Childhood Unlimited

• In 2013, Disney released its most egalitarian film to date - but 59% of all the lines in Frozen are spoken by male characters.

  - 57% of children's books published annually have central male characters; just 31% have central female characters.

  Raising your child beyond the limitations placed on them by gender is, let's face it, an uphill battle. If you don't know where to start, or how to start, you will find inspiration, insight and plenty of practical strategies in Childhood Unlimited. From navigating the gendered constructs that dominate children's films, television and media generally, to choosing appropriate and stimulating toys beyond the binary divide, this accessible and relatable book will make the whole process much less daunting.
  Based on interviews with, and research by, some of the best thought-leaders from the fields of psychology, neuroscience and education, the insights in this book will not only open the eyes of any parent or caregiver, they will inspire you to help your child to look at the world in a critical, creative and empowered way. Free from the restraints of the stereotypes that surround gender, your child has the opportunity to reach their true potential - and this is the book that you need to launch them on that journey.

“If every carer, parent, and teacher read this book and truly applied its principles in educating children, we can end gender discrimination within a generation.”

Farida D., author of THE LIST OF SHIT THAT MADE ME A FEMINIST
Raising your child free from gender stereotypes seems to be almost impossible, even in 2022! But for those of us who would like give our kids permission to play outside the limits of pink and blue, this ambitious book offers valuable insight. Virginia has combined personal experience and practical advice with academic research and expert interviews to explore the topic from a fresh perspective. Aileen Barrett, @tindertranslators
At last! A thoughtful, thought-provoking and hugely practical guide for those wishing to fight against gender bombardment, to challenge gender stereotypes, to arm the world [especially the next generation] against the stifling power of age-old beliefs about sex and gender. Not just invaluable how-to and what-next guides, but inspiring discussions about why it matters - for girls, for boys, for trans kids. A wonderful balance between accessible summaries of current research and genuinely useful tips on what to do about it all. Professor Gina Rippon, author of 'The Gendered Brain'
If you've ever questioned gender reveal parties or the 'pink or blue' divide, Childhood Unlimited is the book you'll want to share with all of your children's friends, grandparents, teachers, and caregivers. Virginia shares critical concepts about the impact of gender stereotypes upon our children's future aspirations and goals (a serious topic, certainly) in a conversational and friendly tone. If you care about gender equality for the next generation, pull up a chair as Virginia takes you on a journey filled with practical tips plus a few laughs. Catherine Bailey, Founder, 'Think or Blue'
Childhood Unlimited is an essential read for anyone involved in bringing up children. Virginia Mendez takes us systematically through the ubiquity of gender stereotyping across every aspect of children's lives, illustrating how it shapes different paths in life, according to gender. In each chapter, Virginia draws on her own experiences as a parent, modelling self-reflection before bringing in evidence and expert voices. Virginia exhorts us to join her in changing the world and - crucially - highlights small practical steps everyone can take to get started on this mission. -- Caren Gestetner, Chief Executive and Co-founder, Lifting Limits

Virginia Mendez is a mother of two and the co-founder of She is the author of two books for children on gender, and consent. As a children's author, she has spoken to over 2000 school children, promoting critical thinking and inviting them to understand what is behind their already-formed ideas about things being for boys and things being for girls. She has spoken at the Human Rights Festival, has been published in both Forbes and The Sunday Times, and is part of the thought leader program 'Ladies who Launch'. She has been featured in Women in Business and she is frequently invited to podcasts and YouTube channels as a guest speaker. Virginia is part of the Global Equality Collective, and DiverseEducators. She has been recognised as one of the 145 Inspiring Women Leaders of 2020 by Diverse In Globaland and won an award as one of the Top 100 UK #iAlso f:Entrepreneurs in 2020.

• In 2013, Disney released its most egalitarian film to date - but 59% of all the lines in Frozen are spoken by male characters.- 57% of children's books published annually have central male characters; just 31% have central female characters.Raising your child beyond the limitations placed on them by gender is, let's face it, an uphill battle. If you don't know where to start, or how to start, you will find inspiration, insight and plenty of practical strategies in Childhood Unlimited . From navigating the gendered constructs that dominate children's films, television and media generally, to choosing appropriate and stimulating toys beyond the binary divide, this accessible and relatable book will make the whole process much less daunting.Based on interviews with, and research by, some of the best thought-leaders from the fields of psychology, neuroscience and education, the insights in this book will not only open the eyes of any parent or caregiver, they will inspire you to help your child to look at the world in a critical, creative and empowered way. Free from the restraints of the stereotypes that surround gender, your child has the opportunity to reach their true potential - and this is the book that you need to launch them on that journey.

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