Tips For Parents & Caregivers

Supporting You To Raise Antiracist Children

As we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, Mattel’s own Linda Jiang & Kittaya Wongchinda curated a guide of books, movies & documentaries, podcasts, content creators and organizations to help parents and caregivers understand Anti-Asian Racism and the Asian American experience.
Read on 
A guide to raising antiracist children from Laura Henry-Allain, an international award-winning Early Education specialist, and Emma, founder of The Pineapple Lounge and an expert in kid-culture.
Read on 

Race-Conscious & Diversity Articles To Read

Articles for parents and caregivers to reference while navigating race-focused conversations with their kids. Mattel invites you to #MixUpTheToybox to better reflect the world kids see around them. Read more about the importance of helping children understand and appreciate diversity.
  • Why I’m No Longer Staying Silent About Anti-Asian Racism
  • Anti-Racism for Kids: An Age-by-Age Guide to Fighting Hate
  • Why We Shouldn’t Ignore the History of Anti-Asian Racism in the United States  
  • What Does Diversity Do to Kids’ Brains?
  • How to Diversify Your Toy Box
  • 13 Children's Books About Race and Diversity
  • Why you should give kids toys that look like them
  • Anti-Racism Resources for Parents and Kids

Virtual Backgrounds

Brand new backgrounds for virtual parties and playdates (or even conference calls), featuring your and your kid’s favorite brands.
  • Barbie®
  • Fisher-Price®
  • Thomas & Friends™
  • UNO®
  • Masters of the Universe™
  • Hot Wheels®
  • @BarbieStyle
  • American Girl®

Resources & Events

Check out these resources and virtual events for you and your littles from industry leaders (not affiliated with Mattel).

  • Step Up Tutoring 

    Since the beginning of the pandemic, 50% of elementary school students have fallen behind one grade level in reading and math. Without additional support, there is a 90% chance that they will struggle for years to come. Step Up Tutoring drives student success in under-resourced communities by providing free online tutoring and mentorship to elementary school students. Help bring 25,000 students to their appropriate grade level by volunteering today.
    Learn More & Take Action Here!

  • Crayon Collection

    Did you know over 150 million still-good crayons are thrown away each year? But crayons don’t decompose and there are kids who have no crayons of their own! We can fix that by collecting, recycling, and donating crayons to others. The Crayon Collection's Color Kindness Program has delivered thousands of crayons and kindness notes to students, front line workers, doctors, teachers and more. Start your collection and spread kindness to inspire people to do good and #PlayitForward in their community. 
    Get Started Here!

  • UCLA Health

    Youth who are Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) that also identify as LGBTQ+ representation of sexual orientations and gender identities experience higher rates of social discrimination and isolation, including bullying, family rejection and a lack of social support. Our partners at UCLA Health share ways that families and friends can support LGBTQ+ and LGBTQ2S (Two-spirit*) -identified BIPOC youth.
    Learn More

  • Save the Children

    In partnership with Save the Children, the world’s leading expert on childhood, we’re here to help by providing trusted tools and tips for parents, caregivers, teachers and all who care about children in crisis. Save the Children is committed to helping children and families during this uncertain time by providing resources for our nation’s youngest learners.
    Save the Children Tips

  • UNICEF Kid Power - Get Active. Save Lives.

    Empower your kids with purpose! Keep your children focused and actively doing good in the world. UNICEF’s dance, yoga and activity videos unlock free “coins” to give to causes they care about.
    Join the Team For Free Today

  • Happy Camper Live!

    Happy Camper Live brings all the fun and excitement of summer camp right to families everywhere, with at-home virtual activities- 365 days a year. Founded by a real-life camp director with over 22 years of experience, it’ a place for you and your kids to discover new passions, skills, and have the time of their lives without ever needing to leave home.
    Learn More

  • The Toy Association

    Our partners at the Toy Association are compiling tips, tricks, and more for parents and caregivers during this time. Select the link below to learn more.
    Learning At-Home While Social Distancing

  • The Toy Guy Blog

    Toy expert Chris Byrnes' The Toy Guy Blog and The Playground Podcast gives tips for playing at home with your kids and productive play options for parents and caregivers.
    Learn More

Tips From Our Play Experts

We believe that play is an essential part of keeping a normal routine for families, while also fostering kids’ imagination, creativity, and intellectual stimulation. Here are a few tips we compiled for parents around the world:

You & Your Child Can Learn How-To...