10 Ways to Raise Emotionally Healthy Black Children

As a Black mother of two beautiful Black daughters, raising emotionally healthy Black children in today’s society is both important and relevant. This involves more than just meeting their basic physical needs; it requires us to help cultivate their minds, hearts, and spirits. In a society where Black children encounter distinct challenges, ranging from racial stress to societal pressures, parents and caregivers play a vital role in developing their self-esteem, resilience, and emotional well-being. Black children deserve not merely to survive but to flourish beyond societal stereotypes.

Here are ten effective strategies to help foster their emotional health and provide them with the necessary tools to approach life with confidence, joy, and resilience, ensuring they feel seen, heard, and valued in all aspects of their lives.

1. Take Care of Your Own Mental Health First 

As a parent, your well-being affects your child. Constant stress or emotional unavailability is noticeable. Prioritizing self-care, such as therapy or community support, models healthy habits and helps you be your best self.

2. Foster an Open, Safe Space for Emotional Expression 

When talking to your children about their feelings, ask questions to understand them better and encourage more dialogue, such as, "What happened to make you think that?" or "Why do you think that happened?" Establish a daily ritual with your children to foster open conversations about their day. Make sure to stay informed about everything happening in their lives. 

3. Have Open Conversations About Race & Identity 

Black children quickly become aware of the differences in how they are treated. Rather than shielding them, empower them with the knowledge and confidence to navigate these experiences. Bring them to cultural events and spaces to help them embrace their identity. Pour into them, ensuring they know they’re more than enough. 

4. Affirm Their Worth Daily 

Representation matters. Speak life into them. Help them write affirmations and post them in their room as a daily reminder. Provide them with books, toys, dolls, and TV shows to help them see themselves positively and remind them that they’re fearfully and wonderfully made. 

5. Encourage Healthy Coping Skills 

Help them to learn how to regulate their emotions and process stressful moments. Encourage positive expression through creative outlets such as art, music, or dance. Equip them with the skills to handle difficult situations so they can grow into confident problem solvers. 

6. Monitor Exposure to Harmful Messages 

Children are sometimes exposed to more negativity than we realize. Monitor the content they encounter and engage with. Help them recognize right from wrong and normalize the concept of “marching to your own beat.” 

7. Be Honest Always 

Honesty with our children fosters trust and ensures they feel secure in our relationship. It also gives them the knowledge and confidence needed to tackle life’s challenges with clarity and resilience.

8. Explore Culturally Competent Mental Health Support  

Mental health is just as important as physical health. If your child is struggling, they may benefit from speaking to someone who understands their cultural experiences and can help them navigate the ebbs and flows of their young lives. Organizations such as Therapy for Black Girls, Therapy for Black Men, and Psychology Today can be valuable resources when looking for a therapist who fits your criteria. 

9. Celebrate Big or Small Wins 

Celebrate with laughter and fun, recognizing all their accomplishments, big or small. Remind them that their happiness is just as important as their achievements; their worth is not contingent upon their performance but on who they are at their core. 

10. It Takes a Village  

There is strength in community, and surrounding yourself and your child with love through family members, mentors, church family, and community members can help reinforce their sense of value and belonging. Our village often plays a crucial role in our children's lives by offering positive guidance, encouragement, and space for them to grow and thrive.

Resources for Further Support: 

• EmbraceRace.org – Resources for raising emotionally healthy Black children

• Therapy for Black Girls – Directory for Black women seeking therapy

• Therapy for Black Men – Mental health support for Black men and boys

References: 

EmbraceRace. (n.d.). Moving the talk to the walk for Black children. https://www.embracerace.org/resources/moving-the-talk-to-the-walk-for-black-children

Headspace. (2023). Parenting while Black: With intention. https://www.headspace.com/mindfulness/parenting-while-black-with-intention

Kids Mental Health Foundation. (n.d.). Self-care for Black families. https://www.kidsmentalhealthfoundation.org/mental-health-resources/minority-mental-health/self-care-for-black-families

UNICEF USA. (2020). Supporting Black children’s emotional health amid racial injustice. https://www.unicefusa.org/stories/supporting-black-childrens-emotional-health-amid-racial-injustice