The Happy Hues Company is on a Mission to Diversify the World of Potty Training
When I heard my son’s heartbeat for the first time, a million thoughts ran through my mind. More often than not, I found myself thinking about what it would mean to raise a Black and Dominican child. I wondered whether my child would grow up to feel confused about how he fits into the world with his mixed heritage or if he’d feel like he belonged in the world.
I think everyone has moments where they don’t feel seen based on a number of factors, which can impact self-esteem. I’d be lying if I said I’m immune to those thoughts even as an adult who has a better understanding of myself. I’ll let you in on a secret though. It was my mom who was adamant about making sure I had Black dolls to play with and bedsheets with BIPOC on them to sleep on.
I used to reject these things whenever she’d introduce them to me but quickly found solace in them. It’s one of the reasons I can’t help but pay attention when I notice agencies or brands that are committed to championing representation, diversity and inclusion. In the case of kids, they’re consistently learning new information and often look to adults or the world around them to teach them new things. They’re more aware than they’re sometimes given credit for which means they’re always paying attention to things.
While this may not seem like a big deal, studies have shown that self-esteem is established by the age of 5. Since the messages we receive on a daily basis aren’t always positive or affirming, representation matters, especially for young kids.
Big-ups Unisex Training Pants
This is where companies such as The Happy Hues Company comes in to fill the representation gap. When founder Eunique Jones Gibson realized her daughter didn’t have any training pants (pull-ups) with characters that looked like her, she decided that it was important to make sure other toddlers felt seen. In her words, the purpose of the company’s Big-ups, their version of pull-ups, is “to give every child another opportunity to see themselves.”
Additionally, The Happy Hues Company’s Big-ups are formulated with shea butter and are free of parabens, lotions and fragrances. Not only that but they feature a wetness indicator, double leak guard for extra protection and tearable sides. For parents who have children with sensitive skin or eczema, these features are paramount for ensuring their toddlers are comfortable. Currently, the Big-ups are available up to size 5T (38-50 lbs).
As one of the parents of a toddler who is a person of color and has eczema, words can’t describe how it feels to see something as innovative as Big-ups on the market. My hope is that more companies like The Happy Hues Company become available so that my son will grow up to see himself represented and feel that diversity is a part of life.
To learn more about The Happy Hues Company, be sure to visit their website and social media pages:
The Happy Hues Company - Website
The Happy Hues Company - YouTube
