Parenting tips are needed right now! Shifting policies impact vulnerable families, so I asked Genie Dawkins, parenting coach about what parents can do to support their children and communities.
In the wake of recent executive orders signed by the new President, families across the U.S. are facing new challenges. With policies affecting immigration, healthcare, and social services, vulnerable communities, especially parents of color and those raising children with special needs – are feeling the impact firsthand. To explore how these policy shifts affect families and what parents can do to navigate uncertainty, I sat down with Genie Dawkins, author and parenting coach. In our discussion, she shared valuable insights on building resilience, advocating for children, and maintaining stability in an ever-changing political climate.
Watch “Parenting in Uncertain Times: Parenting Tips on Raising Kids Amid New Policies” Here:
Resources Mentioned in “Parenting in Uncertain Times: Parenting Tips on Raising Kids Amid New Policies”
📌 Follow Genie Dawkins: https://www.instagram.com/geniedawkins
📌 Listen to The Parenting Cipher Podcast: https://pod.link/1525101433
📌 Get Genie’s Books: Not My Child & The Joyful Family Planner : https://parentingcipher.com/products/joyful-family-planner-connecting-me-you-and-us-1
📌 My episode on Genie’s podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-help-empower-your-child-to-cope-with-anxiety-symptoms/id1525101433?i=1000492169984
Listen to the show on your favorite podcast app and please leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review!
Apple Podcasts ♥ Spotify ♥ Amazon Podcasts
Last time Genie was on my Channel
Takeaways from the episode here
✅ Neuropsychological Testing Matters – Standard ADHD tests often miss key learning challenges. A full neuropsychological evaluation provides deeper insights into your child’s attention, memory, and cognitive processing.
✅ Executive Functioning is Key – Many children struggle with organization, memory, and task management. Parents unknowingly act as their child’s executive function, which can delay independence.
✅ Parents Must Be Their Child’s Advocate – Schools often claim they’re offering enough support, but many children need customized IEP accommodations to truly thrive.
✅ Education Policy Changes Affect Special Needs Services – Potential shifts in education funding and privatization could reduce access to essential services, making parent advocacy more critical than ever.
✅ Creating a Strong Support System is Essential – Parents should connect with special education advocates, community groups, and mental health professionals to help navigate the system.
What Parents Can Do to Support Their Children
According to Genie Dawkins, parents play a vital role in helping their children navigate the emotional and practical challenges that arise from shifting policies. Here are some strategies to consider:
1. Get a Neuropsychological Evaluation – Not Just an ADHD Test
Many schools focus only on ADHD as a behavioral issue rather than assessing how a child processes information and learns. Genie emphasizes that neuropsychological evaluations provide deeper insights into attention, memory, and learning disabilities like dyslexia and dysgraphia. Parents should request these evaluations to ensure their child gets the right educational support.
2. Advocate for Your Child’s Educational Rights
Parents must be prepared to fight for their child’s needs, especially if the school says, “This is all we can do.” Genie helps families review education plans (IEPs) and advocate for the right accommodations, ensuring children receive individualized learning support.
3. Recognize the Signs of Executive Function Challenges
Some children struggle with organization, memory, and task management. Genie shares her experience of unknowingly acting as her child’s executive function by constantly reminding them of assignments and schedules. Teaching kids to become independent learners is key to helping them succeed.
4. Maintain Open Communication with Your Child
Children absorb stress, even when parents try to shield them. Having age-appropriate conversations about school challenges, learning differences, and emotions can help kids feel understood and supported.
5. Build a Support Network
Parents are often siloed in their struggles. Genie created The Parenting Cipher to help families connect and share resources because community support makes a difference. Whether through advocacy groups, online forums, or local parent networks, finding like-minded families can provide guidance and encouragement.
The Importance of Resilience in Children
One of the most powerful things parents can do is equip their children with the tools to navigate challenges confidently. Genie suggests focusing on:
🧠 Self-Advocacy – Teach children to understand their needs and speak up in school and social settings.
❤️ Emotional Regulation – Help them develop coping strategies like mindfulness, journaling, or talking through their feelings.
🛠️ Problem-Solving Skills – Encourage critical thinking and resilience by working through challenges together.
By fostering resilience and self-awareness, parents can empower their children rather than let them feel powerless in the face of educational and policy changes.
The education system is shifting, but parents have the power to advocate, educate, and build strong communities for their children.
✅ Request proper evaluations for your child’s learning needs.
✅ Stand up for their educational rights through advocacy.
✅ Help them develop independence and confidence.
✅ Stay connected to support networks that provide guidance.
The Importance of Black History Month
- Black History Month as a Tool for Healing:
- Black History Month was established to counter the erasure of black narratives and highlight the contributions of African Americans.
- Erasure is a form of trauma—it invalidates the lived experiences and achievements of a group. Celebrating black history restores dignity and affirms identity.
- Connecting History and Mental Health:
- When students or teens learn about leaders like Rosa Parks, Frederick Douglass, or Maya Angelou, they see role models who overcame adversity. This fosters hope and resilience.
- Use storytelling as a therapeutic tool: Sharing historical stories can normalize struggles and inspire solutions.
- Representation Matters:
- Studies show that children who see themselves represented positively in history and media develop higher self-esteem.
- Encourage educators to use culturally responsive teaching methods that affirm diverse identities.
See you every Monday at 8 PM E! When you attend Live on YouTube @doctorjodi, you can ask Dr. Jodi your questions. Get on the list to get reminders about the show, including the topic for the week, PLUS, receive my Gen Z Mental Health Resource Guide here: