The Parenting Cipher: Recent Episodes

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Are you worried about your teen's online safety and how much control they should have over their technology?

In this episode, Genie Dawkins talks about the emotional and practical journey of giving her son, Zavier, more control over his technology as he turns 13. From setting up recovery options to dealing with location settings, Genie shares her reflections on the responsibilities that come with turning 13. This episode highlights the importance of open conversations between parents and children about technology use, offering insights from previous expert interviews and personal experiences.

Key Takeaways:

• The significance of turning 13 and the responsibilities that come with it.

• Steps for setting up technology settings safely with your teenager.

• The importance of parental involvement in conversations about technology and responsibility.

• Lessons from experts Jody Aman, Simone Alicia, and Elizabeth on guiding teenagers in managing online safety.

• Impact on a teenager's sense of agency, self-esteem, and responsibility.

• Strategies for ensuring clear expectations and boundaries regarding technology use.

Timestamps:

03:58 Google account supervision for kids over 13

09:42 "Why not empower him with tech?"

10:51 Giving children agency reduces anxiety and rebellion.

15:57 Reflecting on conversations, empowering son's growing independence.

18:06 YouTube ads and parental controls for kids.

Links and Resources:

• "Black Gold" by Flying Lotus: From the Yasuke soundtrack, symbolizing Zavier’s journey into a new identity as he turns 13.
• Google Safety Center [Google Safet
• National Online Safety: (https://nationalonlinesafety.com/)
• Family Online Safety Institute: (https://www.fosi.org/
• Google Family Link: https://families.google/familylink/
• Jodi Aman : https://jodiaman.com/
• Elizabeth Milovidov: https://www.digitalparentingcoach.com/
• Dr. Simone Alicia: https://www.theselfesteemdoctor.com/

Quotes:

1. "Turning 13 is a milestone, not just for our children, but for us as parents as we balance their newfound independence with ensuring they are safe." – Genie Dawkins

2. "Conversations about technology use and boundaries are essential. It's about building trust and setting clear expectations." – Genie Dawkins

3. "Empowering our teenagers with responsibilities can boost their self-esteem and sense of agency, but we have to guide them in managing those responsibilities." – Genie Dawkins

Speaker Biographies:

Genie Dawkins

Genie Dawkins is a dedicated and passionate advocate for parents navigating the challenges of raising children in a tech-savvy world. As the host of "The Parenting Cipher," she shares her experiences and insights into effective parenting strategies, often inspired by her journey with her own children. Genie’s candid reflections and thoughtful conversations help listeners understand and tackle the complexities of modern parenting.

Join us in this episode as we delve into the journey of empowering our teenagers with the right technological tools while ensuring their safety and growth. Tune in to "The Parenting Cipher" and be part of the conversation!

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Are you wondering how to boost your child's self-esteem and why it's so essential for their emotional and educational resilience? In this enlightening episode of The Parenting Cipher, Genie Dawkins is joined by Dr. Simone Alicia, renowned self-esteem coach and founder of a self-esteem academy. They delve into practical strategies for enhancing self-esteem at home and discuss the significant role it plays in a child's development and well-being.

Key Takeaways:

• Importance of modeling positive self-talk and behavior to reinforce good self-esteem in children.

• Role of social-emotional learning in children's development and how parents can integrate practices into their daily routines.

• Dr. Simone Alicia’s insights into using affirmation and gratitude games to engage and teach children about their self-worth.

• The impact of self-esteem on children's critical thinking skills and confidence.

• The importance of understanding and adapting to different learning styles to support children with special educational needs.

Timestamps:

1:49 Negative thoughts have a chemical impact.

18:37 Prepare for ongoing education and self-improvement.

25:05 Confidence and self esteem are interconnected forces.

26:56 Build genuine self-esteem, confidence, self-assurance. Follow inner guidance.

35:52 Story emphasizes importance of self-assuredness and calm.

41:28 Studied neuro linguistic programming for behavioral change.

43:12 Nurturing self-awareness and positivity in youth.

53:16 Seeking solutions when feeling overwhelmed with responsibilities.

58:26 Empower yourself through academy for teaching advantage.

01:07:00 Incorporate activities into your daily routine for balance.

Link and Resources:

• Dr. Simone Alicia's Self-Esteem Academy: https://www.theselfesteemdoctoracademy.com/

• The Self-Esteem Doctor: https://www.theselfesteemdoctor.com/

Quotes:

• "Self-esteem is more than feeling good about oneself; it is about having the resilience to tackle challenges and the confidence to explore new opportunities." — Dr. Simone Alicia

• "Every interaction with your child is an opportunity to build their self-esteem." — Genie Dawkins

About the Speakers:

• Genie Dawkins is a passionate advocate for children's education and parenting strategies. She hosts "The Parenting Cipher" to provide parents with resources and insights for handling various parenting challenges. Genie combines her personal experiences with expert advice to foster a supportive community for parents navigating the educational system.

• Dr. Simone Alicia is a self-esteem coach and the enthusiastic founder of a self-esteem academy designed to empower children and parents. With a background in educational psychology and a heartfelt dedication to fostering healthy self-esteem, Dr. Alicia’s approach involves engaging, tailor-made content and practical strategies for everyday parenting. Connect with Dr.Simone on IG @drsimonealicia

Tune in to this episode for an invaluable conversation that could change the way you support your child’s growth and self-esteem. Whether at home, school, or in the community, learn how to be the role model your child needs for developing genuine confidence and self-worth.

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Have you ever wondered how lack of assistive technology in schools can affect your child's education, especially if they have been diagnosed with neurological behavioral conditions like dyslexia or ADHD? In this enlightening episode, Genie Dawkins dives into the critical role of assistive technology in aiding students' learning processes and advocates steps to ensure these resources are accessible in public schools, particularly those in inner-city areas.

In This Episode:

Genie Dawkins shares her personal struggle with securing assistive technology for her son and uses her experience to offer insight and advice for other parents in similar positions. She discusses the disparity between the resources available in underfunded public schools versus private schools and stresses the importance of parents' advocacy to bridge this gap.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding the spectrum of assistive technologies and their significance in supporting students with disabilities.

• Navigating the challenges presented by the underfunding of assistive technology in public schools.

• Practical steps to advocate for assistive technology, including knowing your legal rights and collaborating with educators.

• The benefits of assistive technology in not only aiding academic success but also boosting student confidence and independence.

Links and Resources:

• IDEA Act
• National Center on Accessible Educational Materials
• Center for Parent Information and Resources
• Wrights Law
• Understanding Assistive Technology for Your Child's Academic Success

Time Stamps:

07:38 Adapting assistive technology to support students in need.

10:08 Underfunded schools impact children's education and support.

14:10 Assistive technology helps students focus on comprehension.

17:08 Schools may lack awareness and resources for assistive technology.

20:15 Special education consultant advocates for technology access.

22:15 Closing the gap for neurodiverse kids is essential.

28:05 Instructions sent for child's independent learning.

29:28 Use speech-to-text to ensure accountability in schools.

Quotes:

"Assistive technology is not just a tool; it's a bridge to unlocking our children's potential." - Genie Dawkins

"Every child deserves the right tools to succeed, and sometimes, it's up to us as parents to build that toolkit." - Genie Dawkins

Speaker Biography:

Genie Dawkins is a devoted mother and dynamic advocate for children's education rights, especially those with special educational needs. With her insightful podcast, The Parenting Cipher, Genie empowers parents with knowledge and strategies to support their children's educational journey and advocate for necessary resources, including assistive technology.

Tune into this episode for a deep dive into how assistive technologies can revolutionize learning for students with special needs and how you can play a pivotal role in that transformative process.

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Are you finding it hard to stay calm and present during the hectic everyday life of parenting? In this episode of The Parenting Cipher, Josephine Atluri sheds light on how mindfulness can transform your parenting journey. Sit back and join hosts Genie Dawkins and Josephine Atluri as they dive deep into embracing mindfulness amidst the chaos of raising kids.

Episode Summary:

Josephine Atluri, a mom to seven children through international adoption, IVF, and surrogacy, shares how her challenging journey led her to embrace mindfulness and meditation. Both Genie and Josephine explore their initial skepticism towards these practices and discuss various accessible strategies for incorporating mindfulness into daily routines. This episode debunks common myths, highlights the simplicity of mindfulness practices, and provides actionable advice for integrating mindfulness moments throughout your day to foster a more grounded and calm parenting approach.

Key Takeaways:

• Mindfulness can be practiced in simple, scalable ways starting with even just one minute a day.

• It is natural for the mind to wander during mindfulness practices; the key is returning focus without judgment.

• Incorporating mindfulness into daily activities can greatly aid in handling stress and enhancing clarity and presence within family interactions.

• There are diverse ways to practice mindfulness, ensuring that there is something for everyone—there is no "one right way."

• Even moments of supposed failure, like falling asleep during meditation, are part of the journey toward more mindful living.

Links and Resources:

• 5 Minute Mindfulness for Parents - Check out Josephine Atluri’s book to explore easy and quick mindfulness exercises.

• Mindful.org - A useful resource for beginners and seasoned practitioners looking for tools to deepen their practice.

• Headspace - An app offering guided meditation sessions and mindfulness training.

Quotes:

• "Mindfulness is not about getting it right; it's about being aware of the present and learning from it," - Josephine Atluri.

• "The beauty of mindfulness is in its flexibility; it bends to fit into our lives uniquely," - Genie Dawkins.

About the Speakers:

Josephine Atluri is an expert in meditation and mindfulness training, specialized in helping individuals overcome adversity through mindfulness. She is the author of "5 Minute Mindfulness for Pregnancy" and a mom of seven, whose journey through adoption, IVF, and surrogacy has deeply influenced her practices and teachings. You can listen to Josephine's Podcast Responding to Life on Apple and follow her on IG @josephineratluri

Genie Dawkins, co-host at The Parenting Cipher, is a passionate advocate for children’s rights and a vocal proponent for parental involvement in education and personal development. Through her work, she aims to empower parents with the tools needed to advocate effectively for their children.

Delve into this insightful discussion on "Embracing Mindfulness in Parenting" and discover how small, mindful moments can lead to significant changes in your parenting and personal well-being.

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Are you feeling overwhelmed about understanding how assistive technology can support your child’s learning? In this episode of The Parenting Cipher, Genie Dawkins clarifies the often misunderstood world of assistive technology, sharing her own experiences and insights to shed light on how this resource can be tapped to unlock your child's full academic potential.

In This Episode:- Genie delves into what assistive technology is and how it can level the playing field for children with disabilities.

• Discover the range of assistive technology, from low-tech solutions like pencil grips to high-tech software for speech-to-text functionality.

• Learn the significance of ensuring your child not only receives these technologies but is also adept at using them.

• Understand the institutional hesitancy around acknowledging and providing assistive technology, and prepare for the forthcoming discussion on challenging schools to check the assistive technology box on IEPs.

Key Takeaways:- The Definition: Assistive technology includes any item, equipment, or system that enhances the functional capabilities of children with disabilities.

• Importance of Early Implementation: Assistive technology can be introduced as early as pre-K or kindergarten to support a child's educational journey.

• Low to High-Tech: Ranging from pencil grips and planners to sophisticated computer programs, assistive tech is varied and adaptable to each child’s needs.

• Empowering Learning: The proper use of assistive technology, coupled with quality instruction, can significantly impact a student’s independence and academic achievement.

• Next Steps: Genie will continue the conversation on assistive technology, discussing how parents can advocate for its inclusion in their child’s education plan and hold schools accountable for their child’s success.

Links and Resources:- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

• Learning Ally

• Sora Reading App

• Read and Write

• Article: Benefits of Assistive Technology in Special Education

Stay tuned for part two of our conversation on assistive technology in a future episode of The Parenting Cipher, where Genie will dive deeper into advocating for your child's needs in the realm of educational technology.

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In This Episode Summary:

In an enlightening conversation, Kiva Schuler and Genie Dawkins delve deep into the tenets of peaceful parenting, reflecting on the pivotal role of trust, the detrimental impacts of shame, and the power of patience and empathy in the parent-child dynamic. They share personal stories, one being Genie's heartening tale of her son with autism and anxiety, and discuss how recognizing a child's emotions and fostering self-advocacy shapes a healthier family relationship. From challenging the status quo to mindful discipline, this episode is a thought-provoking dialogue on breaking generational cycles and embracing the authenticity of parenting.

Key Takeaways:

1. Building Trust: Creating a safe environment where children feel comfortable coming to adults with their problems.

2. Avoiding Shame and Punishment: Recognizing that punitive measures can erode trust and lead to children hiding their issues.

3. Empathy and Understanding: The importance of listening to children's worries and validating their emotions without downplaying them.

4. Self-Patience and Growth: Encouraging parents to be patient with themselves and their children, acknowledging the journey of personal growth for both.

5. Cultural Consideration in Parenting Advice: Kiva Schuler's introspection on the authoritative voice in the parenting space.

6. Promotion of Children's Autonomy: Celebrating milestones that recognize growing independence in children.

7. Embracing Failure and Learning: Allowing children to face the natural consequences of their decisions as a fundamental learning process.

8. Legacy and Healing: Overcoming ancestral traumas and acknowledging inherited parenting styles that may be limiting.

9. Role of the Inner Child in Parenthood:*Understanding and healing one's own childhood experiences to better serve as a parent.

10. Peaceful Parenting Defined: Understanding peaceful parenting as non-permissive, non-punitive, and rooted in connection and guidance.

Links and Resources:

• Giant Institute Parent Coaching http://jaiinstitute.forparenting.com/

• The Peaceful Parenting Revolution, by Kiva Schuler https://www.amazon.com/The-Peaceful-Parenting-Revolution/

Powerful Quotes:

• "It's critical that we build an environment where our children run to us, not away from us when trouble arises." — Kiva Schuler

• "We must learn to sit with the discomfort of our children's failures, as it is through them that they will learn the most." — Genie Dawkins

• "Parenting is not about perfecting our children, it's about guiding them through the unique journey of becoming who they are meant to be." — Kiva Schuler

• "In parenting, we not only raise our children but also the child within us." — Genie Dawkins

• "Peaceful parenting is about leading with empathy, compassion, and the understanding that teaching trumps any form of coercion." — Kiva Schuler

Guest:

Kiva Schuler is a devoted advocate for children's rights and a maven of growth through mindful parenting. Nestled in the heart of Kiva's philosophy is the conviction that to foster capable, wise, and independent children, adults must first embark on their own journeys of maturity and self-improvement. For Kiva, parenting transcends the traditional boundaries of rearing young ones; it becomes a transformative process where adults and children evolve together.

Connect: IG Kiva_schuler Website:https://www.jaiinstituteforparenting.com/

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In This Episode:

In today's enlightening episode of The Parenting Cipher, our passionate host, Genie Dawkins, dives deep into the world of autism acceptance. As a parent of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Genie draws from her personal journey to demystify autism, emphasizing the value of early intervention and specialized therapies in fostering development and confidence in children with unique needs. She candidly shares the challenges and triumphs of addressing speech issues and sensory sensitivities, advocating for supportive environments that celebrate neurodiversity.

Key Takeaways:

1. Early intervention is key for addressing developmental issues before bones harden, impacting overall growth.

2. Specialized therapies such as speech therapy, play therapy, and integrative listening systems can significantly support children with mental and behavioral challenges.

3. Tailoring educational programs aids children with exceptional needs in discovering and honing their strengths.

4. Community connections offer valuable guidance for families navigating the complexities of treatment and therapy options.

5. Environmental adjustments, like sensory-friendly settings, encourage inclusion and participation for individuals with sensory sensitivities.

6. Social communication styles vary—promoting understanding and mindfulness facilitates better interaction and supports for those on the autism spectrum.

7. Spreading accurate information and fostering understanding within communities, especially the black community, is vital.

8. Recognizing and appreciating neurodiversity as well as the unique strengths of individuals with ASD can transform perspectives and support systems.

Links and Resources:

• Early Intervention Programs https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/index.html
• How Important Is Speech Therapy In Your Child's World TPC Episode 206
• Sensory-Friendly Activities and Locations https://www.sensoryfriendly.net/
• Integrative Listening Systems https://integratedlistening.com/
• Play Therapy Resources https://www.a4pt.org/
• Autism Support Networks](https://www.autismspeaks.org/resource-guide)
• Understanding Neurodiversity https://neurodiversity2.blogspot.com/

Quotes:

• "Every child's journey on the autism spectrum is their own unique story, deserving of a tailor-made narrative of love, support, and acceptance." - Genie Dawkins

• "Don't let anyone else's words define what your child is capable of. You know their limitless potential better than anyone." - Genie Dawkins

• "In a world full of expectations, let us be the voice of compassion, understanding, and inclusion for all." - Genie Dawkins

Remember that these shownotes provide a gateway to the deeper discussions and insightful experiences Genie Dawkins brings during the episode. For even more resources and engaging conversations, make sure to tune in to 'The Parenting Cipher' podcast.

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In today's episode Genie Dawkins delves into the importance of introducing your child to their new teacher. With the school year in full swing, Genie shares her own routine for creating a strong foundation between parents, teachers, and students. She emphasizes the need for a parent's letter of introduction, outlining key aspects such as a child's strengths, interests, challenges, and support requirements. Genie also explores the significance of setting expectations for the upcoming year and advocating for equitable education for children in special education, especially children of color. Stay tuned as Genie provides a template for crafting your own parent's letter of introduction, empowering both parents and children to have a voice in their.

Insight from this episode:

• Writing a letter of introduction for your child is a helpful tool in conveying their strengths, interests, challenges, and the support they need. It also allows you to share your hopes and aspirations for the upcoming school year.
• Mentioning specific triggers, such as test anxiety or sensitivity to noise, and suggesting support strategies can help teachers understand and better support your child.
• Collaboration and communication with the school team, especially during the IEP process, is crucial in advocating for your child's needs and ensuring their progress.
• Addressing the systemic and educational inequities faced by children, particularly children of color, is important. By setting high expectations and providing the necessary support, parents can help their child succeed despite these challenges.

Quotes from the show:

• "When crafting the parent's letter of introduction, include your child's interests, triggers/challenges, support needed, hobbies/activities outside of school, and your hopes/aspirations for the upcoming year. Setting expectations and advocating for your child is vital, especially for children in special education." - Genie Dawkins
• "Creating a letter with your child gives them a voice and helps them get used to introducing themselves. It promotes self-advocacy and collaboration between the child, the teacher, and the IEP team." -Genie Dawkins

Resources Mentioned

Parent-Teacher Collaboration for Child Success Kit

Stay Connected:

Genie Dawkins

Facebook: Genie Dawkins

Instagram: @geniedawkins

LinkedIn: Genie Dawkins

The Parenting Cipher

Website: The Parenting Cipher

Twitter: @ParentingCipher

Facebook: @Pcipher

Instagram: @theparentingcipher

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On this episode of The Parenting Cipher, join our host Genie Dawkins as she delves into the exciting topic of summer adventures. In this episode, Genie shares her love for connecting with people and imparting valuable information.

Get ready to pack your bags, because Genie is taking her family on a thrilling trip to Disney this summer! But this episode isn't just about the fun and excitement; it's about ensuring that all families, including those with disabilities, can have an unforgettable experience at amusement parks.

Genie takes a deep dive into the accessibility options available for families with disabilities at amusement parks, with a special focus on Disney and Universal parks. She explains in detail the disability access service, fast pass/express pass, ride reservation systems, and rider switch pass. Genie also highlights the benefits of early entry and late hours for guests staying on-site, ensuring that families can optimize their time and enjoy the attractions to the fullest.

But that's not all – Genie stresses the importance of park maps and apps, especially for families with physical disabilities who may need to plan their routes accordingly. By utilizing these resources, families can navigate the parks more efficiently, making the most of their visit.

Tune in to this episode of The Parenting Cipher for an insightful and practical guide to summer adventures at amusement parks. Join Genie Dawkins as she tackles the topic of accessibility with compassion and enthusiasm, ensuring that all families can create lasting memories this summer."

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.

Insights from this episode

• How to plan a stress-free amusement park vacation
• Available accessibility options for special needs families
• Planning routes for families with physical disabilities

Resources and Links

Disney Disability Access System

Universal Studios Accessibility System

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It's Autism awareness month and Tiffany Hamilton from Victor Wear joined us for this special episode to talk about how to prepare your differently abled child for the work place. As a mother of a son with Autism Tiffany shares her challenges with raising a son with Autism and preparing him for the job force.

Key Highlights:

• How to prepare your child for the workforce
• Agencies and resources that provide employment training
• Ways to know if your child's employer has training to support your child
• How to manage your stress to support your child

Tiffany Hamilton has nearly 20 years of experience working as a marketer for some of the world's biggest brands. And now, she has decided to create a brand of her own - Victor Wear - an inspirational casual wear brand that celebrates victors and amplifies their stories of resilience. Victor Wear's mission is to inspire triumph over obstacles and empower underserved communities to be victorious. . Their ultimate goal is to grow the brand to become a major employer of people with disabilities.

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In this episode of The Parenting Cipher, Genie and Dr. Lauren McClenney-Rosenstein from Think Dylsxia dig into the world of Dyslexia and Dysgraphia while touching on ways that you can ensure your child makes progress in reading and writing in school. This episode is for you if your child has been diagnosed with Specific Learning Disorder, Reading or writing.

Insights from this episode:

• What is Dyslexia?
• Why public school systems use the term Specific Learning Disorder, Reading instead of Dyslexia
• What is the Orton-Gillingham approach and how can it help your child make progress in reading
• What is Dysgraphia?
• Key factors to look for when your child is being tested for a learning or behavioral diagnosis

Dr. Lauren McClenney-Rosenstein

Dr. Lauren McClenney-Rosenstein’s passion for educating, advocating, and bringing awareness to dyslexia at the domestic and international levels began in the elementary classrooms of private schools serving students with language-based learning disabilities. She has been a certified Special Educator for a decade, and she earned her Doctor of Education in Teaching, Learning, Leadership, & Curriculum in 2019 from Northeastern University and holds a dual master in Special Education and Elementary Education from Syracuse University and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Syracuse University. Her dedication to providing the gold standard of instruction to individuals with dyslexia led her to obtain her endorsement at the Associate level through The Orton-Gillingham Academy in 2014.

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.

Resources

Think Dyslexia Youtube Channel

Think Dyslexia Resource Store

Stay Connected:

Dr. Lauren McClenney-Rosenstein

Website: Think Dyslexia

Twitter: @thinkdyslexia

Facebook: Think Dyslexia

Instagram: @thinkdyslexia

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In this episode of The Parenting Cipher, One of the issues parents face in our community is placing our faith in school systems that tell us they will helo our children make progress in school and turn around and discover that our children are still far behind their peers. that your child is making. Genie shares how to know if your child is making progress in school and the steps to take to as a parent to advocate for your child to receive services that will help them get closer to being on grade level while building their self-confidence.

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.

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In this episode host, Genie Dawkins, and Kim Poetivin discuss how to deal with social workers and how the word “non-compliant” affects your child’s ability to make progress in school. Kim provides insight into how to interact with social workers and members of your child’s IEP team to protect your child from being targeted as a problem child

Kim Wheeler Poitevin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in childhood grief and loss. She also treats children experiencing racial disparity and discrimination in private white institutions. Kim is the owner of Amel Counseling and Consulting, a private therapy practice located and Ask Amel, a parent coaching firm in Philadelphia, Pa.

Insights

• What the term “ Compliance “ means in the world of Individual Education Plans
• Ways to advocate for your child when dealing with Social Workers
• How to know when a therapist is not a good fit for your child

Quotes:

" I'm confident that a kid internally kind of knows what they need. - Kim

“You have to humble yourself because kids are learning that you should already know it.” - Kim

“You can't force a child to engage in something that they don't want to do.” - Kim

“Focus doesn't come from a pill. Focus comes from practice.” - Kim

Stay Connected:

Kim Poitevin

Website:ameltherapy.com

Facebook:Ameltherapy

Instagram: @ameltherapy

Are you tired of not getting your child’s school to listen to your suggestions in meetings? I have a solution. Schedule a free 30 minutes session and together we will create a plan that will your child succeed in life while supporting you and the entire family. You have questions and I have answers. Let’s talk!

To hear more about cultural competency check out these episodes “ Fall: The importance of Speech Therapy In Our Kid’s World and “ Our Song: Affective Curriculums That Help Our Kids Make Progress” and to hear more about supporting our kids in white spaces check out “Save the Children: Raising Black In Kids In White Spaces”

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In this episode, Kim and I discuss how she supports black and transracial youth and their families in managing the world o grief, loss, and racial trauma in her practice. While talking about how we can support our kids with returning back to in-person school.

Kim Wheeler Poitevin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in childhood grief and loss. She also treats children experiencing racial disparity and discrimination in private white institutions. Kim is the owner of Amel Counseling and Consulting, a private therapy practice located and Ask Amel, a parent coaching firm in Philadelphia, Pa.

Insights from this episode

• How to Identify that your child is experiencing microaggressions or racial trauma
• Ways to Boost your child’s self-esteem
• Tips to get your child’s school to listen to your suggestions
• Affects that race and culture has on your child’s assessment results
• Ways to Support Your Child in Returning to School In-Person

Quotes from the show:

“They may be neurodivergent, have ADHD, executive functioning, they may even have some intellectual disabilities, but that doesn't mean that they don't have emotions and feelings. It doesn't mean that they can't see and experience differences and it doesn't mean that they can't pick up on internal biases and implicit biases. -Kim Poitevin

“I surely am not okay with kids being at or people saying that by their grace, we are allowed here. We have rights and we have rights to feel and our kids 100% have rights to feel and they should have the right to say, "Hey, I want something that looks like me."- Kim Poitevin

Stay Connected:

Kim Poiteven

Website:ameltherapy.com

Facebook:Ameltherapy

Instagram: @ameltherapy

Are you tired of not getting your child’s school to listen to your suggestions in meetings? I have a solution. Schedule a free 30 minutes session and together we will create a plan that will your child succeed in life while supporting you and the entire family. You have questions and I have answers. Let’s talk!

To hear more about cultural competency check out these episodes “ Fall: The importance of Speech Therapy In Our Kid’s World and “ Our Song: Affective Curriculums That Help Our Kids Make Progress” and to hear more about supporting our kids in white spaces check out “Save the Children: Raising Black In Kids In White Spaces”

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In this episode of The Parenting Cipher, Genie takes you on a reflective journey of her health issues and how to improve your own health advocate. While discussing the disparities and bias in health care that adds to the fact African Americans are 50 percent more likely to die of a stroke, cancer, and COVID as compared to their white adult counterparts. A healthy body is a healthy mind. So, it is important that you take care of both aspects equally and not neglect one for the other. Tune in for Genie’s six tips for taking charge of your health.

Genie DawkinsHost 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.

Insights From This Episode* Advocate for yourself: One of the most powerful things we can do is advocate for ourselves - whether it's during an illness, a difficult time at work, or a confrontation with someone we know. * Develop a holistic health plan: It's important to create and stick to a health plan that addresses both physical and emotional needs. * Journal: Keeping a journal is one way to keep track of your thoughts and feelings, while also giving you an emotional outlet. * Establish a support system: When we feel like we're struggling or need help, it can be helpful to establish (or join!) an online or in-person support system. This way you don't have all the pressure on yourself!

Links and Resources* Medical Medium by Anthony William * Sacred Woman: A Guide to Healing the Feminine Mine, Body, and Spirit

Register for a free session with me to design a health plan that works for you. To gain more support on taking charge of your health listen to “ Buy Back The Block: How to Create a Self-Care Regimen The Works and “ Stressed Out: The Secret Of How Sleep Helps You To Be A Better Parent” when my guest and I talk about self-care and the importance of sleep.

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Get ready! Season 3 of The Parenting Cipher kicks off in October of 2021. On each episode our host Genie, parent confidence strategist and best-selling author, will give you the tools and resources to help your child thrive in school and in life. Nominated for the “Best black family parenting Podcast” by the Black Podcasting Awards, The Parenting Cipher is for parents both new and veteran to the world of special needs who want to best support their children’s differences. Click the subscribe button to make sure you don’t miss a single episode as The Parenting Cipher moves into the space of possibilities in Season 3!

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.

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.

Quotes from the show:

• “Did you know that there is more for your child than what they’re being given, and you need to shortcut to that information that will empower you” –Genie Dawkins The Parenting Cipher Ep. #0
• “I want to hear from you and get some of your thoughts, so that you can contribute to the Cipher!” –Genie Dawkins The Parenting Cipher Ep. #0

Stay Connected:

Genie Dawkins

Website: Genie Dawkins

Twitter: @genie49317

Facebook: Genie Dawkins

Instagram: @geniedawkins

LinkedIn: Genie Dawkins

The Parenting Cipher

Website: The Parenting Cipher

Patreon: The Parenting Cipher

Twitter: @ParentingCipher

Facebook: @Pcipher

Instagram: @theparentingcipher

Youtube: The Parenting Cipher

Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode oniTunes and Spotify.

This episode was produced and managed by Podcast Laundry.

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On the season finale of The Parenting Cipher, Stephanie Reed of MiJa Books joins Genie to talk about the importance of representation in children’s books and the positive effect it can have on our children’s self esteem and the ways they relate to others. Exposure to diverse books can create a more inclusive world. Hear about what MiJa Books is doing to make multicultural stories-- especially stories of joy and existence-- accessible to everyone in this episode of The Parenting Cipher.

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.

About our Guest:

Stephanie Reed and her husband founded MiJa Books last year during the COVID pandemic. What started out as a book review website quickly pivoted into a full fledged e-bookstore that showcases children’s picture books that feature children of color on the front cover and as main characters. Their mission is to find and showcase multicultural and diverse children’s books and to create a platform for indie and self-publishers to reach a greater audience.

Insight from this episode:

• Benefits of multicultural and inclusive libraries for raising confidence in our children, especially when they’re young.
• Why bookstores should get rid of their labels and up their representation on the shelves.
• How books and stories can help our children better understand and verbalize what they are trying to discover about the world and other people.
• Some practical application of what scientific research is telling us.

Resources Mentioned

Cooperative Children’s Book Center

Just Ask by Sonia Sotomayor

Stay Connected:

Stephanie Reed

Website: https://mijabooks.com/

Facebook: MiJa Books

Instagram: @mijabooks

Youtube: MiJa Books

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In this episode of The Parenting Cipher, join Kendra Lendsey, host of The Yo Fly Aunty Podcast, and Genie for a conversation that all special needs moms need to have. From how parenting changes as we get older and dealing with the isolation of being a special needs parent to strategies on how to be the best advocate for your child, Kendra and Genie share their stories and experiences. They discuss grades, stepping on other people’s toes, the power of writing, and much more on this episode of The Parenting Cipher.

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.

About our Guest:

Kendra Lendsey is author, lifestylist, model, public speaker, and the host of the Top Rated The Yo Fly Aunty Podcast, which is all about aging forward, enjoying life, and embracing your midlife flyness. She believes aging is a level up and not a liability. Kendra has a 16-year-old son who is on the autism spectrum and a younger son with dysgraphia.

Insight from this episode:

• Benefits of aging, letting things go, and the space of possibilities that is mid-life.
• Strategies on how to react when other people react to your child, including other family members.
• Tips for getting others on board with what you know is right for your child and giving voice to the things you see that are wrong.
• Reflections about systematic racism and how it’s affecting our children.
• The importance of modeling advocacy for our children and how to do it even when you’re not sure how.

Stay Connected:

Kendra Lendsey

Website: https://www.yoflyaunty.com/

Twitter: @Yo_Fly_Aunty

Facebook: Kendra Lindsay

Instagram: @yo_fly_aunty

Spotify: The Yo Fly Aunty Podcast

The Parenting Cipher

Website: The Parenting Cipher

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In this episode of The Parenting Cipher, William Atkins IV, a high school senior, joins Genie to talk about his experience having Tourette’s Syndrome. William, joined by his mother, shares about getting his diagnosis, making friends, and setting goals and aspirations. Hear about what helped him accept himself and take exciting chances in this episode of The Parenting Cipher.

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.

About our Guest:

William Atkins IV is a senior at McKinley Technology High School in Washington D.C.. He is on the varsity swim team, in a group called Men of Tech, and is a rising leader and Youth Ambassador for the National Tourette’s Association of America, where he spreads awareness about his Tourette’s Syndrome. William’s mother, Tanya Atkins, joins him.

Insight from this episode:

• What is Tourette’s Syndrome?
• Details on what it’s like growing up with Tourette’s, from making friends to accepting the diagnosis.
• William’s experience living with Tourette’s, including joining the swim team in high school.
• Reflections on when your child goes off to college.

Stay Connected:

Genie Dawkins

Website: Genie Dawkins

Twitter: @genie49317

Facebook: Genie Dawkins

Instagram: @geniedawkins

LinkedIn: Genie Dawkins

William Atikins IV

Instagram: @CEOWillll

LinkedIn: William Atkins IV

The Parenting Cipher

Website: The Parenting Cipher

Patreon: The Parenting Cipher

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In this episode of The Parenting Cipher, authors of Do Right By Me: Learning to Raise Black Children in White Spaces, Valerie Harrison and Kathryn D’Angelo, share insights from their book on how to raise confident Black children with positive racial identity. They discuss strategies for interacting with white spaces including schools, health care, and sports. Kathryn also shares her personal experience as a white woman raising her adopted bi-racial son in this episode of The Parenting Cipher.

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”.

About our Guest:

Valerie Harrison has her JD and a Doctorate in African American Studies. She is an attorney, educator, and served as acting president of Lincoln University. Valerie first book, Color Him Father: Stories of Love and Rediscovery of Black Men, was published in 2006. She is co-author of Do Right by By Me: Learning to Raise Black Children in White Spaces (2020).

Kathryn D’Angelo has a Doctorate in Education, and she and her husband are white adoptive parents to a bi-racial son. Rejecting colorblind or post racial ideology, they confront head on the reality that they would need to equip their son for an experience far more complex than anything they had experienced. She is co-author of Do Right by Me: Learning to Raise Black Children in White Spaces (2020).

Insight from this episode:

• Strategies on building positive racial identity in your child.
• Details on the impact of social exclusion on a child and ways to move towards inclusion.
• Reasons why we must be advocates for our Black children in education and health care.
• How white parents of Black children can manage and use their privilege for the best interest of their children.

Stay Connected:

Valerie Harrison & Kathryn D’Angelo

Website: https://dorightbyme.org/

Twitter: @DoRightByMe1

Instagram: @dorightbyme_book

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In this episode of The Parenting Cipher, Genie gets ready for Individual Education Plan (IEP) meeting season. Whether this is your child’s very first IEP meeting or you are a veteran, we can always improve and empower ourselves when going into an IEP meeting. Tune in for Genie’s five tips to prepare for your next IEP meeting to feel confident and get what your child needs-- along with a special guest appearance from Genie’s son-- in this episode of The Parenting Cipher.

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.

Insight from this episode:

• What’s an IEP and what’s in Genie’s “big binder” for a successful meeting and how to make one for yourself.
• Tips on who to reach out to for help, especially in gathering documents for your binder.
• Details on what you should review in the proposed IEP before a meeting.
• Strategies for how to talk to your child about his or her IEP and goals.

Stay Connected:

Genie Dawkins

Website: Genie Dawkins

Twitter: @genie49317

Facebook: Genie Dawkins

Instagram: @geniedawkins

LinkedIn: Genie Dawkins

The Parenting Cipher

Website: The Parenting Cipher

Patreon: The Parenting Cipher

Post-production for this episode was provided by Podcast Laundry.

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In this episode of The Parenting Cipher, M.J. Fievre, author of the new book Raising Confident Black Kids, gives practical tips for tackling the tough issues of racism and racial inequalities as they apply to our children in loving and empowering ways. M.J. reminds us to listen to our children, acknowledge their feelings, and affirm our unconditional love for them. Learn about increasing your child’s personal agency to impact their world and beyond in this episode of The Parenting Cipher.

About our Guest:

M.J. Fievre is an author, professional speaker, and workshop facilitator from Haiti. M.J. authored Happy, Okay?: Poems about Anxiety, Depression, Hope, and Survival(2019) and Badass Black Girl: Questions, Quotes, and Affirmations for Teens(2020). She also helps others write their way through trauma, building community, and create social change. Her new book Raising Confident Black Kids is out now.

Insight from this episode:

• M.J.’s best strategies for raising confident Black kids.
• How to explain systemic racism to your Black children in an empowering way.
• Strategies we can teach our children about how to navigate racist systems.
• Nurturing and supportive positive coping mechanisms in our children.
• Tips for teachers (Black and non-Black) can help raise confident Black kids.

Stay Connected:

M.J. Fievre

Website: https://www.badassblackgirl.com/

Twitter: @MJ_Fievre

Facebook: @badassblackgirl

Instagram: @badassblackgirlbooks

LinkedIn: M.J. Fievre

Youtube: Badass Black Girl

Amazon: M.J. Fievre

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In this episode of The Parenting Cipher, Genie shares her experience with extreme sleep deprivation and what it took to get the help she needed to take care of herself. Genie’s story reveals how overthinking and guilt can lead to sleep deprivation, a problem that many of us suffer from whether we realize it or not. Sleep is so important to our well-being and ability to make good decisions, so find out how to get better sleep in this episode of The Parenting Cipher.

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.

Insight from this episode:

• What is sleep deprivation? What are its potential causes and symptoms?
• The effects that sleep deprivation can have on your executive functioning skills and overall well-being.
• Genie personal story with sleep deprivation and how it changed her life.
• Connections between “grind culture” and sleep deprivation
• Tips to break free from the grind culture, get more rest, and show yourself some love.

Resources Mentioned

The Nap Ministry

Stay Connected:

The Parenting Cipher

Website: The Parenting Cipher

Patreon: The Parenting Cipher

Itunes: The Parenting Cipher

Spotify: The Parenting Cipher

Twitter: @ParentingCipher

Facebook: @Pcipher

Instagram: @theparentingcipher

Youtube: The Parenting Cipher

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In this episode of The Parenting Cipher, Kabrena Williams of Scratch Made Consulting brings her wealth of knowledge on behavior and self care to answer your questions about what self care is and what it should look like for you. If the words “self care” make you cringe, then you have to listen to Kabrena debunk the top self care assumptions she sees in her life of work. Using her WIN Method, Kabrena shares how to incorporate self care in a way you can handle it, not the way the media tells us to in this episode of The Parenting Cipher.

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”.

About our Guest:

Kabrena Williams is a Special Needs Parent Coach, Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Founder of Scratch Made Consulting. For over 10 years, Kabrena has worked in various clinical settings with clients who have developmental and cognitive disabilities. She now focuses on special needs parents, pairing her expertise in behavior analysis and self care to help teach overwhelmed parents to use evidence based self care practices.

Insight from this episode:

• Details on the four types of self care and how you can embed each type into your life in manageable ways.
• Kabrena’s WIN Method for implementing a self care routine that will actually stick to.
• Strategies for letting go of guilt and overwhelm to unlock the benefits of self care.
• Reflections on the particular struggle of being a special needs parent in the Black community.

Resources Mentioned

Kabrena’s Free Facebook Group: Self Care is Non-Negotiable

Stay Connected:

Kabrena Williams

Website: https://scratchmadeconsulting.com/

Facebook: Scratch Made Consulting

Instagram: @scratchmadeconsulting

Youtube: Scratch Made Consulting

Pinterest: Scratch Made Consulting

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In this episode of The Parenting Cipher, Genie reflects on and reframes what she has learned during virtual school in 2020. If you’re finding yourself tired of virtual school (you’re not alone!), this is the episode to refresh you and equip you with new strategies moving forward with your child’s education, including areas such as motivation, IEP goals, social workers, and compensatory education. Genie shares six great tips, with her stories along the way, of how you can best approach and actually take advantage of virtual learning in this episode of The Parenting Cipher.

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.

Insight from this episode:

• Tips for interacting with teachers, administration, and social workers, even when you disagree.
• Details on fostering independence in your child when it sometimes seems easier to do things for them ourselves.
• Questions to ask yourself, like: Is your state and school providing all the services that your child is entitled to even in virtual learning?
• Strategies for setting and working towards SMART goals for your child, your family, and yourself.

Resources Mentioned

The Joyful Family Planner

Genie’s How to Implement IEPs Remotely Presentation

Stay Connected:

The Parenting Cipher

Website: The Parenting Cipher

Itunes: The Parenting Cipher

Facebook: @Pcipher

Instagram: @theparentingcipher

Youtube: The Parenting Cipher

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In this episode of The Parenting Cipher, our host Genie Dawkins speaks with Anthony Frasier, the CEO of ABF Creative, to talk about all things “edutainment” and how finding the right media can have positive holistic benefits for your child. If you’ve ever worried about too much mindless “screen time,” hear about some solutions in this episode of The Parenting Cipher.

Genie Dawkins

Host of The Parenting Cipher, Genie Dawkins is author, international speaker, Special Education and Family Lifestyle Strategist.

About our Guest:

Anthony Frasier is a Black entrepreneur for over 10 years in the tech industry. Frasier has been featured on CNN, BET, and more. These past two years, he’s been solely focused on building ABF Creative, which is a major multiethnic podcast network that bridges the gap between culture and media, with a mission to impact 100 million people of color through audio. Frasier is publishing a new podcast out of Tanzania currently on Youtube called Akili and Me along with ABF original African Folktales.

Insight from this episode:

• Details on the effectiveness of edutainment programs and what the Akili and Me podcast is all about.
• How a podcast can help increase your child’s sense of self identity and self love.
• Strategies on overcoming the struggle of discoverability and visibility of Black media.
• Benefits of representation of people of color in our media and where you can find it.

Resources Mentioned:

Don’t Dumb Down Your Greatness

Akili and Me Youtube Channel

Stay Connected:

Anthony Frasier

Website: Anthony Fraiser and ABF Creative

Twitter: @AnthonyFrasier and @ABFCreative

Facebook: @AntFrasier

Instagram: @AnthonyFrasier

LinkedIn: Anthony Frasier

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Season two of The Parenting Cipher is all about possibilities. Start the year off right by learning in this episode what is a growth mindset and how you can use it to leverage the possibilities of your and your child’s goals. It’s easier than you think and totally worth it! Does your child have a fixed mindset? Hear about why you should think twice before calling your child “smart” in this episode of The Parenting Cipher.

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.

Insight from this episode:

• Reflections on the COVID-19 pandemic and how to move forward and create your next possibilities in 2021.
• Tips to expand and support a growth mindset in yourself and your kids.
• How to take a leap towards your possibilities even if you’re afraid.
• Strategies on building awareness of your habits and learning how to do better.

Resources Mentioned

Carol Dweck’s Mindset

The Budgetnista: Tiffany Aliche

Stay Connected:

The Parenting Cipher

Website: The Parenting Cipher

Patreon: The Parenting Cipher

Itunes: The Parenting Cipher

Spotify: The Parenting Cipher

Twitter: @ParentingCipher

Facebook: @Pcipher

Instagram: @theparentingcipher

Youtube: The Parenting Cipher

Post-production for this episode was provided by Podcast Laundry.

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Get ready! Season 2 of The Parenting Cipher kicks off on January 12th, 2021. Each episode our host Genie, parent confidence strategist and best-selling author, will give you the tools and resources to help your child thrive in school and in life. Ranked one of the Top 50 Black Mom Podcasts to Follow in 2020, The Parenting Cipher is for parents both new and veteran to the world of special needs who want to best support their children’s differences. Click the subscribe button to make sure you don’t miss a single episode as The Parenting Cipher moves into the space of possibilities in Season 2!

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.

What to Expect in Season 2:

• 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 diversity, self care, raising confident Black kids, and supporting your children around bullying.
• Conversations with other parents who have children with special needs.
• More laughter and support from Genie and The Parenting Cipher community.

Quotes from the show:

• “You know that there is more for your child than what they’re being given, and you need to shortcut to that information that will empower you.” –Genie Dawkins The Parenting Cipher Ep. #0
• “I want to hear from you and get some of your thoughts, so that you can contribute to the Cipher!” –Genie Dawkins The Parenting Cipher Ep. #0

Stay Connected:

Genie Dawkins

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LinkedIn: Genie Dawkins

The Parenting Cipher

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Post-production for this episode was provided by Podcast Laundry.

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It's the season finale! I can't think of a better way to end this season than to have my son Zavier bless the mic with his thoughts. The theme of this season has been connection. Zavier lights up the mic by giving us parents tips on how to connect with your kids from his perspective.

I also wrap up the season by highlighting this seasons episodes while thank you for listening to the show.

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Have you ever wondered how its possible that schools in predominantly white neighborhoods receive the best resources while the schools in predominately black neighborhoods receive subpar resources. Lajoy Law steps into the Cipher today to explain why this happens and what actions you can take to change your neighborhood schools. She provides the blueprint to the different government offices that create laws and budgets concerning your child's education. So you can become an affective that creates permanent change.

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Have you ever sat in an an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meeting and heard the term " Executive Functioning" being used ? It's term used a lot by therapists and educators. But what is it really? Most importantly how does it affect your child ability to function in school and life. In this Episode, Genie talks about Executive Functioning and provides some easy tips to support them at home.

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Have you ever wondered how you can get your child into a private school ..for FREE? In this episode Unique, from Becoming Unique Podcast, joins the Cipher to share her journey in getting her daughter into a private school through private placement. We discuss going through the process and how to find a school that fits your child. While sharing tips on how to deal with state representatives and connecting with other parents to discover resources in your area.

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One of the major concerns when raising a special needs child is expenses. There are different ways to cover your expenses and entrepreneurship is one of them. In this episode Christine Job joins the Parenting Cipher to share how you can launch a money making business that can help you increase your income. By using your current skills and experiences.

Takeaways:

• 3 steps you need to know to be a successful entrepreneur
• How to take your skills abroad and have a profitable business
• How moving abroad is an act of mental health

Christine Job is the creator, producer, host, and editor of "Flourish In The Foreign" a podcast she launched in May 2020 and that has already received rave reviews and an ever-increasing listening audience.She is a Business Strategist that works primarily with Women of Color led ventures shepherding their products, services, or businesses from ideation to launch.

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In honor of Sickle Cell Disease month Elle Cole from Cleverly Changing graces the Parenting Cipher with her experience and knowledge of Sickle Cell Disease. You may be wondering why Sickle Cell Disease is important to People of Color when it seems like only a small amount of people have it. In this episode Elle shines the light on why Sickle Cell Disease is important to our community even if we don't have the disease. While also discussing the stereotypes within our community when it comes to Diabetes and how you can support yourself and loved ones. She also shares how she has supports her daughter who has Sickle Cell Disease through homeschooling, family environment, diet and teamwork. And some homeschooling tips for parents that help your child when the school can't provide the supports that are needed while not placing additional pressure on you.

3 Ways to Support Sickle Cell Disease

1. Donate Blood
2. Raise awareness through social media retweet and reshare. Talk about it. #30sicklecell #sicklecell
3. Donate to Sickle Cell organization ( https://sicklecellconsortium.org/) Sickle Cell Disease Coalition (http://www.scdcoalition.org/)
4. Bone Marrow, Stem Cell Therapy, Gene Therapy by joining Be The Change . You can also join by texting sc3carley to 61474

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Anxiety is an existing fact that we deal with in our daily lives the best way we can. Even though we have our own coping skills. How do we raise our children with the skills to manage their anxiety starting today? Jodi Aman joins the Parenting Cipher and explains how anxiety shows up for your child and how to give them coping skills that will help them manage their anxiety. We also talked about how to support pre-teens and teenagers who are dealing with bullying and racism.

Mentioned

Youtube: Suck It Up! Calm Anxiety with Chores TEDEX

Book: Anxiety… I’m So Done With You: A Teen’s Guide to Ditching Toxic Stress Hardwiring Your Brain for Happiness

Stay Connected

Jodi Aman

Website: www.jodiaman.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodiaman

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JodiAmanLove/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jodiamanlove/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/jodiaman

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodiaman/

The Parenting Cipher

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Itunes: The Parenting Cipher

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Twitter: @ParentingCipher

Facebook: @Pcipher

Instagram: @theparentingcipher

Youtube: The Parenting Cipher

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In this episode, Darius the founder & chief executive officer of Dynamic Therapy, LLC, a speech-language pathologist joins us to talk about speech therapy and how it affects your child’s life.

Darius breaks down exactly how the speech therapist helps your child beyond articulation so that you can sit in an IEP meeting and be able to advocate more for your child. He explains speech and developmental milestones, accommodations, questions to ask speech-language pathologists before they evaluate your child, different parts of speech, how to support your child at home, how to support your children in high school, and much more.

All I’m saying is if your child is receiving speech therapy or you think they might need a speech evaluation you have got to listen to this podcast.

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In this episode the show host Genie Dawkins talks about how to connect with your child through conversations. Connection is an essential part of her parenting coaching program. She gives a peek into the different ways that we connect with ourselves and family, most importantly our children.

By sharing her journey on how she has has learned how to create great conversations with her kids based on their likes not just her own.

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Elizabeth Milivodov graces the Parenting Cipher with her Digital Parenting Coaching expertise by discussing how to take your parenting skills into the digital world. So you can gain control of the online devices while creating relationships with your kids.

It can be very confusing for parents when you hear doctors and schools discuss screen-time limitations and in your daily life devices are very helpful when it comes to accommodations and helping you gain some peace. Elizabeth soothes your parenting nerves by giving you tips into how to focus on quality screen time versus general screen-time. We’re talking about resources, parenting, the black experiences in Paris, and how to keep your children safe from child pornography.

Elizabeth placed a call out for parents to send her any questions you may have about navigating the digital world to her on Facebook or IG better yet join her Facebook group.

All of the resources and free toolkits can be found in the show notes.

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In episode part 1 of 2 episodes with Lajoy Johnson-Law, we talk about advocacy, self-care, and mental health. When you are a parent with special needs kids you can immerse yourself in your child’s care and unconsciously stop taking care of yourself.

LaJoy Johnson-Law, a parent advocate and DC Board of Education Candidate who is heavily involved in the education landscape in DC. Listen in as she shares various experiences along the way that led her to the kind of parent and person she is today.

Look forward to Part 2 of Lajoy’s episode on October 6, 2020. She discusses how to be a powerful advocate by breaking down sections of the IDEA ACT, who to contact when your school is not providing services, and why she is running for the DC Board of Education. Subscribe (for free) to this channel to receive an alert when this episode airs.

You can support Lajoy as she runs for DC Board of Education at http://www.lajoylaw2020.com/

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In this episode, Gahmya and I talk about how to tell if your child’s school is using a curriculum that helps your child to make progress in school. And ways to stop policing ourselves when talking about racism with our children while giving them the language and concepts that will help them advocate for themselves.

One of the major factors that contribute to your child’s academic success is the curriculum your child’s school uses. Gahmya breaks down what a successful curriculum looks like and how to advocate with your child’s schools to make improvements. 

As a culture, we have policed ourselves as a method of survival. It’s time that we get to change the narrative and empower our children to become advocates of change to the systemic racism they will deal with. Gahmya and I discuss how to nurture your child’s voice by providing them with the language of empowerment and black culture. 

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Genie Dawkins introduces you to The Parenting Cipher community by sharing her inspirations. Talking about her childhood in Washington, introduction to Hip Hop, and why the Parenting Cipher is part of a revolution.

Special Thanks to Fempowermedia for the scholarship that helped this podcast happen.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fempowermedia/

Website: https://www.fempowermedia.com/

You can grab the show notes for this episode here.

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Genie Dawkins introduces you to The Parenting Cipher Podcast. The series features uncandid talks with therapists, educators, doctors, advocates, and other parents to breakdown topics related to special education, disabilities, advocacy, parenting, and self-improvement. The Parenting Cipher Podcast debuts on August 18th.

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