Women’s History Month is a great opportunity to introduce children to the stories of influential women and the contributions they have made in science, literature, civil rights, and beyond.
By bringing these conversations into the home, you as the parent, can help your children develop a deeper appreciation for history and an understanding of how these stories continue to shape our world today.
Here are some simple and meaningful ways to celebrate Women’s History Month as a family.
1. Read Books About Inspiring Women
One of the best ways to introduce children to influential women is through books. Choose stories that highlight women’s achievements across different fields. For younger children, picture books with engaging illustrations can make history feel more accessible. Older kids and teens can explore biographies and historical fiction to dive deeper into these stories.
For younger readers:
I Am Amelia Earhart by Brad Meltzer
Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed
She Persisted: 13 American Women Who Changed the World by Chelsea Clinton
For older kids and teens:
Hidden Figures (Young Readers’ Edition) by Margot Lee Shetterly
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
Reading books together and discussing them helps children connect with history in a personal way. Ask questions like, “What did you learn from this story?” or “How do you think this person’s work still impacts us today?”
2. Highlight Women in Everyday Conversations
Make it a point to talk about the contributions of women in everyday life. When discussing a favorite author, scientist, or artist, mention their impact and how they changed the world. For example, if your child loves space, talk about Sally Ride or Mae Jemison. If they enjoy sports, introduce them to Serena Williams or Wilma Rudolph.
A simple way to do this is by pointing out women in the news, in books, or in history when the opportunity arises. These small moments help children see that women’s contributions are everywhere and worth recognizing.
3. Encourage Creative Expression Through Writing or Art
Encourage children to express what they learn through writing or art. Ask them to write a short story about a woman in history, create a drawing of someone they admire, or even design a “Women’s History Month” poster featuring important figures.
You can also have them write a letter to a woman they admire. This could be a teacher, family member, or historical figure. Even if they do not send it, writing about why they find someone inspiring helps them think critically about role models and personal values.
4. Watch Educational Videos or Documentaries
Visual storytelling can make history more engaging for kids. There are plenty of documentaries and short educational videos that highlight the achievements of women in different fields. Some great options include:
Makers: Women Who Make America (PBS) – A documentary series about women’s contributions in different industries.
Hidden Figures (Movie) – A great introduction to the contributions of Black women in NASA.
The Who Was? Show (Netflix) – A fun and educational series featuring episodes about famous historical figures.
For younger kids, animated videos from platforms like PBS Kids, TED-Ed, or Scholastic can engagingly introduce historical figures.
5. Explore Virtual Museums and Exhibits
Many museums offer online exhibits dedicated to women’s history. Virtual tours allow families to explore history together without leaving home. A few to check out include:
The National Women’s History Museum (www.womenshistory.org)
The Smithsonian’s American Women’s History Initiative (www.womenshistory.si.edu)
The Library of Congress Women’s History Month Exhibit (www.loc.gov)
Browsing these resources with your child and discussing what you learn together can be a fun and interactive way to celebrate the month.
6. Encourage Goal-Setting and Big Dreams
One of the most important lessons from Women’s History Month is that perseverance and ambition can lead to real change. Use this time to talk with your child about their own goals and dreams. Ask them, “What do you want to achieve?” and “How can you make a difference in the world?”
Highlight examples of women who overcame obstacles to pursue their goals, reinforcing the idea that anything is possible with determination and hard work. Encouraging a growth mindset and self-confidence can help children see themselves as capable of making an impact in their own way.
7. Support Women-Owned Businesses and Creators
A great way to make Women’s History Month more tangible is to support women-owned businesses, artists, or authors. Visit a bookstore and pick out a book written by a female author, buy a piece of art from a local female artist, or explore women-owned restaurants and businesses in your community.
This teaches children that celebrating women’s contributions is not just about looking at the past—it is also about supporting women in the present.
8. Keep the Learning Going Beyond March
While Women’s History Month is a special time to focus on these conversations, the learning does not have to stop when the month ends. Make it a habit to include diverse voices and perspectives in the books you read, the media you watch, and the discussions you have with your child throughout the year.
By consistently incorporating stories of women’s achievements into everyday learning, you help your child develop a lifelong appreciation for history, diversity, and equality.
Women’s History Month is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women while inspiring the next generation to dream big and make an impact. Whether you are reading books together, having meaningful conversations, or exploring history through museums and documentaries, every small effort helps build awareness and appreciation.
The most important thing is to make the learning experience engaging and relevant to your child. When children see the incredible contributions of women throughout history, they not only gain knowledge but also the confidence to believe that they, too, can make a difference.
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