Parenting With Intentions 8 -Session Harlem Parenting Support Group

Parenting can be challenging, confusing, and stressful—even under the best circumstances. For many BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) parents, these challenges are compounded by systemic obstacles such as stigma, racism, discrimination, cultural differences, and limited access to mental health care and quality education for their children. As a result, BIPOC parents may face greater struggles with parenting and mental health compared to their white counterparts.

Strong parenting skills are essential for fostering children’s self-worth, development, and healthy parent-child relationships. When parents are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need, children are more likely to thrive emotionally, socially, academically, and spiritually. All Parents are welcome to attend

Parenting with Intention (PWI) is an 8-session training and support program created by Dr. Sanayi Beckles-Canton, a licensed clinician and experienced Parenting Journey facilitator. Drawing on more than 10 years of teaching Parenting Journey classes, Dr. Canton developed PWI as a natural extension of her work, weaving in additional elements of spiritual development, trauma-informed care, and cultural awareness.

PWI uses the evidence-based Parenting Journey curriculum while creating a unique healing space where parents can explore their lived experiences, connect with others, and cultivate intentional approaches to parenting. The program is grounded in family systems theory and trauma-informed practices, emphasizing strengths, resilience, and the belief that families can grow and thrive even in the face of significant challenges.

• Story-Centered Learning: Parents are invited to share their personal experiences in a safe, supportive environment with clear boundaries. Facilitators act as both counselors and educators, helping participants connect emotional awareness with cognitive understanding.
• Holistic Parent Development: PWI encourages self-care, spiritual practices, and cultural reflection while enhancing parenting knowledge and skills.
• Strength-Based Focus: The program highlights resilience and possibility, equipping parents with tools to support their children’s spiritual, academic, social, and emotional well-being.
• Inside-Out Growth: Through hands-on practices, parents learn to understand themselves more deeply, strengthening their ability to parent with intention.

Parenting Journey was founded in 1981 with the mission of transforming family and community well-being through trauma-informed, strengths-based approaches. In collaboration with the Institute for Community Health and Boston University, Parenting Journey has undergone rigorous evaluation, further grounding its practices in research and evidence. PWI builds upon this foundation while adapting the model to better address cultural, spiritual, and trauma-related dimensions of parenting.

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