Raising children is not for the faint of heart. In this current social climate, it can seem even more difficult to promote the healthy development of our children. Aside from everyday stressors we manage, such as ensuring our children have their physical needs met and are safe, we also have to worry about the racism and attacks on their identity that affect their emotional well-being and view of themselves. Put simply, parenting is hard.
It is more important than ever to rely on and infuse the tools in our culture that have sustained and strengthened us over the years. The ways of knowing, growing, and healing embedded in our culture are evidence-based strategies tested and proven in our communities and shown to promote healthy development. Below are some culture-centered strategies that can support you in protecting and preserving your children's social, emotional, and cultural identity.
Music and Dancing
The healing effect of music is well-known. In the African American community, music has been used to share stories of joy, triumph, tragedy, and pain. It has provided a soundtrack of our history in this country and encapsulated a shared story that allows us to relate to one another in deep, meaningful ways. It has also provided unique, vibrant, and intricate beats and rhythms that seep into our muscles and cause us to move our bodies. Whether we simply sway side to side or stand with our hands in the air as we rock and dip, we use dance to release, relate, and celebrate.
Laying of Hands
Although this cultural healing method is strongly associated with African American church tradition, it is not simply a religious tool but a spiritual one. There is power in touch. Whether we lay hands in prayer or simply to remind each other of our connection to one another, the act is healing. It reminds us that we are not alone, that our community sees us, and that our experience is shared. It gives us hope that our trial is temporary and joy will come in the morning. Even when we lay hands on ourselves, we re-establish our self-connection and tap into the Divine inside us.
The Food that Feeds Us
There is a reason our cuisine is aptly called Soul Food. Our meals take time. We are intentional in selecting our menu. We have fried fish and collared greens on Fridays and baked chicken, string beans, and mashed potatoes on Sundays. We plan because we take feeding our stomachs and souls seriously. Bringing our children into the kitchen with us is a time-honored tradition that helps us pass delicious recipes down and provides an opportunity for connection and healing. This mindfulness practice is often overlooked yet so meaningful and effective. We get to demonstrate our love for our children through meals and show them that the outcome is worth the process.
I hope you enjoyed this blog. If you would like more information on culture-centered strategies that support the healthy development of our youth, visit www.crestsprogram.com
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