Parenting is a challenge for all cultures, considering that you have the desire to transmit knowledge, love, and acceptance to your child so they can be prepared to go on the journey that matters. This involves having open conversations about the world they live in, prioritizing emotional wellness, and more.
As a Black person, you are probably finding that the journey of being a good parent is laced with more parenting challenges than you expected, especially as the world is changing rapidly around you. If you feel like you could do with some more tools to help you navigate this journey, then you are in the right place.
Empowering Black parenting is all about honoring your heritage, nurturing emotional well-being, and giving your children the strategies to survive in an increasingly complex and dangerous world.
Centering Culture and Identity Early
The biggest gift that African American parenting can bestow upon its children is a strong sense of identity. In a world that’s constantly pulling them in all directions, they need an anchor that will show them who they are and where they stand.
You can begin this journey early by making everyday choices relevant to your culture:
- Choosing books that feature Black protagonists
- Listening to music and experiencing art that’s rooted in Black culture
- Watching movies that have brilliant, strong African American actors and actresses (Black Panther being one great example)
- Sharing family stories and showing Black family dynamics that display resilience and achievement
It’s not about celebrating Black History Month and then forgetting about it for the rest of the year.
Having Open Conversations about the World They Live In
The world is getting increasingly complicated and complex. It’s not the same as when you or your parents grew up, and that needs to be acknowledged.
Your children need to understand the world they live in so they can navigate it better. This is especially true for African American children living in certain parts of the United States, where they are in more danger than in other spaces.
Keep your conversations at age-appropriate levels, but start having these conversations right now. These chats about fairness, justice, safety, and self-advocacy will ensure your children process their experiences, rather than internalizing confusion, fear, or even shame.
Advocating Within Educational Spaces
The cost of childcare in NYC can be exorbitant, and if you cannot do without it, then you will want to find a way to advocate for your child in such educational places. You want your child to go into these spaces and feel accepted, loved, and supported.
They should be treated fairly, supported fully, and challenged appropriately, so:
- Attend the meetings
- Communicate regularly with the teachers
- Understand the school policies
- Join any additional extracurricular activities as necessary
Remember that advocacy isn’t about confrontation but about collaboration.
Focusing on Emotional Wellness
Your child needs to be emotionally healthy as much as they need to do well academically. That emotional wellness comes from you and the skills you transmit to them.
For generations, emotional struggles were ignored, unnamed, and relegated to the sidelines or minimized. The time has come to remove that silence, to break that cycle.
Teach your children to name their feelings, practice empathy, and seek help when they feel overwhelmed with their emotions or anything else. Your children need to know that you will be there for them no matter what emotional hurdle comes their way.
Modeling Financial and Life Skills
We live in a capitalistic society where financial knowledge, or lack thereof, can make a huge difference in a child’s life. Start modeling financial and life skills right now, speaking to your child about it regularly so they don’t miss out on this important capability.
Teaching basic financial literacy, goal setting, and decision-making skills will go a long way in the future. Start a 529 College Savings Plan for them so they don’t have to go into heavy debt for their education in the future.
Encouraging Joy, Rest, and Play
Life isn’t just about toiling away at some task until you die. It should also be joyous and beautiful.
You can help your children by making space for them:
- To be creative
- To laugh freely
- To explore interests
- To experiment, and more
You will also benefit from rest, so teach self-care not only to your child but to yourself as well. Practicing healthy boundaries will also help here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can Black Parents Challenge Stereotypes Through Everyday Actions?
As Black parents, you are probably going to notice stereotypes being foisted upon your children regularly. People are ignorant, and there’s nothing you can do about them.
But you can make your child’s identity and individuality strong enough that they can handle all of these prejudices without faltering. Affirmations, positive reinforcement, and consistent support remind children that they are capable, valued, and deserving of opportunity.
How to Build Strong Black Parenting Support Networks?
Children need a community of supportive people around them, and that’s why building a strong support network around you is going to be crucial. It’s not only for your child, but also for yourself.
You can’t do it all yourself, no matter how much you would like to. Having a group of friends, family members, loved ones, and colleagues who all support you in this parenting journey is going to ensure you don’t burn out on the journey.
It will also teach your child about teamwork and the importance of good friendships and strong family roots.
Empowered Black Parenting Raises Confident Children
Empowering Black parenting is rooted in intention, love, and vision. It honors the past while actively shaping a better future.
Take the steps listed above, and it will ensure you equip your children with all the skills necessary to take on the world as it comes at them, without breaking down or becoming anxious. Every conversation, tradition, and lesson contributes to raising children who know who they are and believe in what they can become.
Please read through related articles on our website for more articles sharing the voice of the Black community.
