Childhood Unlimited: Parenting Beyond the Gender Bias

by Virginia Mendez

THIS BOOK IS NOW REPUBLISHED UNDER EVERYONE PAYS THE PRICE! ChECK IT OUT



- 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.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Psychology

256 pages, Paperback

First published September 13, 2026

About the author

Virginia Méndez is a feminist author, speaker, coach and trainer dedicated to gender equality, inclusion and social change.

Spanish-born and based in Belfast, Northern Ireland, since 2014, she writes and speaks about parenting, work, culture and everyday life through an intersectional feminist lens.

She is the author of Everyone Pays the Price (originally published as Childhood Unlimited by John Murray Press), a non-judgemental guide on how to raise children beyond gender bias. She has also written the bilingual children’s series Mika & Lolo and three essay collections: Through My Lens, Writing Out Loud and Life in Progress. She is a contributing voice in Diverse Educators: A Manifesto.

With a background in business and law and experience at Deloitte and PwC, Virginia now works with schools, companies and public sector organisations across the UK and Ireland. She has helped thousands of children explore consent, gender bias and empowerment, and believes curiosity, critical thinking and honest conversations are essential to creating lasting change.

She co-founded The Feminist Shop, an ethical brand that educates on feminism, and writes a weekly newsletter at virginiamendez.substack.com.

You can find her online at virginiamendezm.com and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/virginiamendez.

Reviews

[Jo-Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must-read for any parent or educator who cares about equality, and worries about the limitations that gender stereotypes place on kids of all genders. The author's stories about her own children are inspiring and illuminate the need to be careful about the often unintended messages we send our children, and she backs it up with research and interviews with experts. There is no way to unsee the biased world our kids are growing up in once you read this so thankfully the author provides plenty of tips for minimizing the impact it has on them. I am a wiser and fairer parent after reading this book. I wish it had been around when my children were younger but it's still useful with my teens!

[Helen (they or he) · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a non-binary person, this book has brought me so much joy. Not only is this informational and concisely written with many references, it is also evidently made with love and passion about the subject. This is a much needed book in our society, especially right now. I'm very glad and honored that I had the opportunity to read this even before it is published.

[Hannah Crocker]

It wasn’t really what I was expecting. It didn’t really feel like the author was confident in the information and there was a lot of over explaining to try to compensate. I would probably give this two stars but I’m also in a weird mood so I’m not sure if I’m being too harsh or not. I’ll revisit at some point and leave a better review and actually star it then.

[L.]

*I don’t rate nonfiction*

Overall I thought this was important and a great book for every parent to read. This is a wonderful introduction to gender bias for parents who may not have a lot of education on the topic. While I was aware of most of the information being presented it was a great reminder and had great reflection questions to assist your personal reflection.

[Anna Stoecklein · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant book that really breaks down a difficult topic into a way that is easy to understand, enjoyable to read, and with actionable next steps to starting making changes today. Should be mandatory reading for all adults, not just parents! :)

[Amy Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Concise and easy to read with practical actions. A must-read for anyone less confident in the topic, and perhaps a reassuring boost for those that have already tried to avoid/breakdown gender stereotypes with children.

[Rachel S · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author states: I wish I knew more about motherhood
Well I wish this book was around when I had young kids. This book was eye-opening in so many ways.