Having conversations around race and mental health is hard for parents and caregivers. Yet, parents and caregivers are the most equipped to create spaces for healthy dialogue—today, children have access to news, commentary, and social media but lack the context that history provides. In addition to understanding the world we live in, exposing children to Black History is also an opportunity to celebrate and promote a positive self-image.
This month I am celebrating Black History Month with my first series. For February, we will discuss Black History and Mental Health. We're kicking this series off with today's episode titled: Why Knowing Their History Can Improve Your Child's Mental Health. In this episode, I discuss three ways that understanding mental health can improve your child's mental health.
Future episodes in this series include:
- How to talk to your children about race and racism.
- Why representation is crucial for your child's mental health
- The importance of breaking the stigma around mental health for Black Children and Adolescents.
- [00:05:05] The note of the week, 2022's Black History Month Theme.
- [00:09:09] The significance of this year's theme and how we use it to support children's mental health in the wake of recent events.
- [00:11:15] Our adolescent children benefit significantly from understanding their history as this is a critical time in Identity Development. Here I discuss ways parents and caregivers can use history to help their children process the world around them.
- [00:14:30] Research supports that children with a healthy sense of identity take pride in their culture. Learn how to use Black History and your family history to improve self-esteem and promote a positive self-image.
- [00:15:48] The stress of racial uprisings, protests, and disturbing videos are emotionally triggering. As adults, we have the context to help us process our emotions through understanding history. Unfortunately, our children don't. Here I discuss how discussions about history can support your child's mental health and foster understanding and empathy.
- [00:17:59] Resources for parents and caregivers that foster communication
- [00:21:11] Discussions about history improve family connection and create moments for family connection. Join me as I share tips for creating memories through historical events.
- [00:29:00] Why Black History Month and an understanding of race and racism is a conversation for everyone.
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Note of the Week- https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/black-history-month
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