An African American woman parenting African American boys who are happy | Photo by LaShawn Dobbs on Unsplash

Parenting African American boys can be different from raising other kids from different races because of culture and imparting important lessons they must take in mind as they embark on their own life journey.

No one says parenting is easy, especially for those who are experiencing it for the first time. Parenting can vary significantly across cultures, as each may offer important lessons that help individuals become better members of society. Parenting African American boys can be different as well because of two races that run in their blood, giving them a whole new identity.

Lessons from the Sidelines by Karen R. Blake is a book that offers a glimpse into how a mother supports and encourages her boys in their academic endeavors at school. It is sort of a parenting African American boys book, where the parent, Karen R. Blake, shows how she lets her boys become wonderful men. The book contains real-life experiences and lessons that Karen Blake shares with her readers.

Raising African American boys gives the parents responsibilities, challenges, and joys. Yet, the challenges that the parents encounter may not be that easy, especially when it comes to racial identity, merging culture, and expectations. But don’t fret! Here are great approaches to parenting African American boys:

Build Strong Racial Identity and Self-Esteem

Parenting African American boys involves creating a safe space for the kids that allows them to celebrate their race and culture. Start by affirming their blackness by celebrating their African American heritage.

With this, the boys will gain an understanding of their family tree and learn more about their culture, achievements, and pride. To do this, share stories about the family’s African American lineage, history, civil rights, and the notable people they can idolize. You can use various media to introduce them to their black roots, such as books, toys, mentors, role models, and music.

Have Open, Honest Conversations About Race

When you are parenting African American boys, you will have a huge chance of encountering a conversation about race. Since they are African American, they will always ask about it as they will be confused as to what community will accept them.

Have a conversation with your children. In your discussions, you must teach them how to navigate racial profiling, microaggressions, and discrimination without fear. You should teach them to face these with strength, awareness, and dignity. Let them know how to interact with police or authority figures. Let them ask questions and answer them with intention and compassion.

Foster Emotional Intelligence

Parenting African American boys is not easy. As they become confused about their racial identity, you should remind them that they are enough and that their feelings are valid. You may break some generational cycles that let them suppress what they feel. Instead, teach them that feeling emotions is a form of power. Let them know that crying and expressing their feelings is a healthy way to cope.

Create a Supportive Village

The Black community is robust in terms of support systems. With this, you can introduce your sons to this community and let them find their people. These communities can take the form of churches, local groups with leaders, coaches, and mentors, as well as fraternities with a strong sense of positive influence and brotherhood.

Parenting African American boys may require the kids to have a Black male role model. A good father can influence your sons to become a good citizen. If you are a single mom, you can connect your sons with their uncles, teachers, barbers, or Big Brother programs.

Educate, Advocate, and Empower

Parenting African American boys can also be related to parenting other kids. When empowering young Black males, it is essential to educate, advocate, and empower them by leveraging their culture and racial identity. With this, you need to be involved in your son’s school and ensure the teachers are treating them fairly. You may also consider enrolling your African American boys in schools with programs that promote Black excellence.

In Karen R. Blake’s Lessons from the Sidelines, the author allows her boys to participate in and excel at their school sports. She supports them from the side, ensuring her boys feel seen and supported in their passion.

Discipline with Love and Guidance

Nobody is perfect. Your boys can be at fault sometimes. When it comes to this, you have to discipline them with love and guidance. Parenting African American boys will also require you to let the kids see both of the races that run in their blood. Avoid harsh punishments, but let them know that they are still loved and guided, letting them learn why they need disciplinary actions.

Encourage Dreams and Imagination

Everyone has an aspiration. Encourage your kids to dream and use their imagination. Support them through their passion, and they will learn to love and guide their kids as well. When parenting African American boys, don’t forget that your kids have their own directions in life. What do they want to be when they grow up? Validate their wildest dreams, as this will let them learn how to reach these aspirations with everything they have in all fairness and passion.

Take Care of Yourself

Of course! Parenting African American boys is taxing. You need to take care of yourself too! As a parent, never forget to pursue what you want as well. Take some time to rest and have some “Me Time.” Self-care is important for everyone to stay in shape as a parent that your boys look up to.

Karen R. Blake’s Lessons from the Sidelines shares how a parent is supportive when it comes to her son’s sports activities in school. She shares lessons she learned, such as cooperation, preparation, skills, character, peace, and community. Karen also noted that she will be open to other life lessons her family can still reveal in the future.

Get a copy of Lessons from the Sidelines by Karen R. Blake to learn more about supporting and raising African American boys.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Parenting African American boys presents its own unique challenges that require determination and strength to face. It allows you to build your sons into great role models for future African American kids who need an adult figure to model their lives after.

As a parent, what advice would you give in parenting African American boys?