; Water How to Helps Children to Learn: Introduce space concepts with swirling galaxy-like patterns, encouraging imagination and focus.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="830" height="555" src="https://vivvidotcom.wpcomstaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/DIY-Bottle-Nebula-English.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-6123" srcset="https://vivvidotcom.wpcomstaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/DIY-Bottle-Nebula-English.jpg 830w, https://vivvidotcom.wpcomstaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/DIY-Bottle-Nebula-English-300x201.jpg 300w, https://vivvidotcom.wpcomstaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/DIY-Bottle-Nebula-English-768x514.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 830px) 100vw, 830px" /></figure>



<a href="https://pocketofpreschool.com/fall-sensory-bottles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fall Fling Bottles</a>



What you need: Empty, clean and dry plastic bottles; water; Fall decor or nature elements like leaves or acorns How to Helps Children to Learn: Capture the beauty of autumn with leaves, acorns, and warm colors, sparking creativity and conversations about the changing seasons.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="512" src="https://vivvidotcom.wpcomstaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/fall_sensory_bottles_v5Ib9-1024x512-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-6121" srcset="https://vivvidotcom.wpcomstaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/fall_sensory_bottles_v5Ib9-1024x512-1.jpg 1024w, https://vivvidotcom.wpcomstaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/fall_sensory_bottles_v5Ib9-1024x512-1-300x150.jpg 300w, https://vivvidotcom.wpcomstaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/fall_sensory_bottles_v5Ib9-1024x512-1-768x384.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Vivvi provides child care and early learning for children ages 0-5, with unrivaled flexibility that works for today’s families. Our inquiry-based curriculum is facilitated by warm, experienced teachers in bright, open spaces that let children make big connections to the growing world around them. Find your <a href="https://vivvi.com/locations" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nearest Vivvi here</a>.

Sensory bottles are easy to make, fun to play with and offer plenty of learning for infants, toddlers and preschoolers.

How to Make a Sensory Bottle

5 Sensory Bottles for Infants, Preschoolers and Toddlers

Whether your child is heading back to preschool or daycare, moving into a new classroom, welcoming a new sibling, or something completely different—one thing is certain: transitions are hard on young children.



Transitions can be challenging for children of all ages, but they are especially difficult for toddlers and preschoolers who are still developing their coping skills.



<a href="https://rebeccahershbergphd.com/">Rebecca Schrag Hershberg</a>, PhD is a clinical psychologist, parenting coach, and the author of The Tantrum Survival Guide: Tune In to Your Toddler&#8217;s Mind (and Your Own) to Calm the Craziness and Make Family Fun Again. She’s one of Vivvi’s favorite experts to bring in on major challenges facing parents and young children.



The most important thing you can do to prepare your child for big transitions is to prepare yourself, according to Dr. Hershberg.



“These things trickle down, the emotions and the energy that parents embody trickles down to our kids,” she told Vivvi. “If we’re really nervous or anxious or high strung about transitions, even if we’re saying the right words and doing the right things with our kids, that’s going to get overshadowed by what they can pick up: what you’re actually feeling—anxious.”



Here are more of Dr. Hershberg’s top suggestions for supporting your young children through transitions.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">1. Set a date</h3>



Can you always schedule your big life changes? No. But when you can, take advantage. Look at your calendar and pick a date to start <a href="https://vivvi.com/blog/family/articles/potty-training-problems">potty training</a>. Then work backward to make sure you don’t have too many other big events or transitions going on at the same time. Confirming with the calendar helps you feel more relaxed, controlled, and regulated, Dr. Hershberg told us.



“It’s essential to look at what else you have going on,” she said. “Many families make the very well-intentioned and sometimes unavoidable mistake of taking these on at the same time, or not really looking, and it turns out you’ve started potty training the weekend before you have a big presentation at work or while your partner is out of town.”



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">2. When to tell your child</h3>



Include telling your child about the transition to your calendar, as well. You want to clue your child in to the change they’re about to experience, and talk openly with them—but not too early.



Dr. Hershberg has recommendations on how soon in advance they’ll be able to wrap their minds around the change. She says four-year-olds can handle 5-7 days notice. Three-year-olds even less, roughly 3 days.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">3. How to tell your child</h3>



Don’t expect to sit down for a big discussion. Toddlers and preschoolers can’t really sit down and have a long talk about an upcoming transition quote yet. They get bored, squirmy, and want to walk around.



But young children in this age range can focus and listen if they have an activity and also they don’t have to look you directly in the eye while they process this new information. That’s a lot of pressure.



“I often think talking in the car is a great idea. Sometimes kids feel like when you’re looking at them it’s too much pressure, you can talk to them when you’re unloading the dishwasher, when you’re both sitting and drawing with crayons,” Dr. Hershberger said. “Sometimes families make the mistake of trying to sit and have a conversation with their 2-, 3-, or 4-year-old. That’s not how that age group relates.”



Explain what is going to happen and why to your child. Use simple language that your child can understand. Answer your child&#8217;s questions honestly and openly, but avoid giving too much information that could be overwhelming.



Talk about the transition in a positive way and focus on the exciting aspects of the change. Answer your child&#8217;s questions honestly and openly, but avoid giving too much information that could be overwhelming.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">4. Name things that will be the same</h3>



While talking about upcoming changes and transitions, don’t forget to name things that will stay the same. Yes, your child may be going to a <a href="https://vivvi.com/blog/family/articles/getting-ready-for-daycare">new daycare</a>—but mommy will still be doing drop off. Yes, your child may be moving from a crib to a bed—but daddy will still read bedtime stories.



“You&#8217;re naming that the family rituals and routines which kids get so attached to and that help them feel safe are still going to be the same in a lot of ways,” Dr. Hershberger told Vivvi. “It&#8217;s not suddenly their whole world is going to be turned upside down.”



Tip: create a story book about your transition! Write the story out and make it your bedtime story for the next week until the transition happens. Children find a lot of comfort in stories and in books so creating it together that they can return to is a powerful thing. This can be used whether you’re getting ready for a new daycare, going from crib to bed. Add things that are different, but also things that will be the same. You can go total Pinterest on your book, or use a stack of post-it notes with chicken scratch—your child will love it just the same.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">5. Transitions take time</h3>



Transitions can take time for young children to adjust to. Be patient and understanding with your child as they go through this process. Parents can expect most big transitions taking between two and three weeks before your child (and everyone else in the family) finds a rhythm.



“This is not a one-week situation,” Dr. Hershberger said. ”Have patience with yourself and patience with yourself.”



Allow your child to express their emotions about the transition, and reassure them that you’ll be there with them. Celebrate your child’s successes and milestones during the transition.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">6. Brace for regression</h3>



During a transition, parents of little ones often see <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/15/parenting/toddler/behavioral-regression.html">regression</a> in their child. Regressions look like the loss of a recently acquired skill, often sleeping through the night or potty training or maybe suddenly becoming a picky eater. When experiencing transition, Dr. Hershberger says your child is using all of their resources to regulate—and something has to give.



“That&#8217;s why regressions are so common during transitions. There&#8217;s a new baby and your older one starts peeing in their pants again, or they switch to a new classroom and they have a harder time falling asleep at night,” she explains. “That’s because they are taking their efforts and their energy and their literal brain power to navigate this and it has to come from somewhere.”



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">6. When to ask for help</h3>



There’s no litmus test for when to ask for help with something as nebulous as feelings around a transition, but Dr. Hershberger says there is a window of time where getting help becomes necessary.



If you’ve reached the two-month mark and your child is still struggling with a change or transition, it may be time to call for support.



“If it&#8217;s getting in the way in a real way, really interfering with their ability to do whatever it is they need to do—then you seek some support from a therapist, coach, or teacher,” Dr. Hershberger said. “It just means you need a little extra support, not that you&#8217;re doomed.”

Transitions can be challenging for young children, but with support and guidance, they can learn to cope with change and thrive in new environments.

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