Ep. 101: Togethering the Othered

Is mindful parenting sustainable? Can Caribbean people, for example, with all our deep familiarity in the art of loving yet intimidation-based parenting, actually learn how to consistently be in respect-based, partnership-centered relationships with our children? Can our children call us on our b.s. and still feel not only safe, but heard and respected for expressing their truths? Hell yes, and in this episode, we’re talking candidly about the beauty and the mess of how that goes down. We’re starting Season 4 with the perfect blend of discussions around personal and communal soulwork. We’re talking about the togethering of ourselves in terms of emotional stability and clarity inside the work of Raising Free People, and we’re talking about community gatherings in support of this work. Akilah talks with Maleka Diggs of Eclectic Learning Network about some of the stickier parts of conscious parenting, what she does to manage those moments, and what she plans on doing throughout the year to support her city and her fellow unschooling-minded parents as we deschool from broken ideas about parenting, education, and power. Maleka will be one of three featured panelists at this year’s Liberation and Education Summit in Clarkston, Georgia on February 2. If you can attend, you should. If you cannot attend, please consider making a donation in support of equitable Self-Directed Education spaces in metro Atlanta.