In children's literature there are many examples of how we can include instead of getting stuck in norms that limit and inhibit our children.

In the book Konrad's dress, his sister Hedvig has been given a fantastically beautiful, sparkly dress that Konrad also wants. The focus of the book is not that Konrad is a guy who wants a dress, but the feelings it evokes for not having received something so nice himself, and how grandmother resolves the conflict between the siblings by rooting out yet another beautiful dress.

In the book När vi leker, the main character fantasizes about what Miss does when the children play. That the miss is a caring man with dark skin color is not something that the book focuses on, but it is just a matter of course.

It is important that we give the children a broad introduction and representation of different role models, as well as which words we use when we talk. Including and teaching children that they themselves have the right to choose who they want to be, whether they want to be she, he or she, is a way to prevent and counteract mental illness in children and young people.

Remember! Give the children many different stories and a wide representation of role models!