Season 3 of The Parenting Cipher starts on 10/26 and we bring in this season as an Award-nominated show for the Best Black Family Parenting Podcast by the Black Pod Awards. This season’s theme is “ Leaning In”, into advocating for our health, ensuring our children make progress in school, knowing more about our children’s diagnosis, how to support our children’s mental health
Welcome to Season 3 of The Parenting Cipher! In this season, we’re diving deeper into the essential topic of parenting advocacy and health. As an award-nominated podcast for Best Black Family Parenting Podcast by the Black Pod Awards, we’re bringing a wealth of insights and real conversations to help you advocate for your child’s health, education, and overall well-being. This season’s theme, “Leaning In,” focuses on ensuring that our children not only make progress in school but also have the mental health support they need. From understanding their diagnoses to supporting their growth, we’ll provide you with the tools and resources to help your family thrive.
Genie Dawkins
Host of The Parenting Cipher, Genie Dawkins is a single mother of four and has over 25 years of being a parent advocate of special needs children. In addition to obtaining her Certification in Integrative Health Coaching, Lateefa holds an M.S. in Non-Profit Management and a B.S. in Social Sciences. Genie is the best-selling author of two books “Not My Child: Navigating Your Child’s Learning Difficulties with IEP’s and Education Resources” and a recent release “The Joyful Family Planner”. As an educational advocacy specialist, her mission is to help parents achieve a balanced life and overcome inevitable challenges both at school and home in a way that empowers parents and children.
Being a parent is challenging enough, but when your child faces difficulties in school or with their health, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Parenting advocacy and health aren’t just about supporting your child when they need it most—they're about ensuring you are actively involved in their journey every step of the way. This advocacy can take many forms: from navigating school meetings, such as IEP (Individualized Education Plan) sessions, to making sure they get the mental health resources they need.
As parents, it’s our job to understand both the physical and mental health needs of our children and ensure those needs are met. This is where advocacy becomes vital—standing up for your child’s rights in school, healthcare settings, and at home. Through this season, we will explore the ways you can take charge, empower yourself, and provide your child with the resources and care they deserve.
The theme of this season, "Leaning In," perfectly embodies what every parent should strive for when it comes to parenting advocacy and health. Leaning in means becoming fully engaged in your child's life, not just as a caretaker but as an advocate for their overall well-being. It means recognizing when their health needs to be prioritized and when their mental health requires extra attention.
For example, if your child is struggling in school, it’s essential to identify if there’s an underlying health issue—such as a learning disability, behavioral challenges, or a mental health concern—that needs addressing. Leaning in requires you to advocate for the necessary evaluations, communicate with school personnel, and ensure your child is not overlooked. By becoming an active participant in their health and education, you help pave the way for their success and growth.
While every child is unique, there are several foundational steps you can take to start advocating for their health and education more effectively:
Understand Their Diagnosis
Knowledge is power. Whether your child has a learning disability, a mental health condition, or other challenges, make sure you educate yourself. Understanding your child’s diagnosis allows you to better advocate for them and ensures that you are making informed decisions about their care.
Establish a Health and Education Plan
Advocacy is most effective when it is organized. Create a comprehensive health and education plan for your child that outlines both their academic and physical needs. This plan will be a valuable tool when meeting with teachers, doctors, and other professionals. It can also serve as a reminder of the goals and resources needed for your child's success.
Build a Strong Support System
You don’t have to do it all alone. Establish a strong network of family, friends, educators, and healthcare providers who can support both you and your child. The more voices you have advocating for your child, the more likely it is that their needs will be met. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or lean on others when you need it.
Monitor Progress and Adjust as Needed
Advocacy isn’t a one-time event. It’s an ongoing process. Regularly check in on your child’s progress in both school and health-related matters. Are their academic needs being met? Is their health improving? If something isn’t working, speak up and work with professionals to adjust the plan as needed.
Another critical area of parenting advocacy and health is supporting your child’s mental well-being. Mental health plays a major role in your child’s overall development, and it’s essential to address any issues as early as possible. Whether your child is dealing with anxiety, depression, or simply the pressures of school, having the right tools and support systems in place can make all the difference.
This season, The Parenting Cipher will highlight how parents can lean in and create safe spaces for their children to talk about their feelings and struggles. Advocacy in mental health may mean connecting with a therapist, creating coping strategies, or simply providing a listening ear. No matter what approach you take, it’s important to ensure your child’s mental health needs are prioritized.
As we wrap up Season 3 of The Parenting Cipher, we hope you feel empowered and more confident in your role as an advocate for your child’s health and education. Parenting advocacy and health go hand-in-hand, and it’s crucial that we continue to lean into these areas to ensure our children’s well-being. Thank you for joining us on this journey, and don’t forget to subscribe, share, and tune in next week for more episodes that provide support, laughter, and expert advice. Together, we can create a healthier, more balanced life for our families!
What to Expect in Season 3:
Genie continues to help parents become more confident in navigating their child’s disabilities so they can reach their highest potential in school and in life.
Episodes on children’s health, advocacy, business, and mental and academic well-being.
Conversations with other parents who have children with special needs.
More laughter and support from Genie and The Parenting Cipher community
Stay Connected:
Genie Dawkins
Website: Genie Dawkins
Twitter: @genie49317
Facebook: Genie Dawkins
Instagram: @geniedawkins
LinkedIn: Genie Dawkins
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This episode was produced and managed by Podcast Laundry.