Your child’s brain has these incredible things called mirror neurons. When they watch a character on screen go through a struggle or experience joy, their brain fires in the same patterns as if they were experiencing it themselves.

If a child only ever "mirrors" people who look and act exactly like them, they aren't practicing empathy for the rest of the world. Diverse media acts as an "empathy gym." It allows them to "live" lives they will never personally experience.

Research shows that kids who consume diverse media are less likely to rely on stereotypes and more likely to show "prosocial behavior" (basically, not being a jerk) toward people different from them. It also helps kids from marginalized groups feel a sense of belonging. If you never see yourself on screen, the subconscious message is: You don't matter.

You can't rely on the "Recommended for You" tray to do this work. You have to be intentional. Here is a breakdown of media that actually gets it right, without being "preachy" or boring.

Yes, they’re dogs. But Bluey handles diversity better than almost any "human" show. From characters with ADHD (Jack) to those using Auslan (sign language), it treats differences as a normal part of the neighborhood fabric. It’s the gold standard for a reason.

This show follows an Alaska Native girl. It’s brilliant because it doesn't treat her culture as a "history lesson"—it’s her modern, everyday life. It’s great for showing kids that "diversity" isn't just something from the past; it’s happening right now in different ways across the globe.

Created by a Native American team, this show features three Indigenous siblings who protect a national park. It’s high-energy, magical, and replaces the "white savior" trope often found in nature shows with authentic Indigenous stewardship.

If your kid likes Percy Jackson or Harry Potter, give them this. It’s a fantasy epic with a Black female lead that tackles themes of socioeconomic status and prejudice within a magical framework. It’s a page-turner that happens to be deeply inclusive.

This is an incredible example of "casual diversity." There are characters with disabilities (General Amaya is deaf and uses sign language), LGBTQ+ parents, and a wide range of ethnicities, all in a high-stakes fantasy world. The plot is the focus, and the diversity is just the reality of the world.

Instead of another round of Roblox, have them try this. It’s a puzzle-platformer developed in collaboration with the Iñupiat, an Alaska Native people. It’s atmospheric, beautiful, and teaches cultural folklore through gameplay.

Fair warning: this is for the older teens (TV-MA). It’s a gritty, hilarious, and heartbreaking look at four Indigenous teens in rural Oklahoma. It’s the antithesis of "brain rot"—it’s complex storytelling that demands your attention.

Even if your teen is "Marvel-ed out," this series is worth it. It’s a vibrant look at a Pakistani-American teen in Jersey City. It balances superhero tropes with the very real pressures of immigrant family life and religious identity.

Check out our full guide on finding age-appropriate diverse graphic novels

A common mistake well-meaning parents make is only showing "diverse" media when it’s about a struggle. For example, only reading books about the Civil Rights movement or the Holocaust.

While those are vital, it is equally important for your kids to see diverse joy.

If the only time a child sees someone "different" is when that person is suffering, it can inadvertently create a "pity" dynamic rather than an "empathy" or "equality" dynamic. Aim for a 50/50 split between historical/struggle narratives and contemporary/joyful narratives.

You don't need to turn every movie night into a seminar. In fact, if you do, your kids will probably start "forgetting" to invite you to watch stuff. Instead, use the "I wonder" technique:

If your kid asks a question that makes you uncomfortable (e.g., "Why is that person's skin that color?" or "Why does that boy have two dads?"), don't hush them. Hushing creates shame. Answer simply and factually: "People come in all different shades, just like flowers," or "Some families have a mom and a dad, and some have two dads. Isn't it great there are so many ways to be a family?"

The digital world is naturally tribal. Algorithms want to keep us in our own little corners because that’s where we’re easiest to sell to. By intentionally choosing media that breaks those walls, you aren't just entertaining your kid—you’re literally rewiring their brain to be more open, more curious, and more resilient.

It’s okay if they still want to play Minecraft or watch some mindless brain rot occasionally. We all need a "junk food" break. But make sure their "main course" includes stories that act as both mirrors (seeing themselves) and windows (seeing the world).

Ask our chatbot for more alternatives to popular "mainstream" shows