The Vermont Department of Health (VDH) published an “Inclusive Language for Families” guide.
“The language we use matters!” the health department wrote. “When talking about family, it’s important to use terms that cover the many versions of what family can look like.”
According to the department, families should seek to use “child” or “kid” instead of “daughter” or “son.” The gender-neutral term aims to “describe a child who may not be someone’s legal son or daughter,” the group explained.
Using the phrase “family members” instead of “household members” was also recommended because “not all families live in the same home.”
Instead of saying “extended family,” the agency recommended using “family” for grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
According to the agency’s website, the VDH values “equity,” “inclusion,” and “harmony,” among other values.
“We aim to center health justice and address racism and all forms of oppression in our programs and policies, our approach to collaboration, and how we build and nurture our workforce,” the site says, adding, “We support a culture of belonging and diversity where people are valued, trusted, and able to be their authentic selves.”
