Smart Toddler Schools Cashier Who Told Her To Pick Out A Doll That ‘Looks Like Her’

Have you ever taken a toddler to a toy store to help them pick out a toy? With so many options to choose from, little kids can easily get overwhelmed and struggle to make a choice.

But such was not the case for little Sophia. She knew she wanted a new dolly (her reward for being potty-trained) and she carefully selected a doll that she felt a strong connection to. When Sophia brought her doll to the cashier, the woman asked whether the doll was a birthday gift for a friend. A confused Sophia said no, it was for her.

The salesperson pushed on, saying, “But she doesn’t look like you. We have lots of other dolls that look more like you.”

Sophia is white and the doll was black. But, Sophia has already learned that our skin color doesn’t define us—and she gave the cashier the perfect response:

“Yes, she does. She’s a doctor like I’m a doctor. And I’m a pretty girl and she’s a pretty girl. See her pretty hair? And see her stethoscope?”

Wow. What a self-assured and articulate little girl! And what a powerful message about the importance of diversity—even when it comes to the toy aisle.

In fact, studies show that diverse toys could help with a child’s brain development. Whether it’s playing with Lego’s recently released Minifigure in a wheelchair or a Barbie of a different skin color, research says that these toys can help children to develop compassion and empathy.

minifig
Lego

Samantha Knowles, director of the award-winning documentary “Why Do You Have Black Dolls?” tells The Huffington Post that, “[Diverse] dolls give kids a more robust and healthy sense of the world and of themselves.”

So how can parents help encourage kids to choose toys that are reflective of the melting pot of the humanity?

black
Barbie

As little Sophia’s story illustrates, all we really need to do is simply stand out of their way and shut down any judgment about their toy choices from naysayers. Whether it’s a little boy who wants to play dress-up or a Caucasian girl who wants to play with a African-American doll, our kids simply need freedom to roam the toy aisles without hearing “Those toys are for boys!” or “Wouldn’t you rather have this pretty blonde doll?”

After all, a better tomorrow starts with our children, even in the middle of a toy store.

[h/t: Pop Sugar]

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About the Author
Bridget Sharkey
Bridget Sharkey is a freelance writer covering pop culture, beauty, food, health and nature.

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