Raising Anti-Racist Children - A Holistic Approach (with Kristen Coggins)
Jun 10, 2020
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Kristen Coggins, a respiratory therapist and positive discipline educator, shares her firsthand insights on empowering parents to raise anti-racist children. The conversation highlights the importance of self-reflection and compassion for fostering empathy. Kristen emphasizes the role of open dialogues about race within families and modeling positive values. She also discusses balancing personal grief with parenting, showcasing the necessity of self-care. Additionally, the duo explores children’s learning processes for creating inclusive environments.
Parents must engage in self-reflection to identify biases, enabling them to foster empathy and model anti-racist behaviors for their children.
Creating a safe space for open discussions about race allows children to express their feelings and develops their understanding of diversity and acceptance.
Deep dives
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Balancing Work and Grief
Chrissy Coggins shares her experiences as a busy mom and positive discipline educator, emphasizing the importance of slowing down and prioritizing self-care. Following the loss of her baby girl, she highlights her journey of giving herself permission to take a step back from work to focus on healing. This experience has instilled in her the value of mindfulness, urging others to practice self-awareness and understand their emotional needs. By prioritizing their well-being, parents can cultivate healthier relationships with their children.
The Importance of Mindfulness in Parenting
Coggins discusses the significance of mindful parenting in addressing systemic racism and creating anti-racist environments for children. She emphasizes the need for parents to engage in self-reflection to understand their biases and model the behaviors they wish to instill in their children. By using mindfulness tools, such as recognizing and allowing discomfort, individuals can separate their feelings from their identities and approach conversations about race with empathy. This personal growth is crucial for raising children who are aware of and respectful toward differences.
Encouraging Open Conversations About Race
Coggins advises parents to approach discussions about race with honesty and openness, recognizing that children are naturally curious and need guidance to navigate complex social issues. By creating an environment where children can express their questions without fear of judgment, parents can help develop their understanding of diversity and acceptance. Instead of shying away from uncomfortable topics, parents should validate their children's feelings and encourage meaningful dialogue. This proactive engagement can build trust and understanding, paving the way for future generations to embrace inclusivity.
Kristen Coggins is a respiratory therapist, a positive discipline educator, a mom, and a Black woman, so she is very much in the eye of the current storm with a first-person perspective of the history unfolding around us. Krissy and Janet discuss the positive steps parents can take right now toward raising empathetic, anti-racist children, starting with the hard work of self-reflection with compassion. As Krissy writes: “Being able to appreciate the full humanity of another person is fostered in how well you see yourself and how well you see your children. Do you treat them like whole people with their own thoughts, feelings and desires? Everything is cyclical.”
For more advice on common parenting issues, please check out Janet's best-selling books on Audible, FREE with a 30-day trial membership if you use this link: adbl.co/2OBVztZ.
Paperbacks and e-books are also available at Amazon, Google Play, Barnes & Noble and Apple Books.
Janet's exclusive audio series "Sessions" is available for download. This is a collection of recorded one-on-one consultations with parents discussing their most immediate and pressing concerns (www.SessionsAudio.com).
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