Intentional parenting

Tag: teenagers

  • Connected parenting

    Guide for African Migrant Parents: Staying Connected to Your Teenagers

    Parenting as an African migrant comes with unique challenges, especially when raising teenagers in a new culture. Balancing traditional values with the realities of life abroad can create tension, but staying connected with your teen is vital for their growth and maintaining a strong family bond. Hereā€™s a practical guide to help:

    1. Understand Their World

    ā€¢ Learn About the Local Culture

    Take time to understand the culture your teen is growing up in. This will help you better comprehend their challenges and pressures, such as peer relationships, school dynamics, or social norms.

    Tip: Attend school events or community activities to observe and engage with their environment.

    ā€¢ Stay Updated on Trends

    Be aware of what interests themā€”social media, music, fashion, or sports. Ask them about whatā€™s popular and listen without judgment.

    Example: ā€œWhatā€™s your favorite app these days? Can you show me how it works?ā€

    2. Communicate Openly and Often

    ā€¢ Create a Safe Space

    Teens may hesitate to open up if they fear judgment or punishment. Show empathy and listen without interruption.

    Example: ā€œI may not fully understand, but I want to hear how you feel.ā€

    ā€¢ Be Consistent with Check-ins

    Regularly ask about their day, friendships, and feelings. Make conversations a habit, not just when thereā€™s a problem.

    Tip: Have chats during shared activities like cooking, driving, or walking. Eat at the table away from TV and gadgets.

    3. Blend Cultures Positively

    ā€¢ Teach Them Your Heritage

    Share stories, traditions, and values from your African roots to give them a sense of identity and pride.

    Example: Celebrate cultural festivals or cook traditional meals together. Attend local festivals such as The Zim Heritage Festival, more details here

    ā€¢ Embrace Their New Environment

    Allow your teen to explore and adopt aspects of their current culture while guiding them to balance both worlds.

    Tip: Celebrate achievements that matter to them, whether itā€™s excelling in school or pursuing a hobby. Enrol them in after school activities eg sports, drama. You can google your local area or ask your school for some guidance. If you live in Buckinghamshire, you can check the family information website here

    4. Show Affection and Encouragement

    ā€¢ Acknowledge Their Efforts

    Praise their achievements and effort, no matter how small. Teens crave validation from their parents.

    Example: ā€œIā€™m proud of how you handled that situation with your friend.ā€

    ā€¢ Offer Emotional and Physical Support

    Be available when theyā€™re stressed or need comfort. A simple hug or reassuring words can mean a lot.

    5. Set Boundaries with Love

    ā€¢ Balance Discipline with Understanding

    Explain the reasoning behind rules instead of enforcing them without context.

    Example: ā€œIā€™m asking you to come home by 9 PM because I worry about your safety.ā€

    ā€¢ Be Flexible When Necessary

    While itā€™s important to uphold family values, adjust your expectations to fit their realities.

    6. Be Involved in Their Education

    ā€¢ Engage with Their School Life

    Attend parent-teacher meetings and know their academic strengths and challenges. Show interest in their goals.

    Tip: Ask how you can support them with their studies or extracurricular activities.

    ā€¢ Encourage Lifelong Learning

    Help them see the value of education, whether academic, vocational, or personal development. Share your own experiences of perseverance. Read together as families. Watch documentaries that are informative and educational.

    7. Handle Conflicts with Care

    ā€¢ Avoid Comparisons

    Donā€™t compare them to peers or other teenagers eg. cousins years in Africa. This can make them feel misunderstood.

    ā€¢ Resolve Disagreements Calmly

    When arguments arise, take a step back to cool off before discussing solutions. Apologize if needed; it models respect and humility.

    8. Build a Support Network

    ā€¢ Connect with Other Parents

    Join local community groups or parenting networks to share experiences and advice. We have a whatsapp community here at Intentional Parenting to offer support and guidance.

    ā€¢ Involve Mentors or Elders

    Trusted community members or family friends can reinforce values and offer guidance to your teen.

    9. Foster Independence

    ā€¢ Give Them Responsibility

    Encourage them to make decisions and learn from their mistakes. This builds confidence.

    ā€¢ Prepare Them for the Future

    Talk about career paths, finances, and life skills to help them transition into adulthood.

    10. Take Care of Yourself

    ā€¢ Manage Your Stress

    Parenting is demanding, especially in a new country. Seek support if needed through community resources or counseling. Local authority are also good places to get help. Please donā€™t stew in your problems with your children.

    For a confidential and non judgemental chat, reach out to Fadzai click here. You can find out more about Fadzai

    ā€¢ Model Healthy Behavior

    Teens often emulate their parents. Show resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to learn.

    Final Thoughts

    Building a strong relationship with your teenager takes time, patience, and effort. By combining the wisdom of your African heritage with the opportunities of your new environment, you can raise confident, well-rounded children who appreciate their roots and thrive in their new home.

    Wishing you every success in this journey!

    Remain Intentional

    Fadzai šŸŒ±

  • Parenting support and services

    Support for Parents Who Want Calm, Confidence and Connection.

    Parenting is one of the most important roles we hold ā€” yet many parents are left navigating it alone, unsure whether theyā€™re doing ā€œenoughā€ or responding in the right way.

    Intentional Parenting was created to change that.

    Iā€™m Fadzai, a parenting consultant, safeguarding lead and community builder. Through Intentional Parenting, I support parents who want to raise emotionally secure, resilient children while building calm, connected family life.

    This space is for parents who are not looking for perfection ā€” but for clarity, confidence and practical support that fits real life.

    What Is Intentional Parenting?

    Intentional parenting is about making thoughtful choices, even in the middle of busy, messy family life.

    Itā€™s about:

    Understanding behaviour rather than reacting to it. Strengthening communication and emotional connection. Parenting in line with your values, not pressure or fear. Creating safe, supportive environments where children can thrive.

    At Intentional Parenting, support is compassionate, practical and grounded in real-world parenting challenges.

    How I Support Parents

    My work focuses on four key areas of parenting support:

    šŸŒæ Emotional Wellbeing & Behaviour

    Helping parents understand emotions, manage challenging behaviour and reduce overwhelm at home.

    šŸ—£ Communication & Connection

    Supporting stronger relationships through calm communication, boundaries and repair after conflict.

    šŸ§­ Intentional Parenting & Family Life

    Helping parents move from reactive parenting to intentional routines, rhythms and values-led family life.

    šŸ›” Safeguarding & Family Safety

    Supporting parents to confidently protect their childrenā€™s wellbeing through everyday safeguarding and early support.

    These services are offered through 1:1 parenting coaching, group cohorts, community spaces and workshops.

    A Different Kind of Parenting Support.

    Intentional Parenting is not about quick fixes or one-size-fits-all advice.

    It is about:

    Walking alongside parents. Creating space for reflection and growth. Offering tools that work in everyday family life. Supporting parents before challenges become crises.

    Parents come for support at all stages ā€” whether navigating early childhood, school transitions, adolescence, or simply wanting to parent with more intention.

    Join the Intentional Parenting Community

    Alongside coaching and services, Fadzai also offers community-based support through spaces such as The 6AM Collective ā€” a reflective parenting community offering connection, prayer, learning cohorts and shared growth.

    Youā€™re welcome to engage at your own pace, in a way that supports your family.

    Start Here

    If youā€™re ready to explore parenting support that feels grounded, respectful and practical, youā€™re in the right place.

    šŸ‘‰ Explore parenting coaching : here

    šŸ‘‰ Join the community :Whatsapp

    šŸ‘‰ Read the latest blog posts on this platform

    You donā€™t have to do parenting alone ā€” and you donā€™t have to do it perfectly.

  • #Momofteens

    What have I learnt on raising teen so far?

    – Awe

    Yes you will be filled with awe on how tall, beautiful they have grown. You will catch your breath a few times. You will be amazed at their thinking and outlook on life.

    –Love

    Your love language will change. You will learn to express your love, appreciation and gratitude in a different way as teens are not keen on showing emotions. You will love them on most days and want to kill them on others. Know the difference.

    –Fear

    It will creep on you from most angles. If it’s not their friends, the school or community it will be the local and world news. Choose faith. Have faith in your child and your parenting skills. God qualified you for the job. Own it.

     

    –weight

    Yoh will gain, I believe from worry, lack of sleep or early menopause.Or it could be simply from leading a sedentary life. Those school runs, after school activities not only keep them busy but helps the mamas too.  Which ever way, you will be be lovely to cuddle.

     

    -Freedom

    Yes, you will have the new found freedom to have lie ins, meet friends and do other things. It will surely happen. Let your teens see you happy and use your spare time effectively . If you are like me who started the parenting game early, travel and see the world. Go for that dinner date without feeling guilty.

    Anything else you can add?

    Do you have teens? Would love to hear from you!

    Remain in the game

    Love Fadzi xx

     

     

     

  • Loving your children

    As a working migrant community, creating time to bond with your children is very important.

    Our children are competing for our attention with Shifts, black tax, social media, our mobile phones parental fatigue and stress. So what can we do?

    Below are 5 tips that I have used myself and many other parents I work with , with positive results.

    1. Establish a Morning or Evening Ritual

    ā€¢ Use the time before or after your shifts to bond. For example, have breakfast together or create a bedtime routine like reading a story, talking about the day, or sharing a quick prayer or song. This creates consistency and helps your child feel connected. Eat at the dinner table with no TV on. For those who work long shifts, connect via whatsapp, face time etc. Have a virtual catch up , negotiate your break times so you can connect with your children.

    2. Maximize Your Days Off

    ā€¢ Dedicate your off days to family-focused activities like visiting parks, museums, or simply cooking and eating together. Plan these activities ahead of time to make the most of them. Involve your child in choosing the activities to build anticipation and excitement. Most National Trust places are very good for spending time as a family. More detail here

    3. Incorporate Quality Moments into Everyday Tasks

    ā€¢ Turn chores or errands into fun bonding opportunities. For instance, involve your children in meal prep or grocery shopping by assigning them small tasks, like picking ingredients or organizing items at home. Play music while cooking, share your childhood playlist with them and what it was like growing up. Let them share their own playlist as well, who is their favourite artist? You will be killing so many birds with this activity from family history, present culture to understanding each others likes. Enjoy!

    4. Use Technology Thoughtfully

    ā€¢ If you work long shifts or overnight, use video calls to check in during breaks or before bedtime. Leave a heartfelt message or short video for them to watch when they wake up if youā€™re not there.

    5. Focus on Active Listening During Limited Time

    ā€¢ When youā€™re with your children, give them your full attention. Ask open-ended questions about their day and feelings. Avoid distractions like your phone, so they feel valued and understood. Here at intentional parenting we did a challenge a few years ago where we encouraged parents to leave their phones upstairs the first hour they get home from work. This challenge yielded incredible results. Would you try it?,

    6. Itā€™s very important to extend grace and compassion to yourself as a parent during tough seasons of parenting. May be you are a lone parent, establish a community around you to help. Be clear and communicate your VISION as a parent so your children can understand and marry into it. If you need help to put strategies in place , speak to someone or just get some advice , get in touch with Fadzai

    Balancing work and parenting is challenging, but intentional efforts can help you stay close to your children and nurture their emotional well-being.

    What else can you add to this?

    Every blessing

    Fadzai x

  • Wise Parenting

    Demonstrating wisdom in parenting involves thoughtful decision-making, emotional intelligence, and a deep understanding of your child’s needs. Here are five tips to help you show wisdom in your parenting:

    1. Listen Actively and Empathetically

    • Tip: Practice active listening by giving your full attention to your child when they speak. Make eye contact and remove distractions such as phone or telly. Validate their feelings and experiences, even if you donā€™t fully agree. This helps build trust and shows that you value their perspective.
    • Why Itā€™s Wise: Active listening fosters open communication and helps you understand your childā€™s needs and emotions better, enabling more thoughtful responses.

    2. Model the Behavior You Want to See

    • Tip: Be a role model in areas such as kindness, patience, and responsibility. Children learn by observing, so demonstrate the values and behaviors you want them to adopt. Be mindful of how you carry yourself in the home, your children are watching.
    • Why Itā€™s Wise: Leading by example teaches children important life skills and moral values more effectively than just telling them what to do.

    3. Practice Patience and Perspective

    • Tip: When faced with challenging situations, take a step back to assess the bigger picture before reacting. Respond with patience, considering both short-term and long-term impacts on your child. How you react to small things becomes a foundation in your childrenā€™s hearts and minds. For example if you scream and shout all day about a vase that has been ACCIDENTALLY broken, how is this child ever going to tell you when someone touched them inappropriately?
    • Why Itā€™s Wise: Patience allows you to make decisions that are not just reactive but thoughtful and considerate of your childā€™s development and well-being.

    4. Encourage Independence Within Safe Boundaries

    • Tip: Allow your child to make choices and take on responsibilities appropriate for their age, while providing guidance and boundaries to ensure their safety and well-being. Each child is different which is why itā€™s important to KNOW your child through spending time together.
    • Why Itā€™s Wise: Encouraging independence helps children build confidence, decision-making skills, and resilience, preparing them for the complexities of life.

    5. Prioritize Consistent and Fair Discipline

    • Tip: Establish clear rules and consequences, and apply them consistently. Ensure that discipline is fair, focused on teaching rather than punishing, and tailored to the individual needs of your child.
    • Why Itā€™s Wise: Consistent and fair discipline helps children understand boundaries and the consequences of their actions, promoting a sense of security and respect for rules.

    By incorporating these tips into your parenting approach, you can demonstrate wisdom that will positively influence your childā€™s development and your relationship with them.

    Hope you find these useful.

    Let me know in comment section below.

    Here is to thriving in parenting.

    If you need further support with parenting, want to discuss something, do get in touch via link below:

    https://calendly.com/intentionalparenting/intentional-parenting-consultation

    Love and blessings

    Fadzi x

  • Playful Parent

    We are continuing with our Affirmations challenge. Cannot believe itā€™s end of November already! today weā€™re saying to out children ā€˜ You are fun to be withā€™.

    Can your children say the same about you?

    What does fun and playfulness look like in your home? We all have different expressions of being funny, playful and enjoying life.

    For most of us African parents, we may not have seen our parents roll on the floor with laughter, tickle or cuddle us. They had their own ways of being fun. May be they enjoyed telling folktales. May be they enjoyed singing and dancing to hyms. That was their idea of fun and there is nothing wrong with that.

    The idea of being playful especially here in diaspora can seem very alien to us parents of African heritage, as everywhere you look, there are pictures or literature on Western ways of playful parenting. I would encourage you to do what feels FUN for you. Share that side of you with your children.

    Once in a while, donā€™t worry about the mounting bills, all the responsibilities that come with being a parent.

    Do something that makes you have belly laughs.

    Dance to your favourite music like no-one is watching.

    Hang out with the girls or boys where needed.

    Below I share some

    Tips for being playful.

    1. Embrace Playfulness: Don’t be afraid to let loose and engage in playful activities. Whether it’s a spontaneous dance party in the living room or pretending to be pirates in the backyard, embracing your inner child creates a joyful atmosphere.
    2. Create Family Traditions: Establishing fun and memorable family traditions fosters a sense of togetherness. It could be a weekly game night, Friday movie night, Pizza party, a special breakfast on Saturdays, or an annual family outing. Consistency builds anticipation and strengthens family bonds.
    3. Be Open to Spontaneity: Sometimes, the most enjoyable moments happen unexpectedly. Be open to spontaneous adventures, like a last-minute picnic in the park or a surprise movie night, bowling evening, a drive through your neighbour or some random place. Flexibility adds an element of excitement to family life.
    4. Use Humor: A good sense of humor can diffuse tension and create a lighthearted atmosphere. Share jokes, play silly games, or simply find humor in everyday situations. Laughter is a powerful tool for bonding. Be open to silliness.
    5. Incorporate Learning into Fun: Turn educational activities into enjoyable experiences. Whether it’s a science experiment at home, a nature scavenger hunt, or a creative art project, blending learning with fun makes it engaging for both you and your children.
    6. Be Present: Quality time is key to being a fun parent. Put away distractions, focus on the moment, and actively participate in your child’s world. Whether it’s reading a book together or building a fort, being fully present enhances the enjoyment.
    7. Encourage Creativity: Provide opportunities for creative expression. This could involve arts and crafts, music sessions, or imaginative play. Allowing your children to express themselves fosters a sense of autonomy and joy. Let your children see you join clubs and activists as well. Join a salsa class, go to the gym etc
    8. Celebrate Achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate your child’s accomplishments, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement boosts their confidence and makes the learning process more enjoyable.
    9. Outdoor Adventures: Plan outdoor activities that cater to different interests. Whether it’s a nature hike, a day at the beach, or a bike ride, fresh air and physical activity contribute to a fun and healthy family dynamic.
    10. Express Affection: Show love and affection regularly. Hugs, high-fives, and words of encouragement create a positive and secure environment. Knowing they are loved unconditionally contributes to a happy and enjoyable family atmosphere.

  • Dear Sam

    Today marks your 19th year around the sun. What a privilege and honour to witness!

    Here is my birthday letter to you :

    Happy birthday beautiful!

    As I reflect on the incredible person you’ve become, my heart swells with pride and love. Today marks another beautiful year of your life, and I want to take this moment to celebrate the remarkable journey that you are on.

    From the moment you came into this world, you brought immeasurable joy and purpose into my life. Your laughter has been my symphony, your accomplishments my pride, and your spirit my inspiration. I love your convictions and the lenses that you view the world. Your voice and opinion is so needed in this generation. You are intelligent, joyful and incredibly grounded. A great friend to many! Watching you grow into the compassionate, intelligent, and strong individual that you are has been the greatest gift I could have ever received.

    As you embrace this new chapter in your life, remember that your potential knows no bounds. You have an extraordinary light within you that radiates kindness and resilience. Keep chasing your dreams fearlessly, and know that I will always be here to support and guide you through every step of your journey. Thank you for ALL the lessons I am learning as I watch you grow. May you never stop being YOU!

    May all your gifts and talents make room for you my daughter! Your hands are incredibly blessed, that much you know. Use them as often as life allows you. Your culinary skills are commendable and worth of mentioning. Keep at it. Your sharp, critical mind will take you far, keep feeding and watering it.

    May this birthday be filled with laughter, cherished moments, and an abundance of love. Never forget how cherished and adored you are, not just today, but every single day. You and your brother are my greatest joy, and I am endlessly grateful for the privilege of being your madre

    With all my love and warmest wishes,

    Yours forever

    mum xx

  • Intentional Parenting affirmations challenge

    Every month of November we are taking the positive affirmation challenge.

    Research on affirmations suggests that they can have a positive impact on the brain, influencing areas related to self-worth, self-integrity, and cognitive processing. Studies indicate that practicing affirmations may help in reducing stress, enhancing resilience, and improving overall well-being. They can also contribute to a more positive mindset, increased self-esteem, and a stronger sense of control over one’s life.

    We are encouraging parents to speak positively in the lives of your children. Most of you may already be doing this. What we are emphasising is the power of spoken words into the hearts and minds of your children.

    šŸ’”Tip

    You may also want to draw out traits that you need to see more in your child. For instance you may have a child who has either of these traits; fearful , indecisive, anxious, unkind, disorganised, confused, hanging with wrong crowds, lazy, indifferent, distracted, etc.

    Speak into those traits eg where there is laziness, speak diligence, commitment etc. Talk about it with your child in a sensitive and respectful manner:

    ā€œI see you struggle to get things done. How can I help you?ā€

    Listen to their suggestions and be willing to work with them. Put practical strategies to support with what needs to happen. If you identify something that you nee help with, do get in touch with Fadzai via this link

    Talk about the challenge and how you are keen to support and make a difference as a parent.

    If your child is old enough, ask if there is anything that they need you to focus/ support or pray into?

    The idea of the challenge is to make it your own and meaningful as much as possible.

    We understand the power of the SPOKEN word especially when said in faith!

    Goal

    These are some potential goals for this challenge focused on intentional parenting:

    1. Encouraging parents to prioritize quality time and meaningful interactions with their children in order to foster strong emotional bonds and promote positive child development.
    2. Empowering parents to practice mindful, conscious parenting techniques that prioritize understanding, empathy, and effective communication, fostering a supportive and nurturing family environment.
    3. Promoting the importance of setting clear boundaries and consistent discipline strategies to help children develop self-discipline, responsibility, and healthy decision-making skills, ultimately contributing to their overall well-being and character development.
    4. Highlighting the significance of promoting emotional intelligence and resilience in children through intentional conversations, positive reinforcement, and modeling healthy emotional expression, thus equipping them with essential life skills for managing and navigating their emotions effectively.

    What you need for this challenge is to speak these AFFIRMING words into your child. If you are christian we encourage you to do it prayerfully.

    I encourage you to be creative, wild and think outside the box on how you want to do this.

    Below are examples of what you can do:

    Bedroom door.

    Affirmation JAR

    Choose a consistent time that works for you and your household. For example, a working from home parent may choose a time when the child/ ren are at school to surprise them when they come home each day with an affirmative word.

    Another parent may choose to share the word with child, pray together into that Affirmative word and may ask the child to stick it on the door.

    šŸ“ŒDo what works well for you and your child.

    Encourage the teens and young adults living at home to participate. Let them know you are taking the challenge. With this cohort of children, they may not be overly interested, do not lose heart. They need these WORDS more than than you can imagine. For Christian parents, you may want to pray into their rooms on your own each day using that AFFIRMATIVE word and then stick it on their bedroom door.

    For those of you with a children who share a bedroom, use different coloured post notes for each child so you can differentiate.

    If you do not have post it notes, use plain paper and coloured pen/ markers/ highlighters/ eg black pen, green, red or blue.

    Some of you may prefer to use digital notes. Use what is easier and best for you. This may work well with children who are not living at home may be in boarding schools, college, uni or left the nest altogether.

    Be as creative and wild as you want with this.

    As a parent remember to speak positively to yourself as well:

    I am a loving parent

    I am doing a great job

    I am raising the future

    I am the best parent for my child

    I am learning

    I am enough

    I am growing

    I am impactful

    I am open minded

    I am qualified to parent.

    I love what I do.

    The Challenge

    ā€œPositive Parenting Affirmation Challenge”
    “šŸŒŸāœØ Join our #IntentionalParentingAffirmationChallenge #IPAC and share your daily affirmations for a happier, more fulfilling parenting journey! Let’s uplift our children and spread the joy of positive parenting one affirmation at a time.

    šŸŒˆ Tag us and inspire others to embrace the power of positivity! Use these hashtags #ParentingPositivity #Affirmations #IntentionalParenting #IPAC

    Follow Intentional parenting socials via links below for updates and inspiration.

    Do share with your friends, families and colleagues.

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/intentionalparentings

    Instagram : I’m on Instagram as intentional_parenting. https://www.instagram.com/invites/contact/?i=1ja8yyio9fp65&utm_content=3bmfqzz

  • Mind the brain

    Parenting for purpose

    @bnparents

    The key to learning about brain development is to knowing and understanding that our childrenā€™s brains are not fully developed before they are 25 yearsšŸ¤“šŸ˜¬. Long time, I hear you sayā€¦ it is indeed, so brace yourself for the journey!

    Hands up to those who became parents with under developed brains ā€¦. šŸ™‹šŸ¾ā€ā™€ļø

    This isnā€™t to shame anyone but to create a place to reflect and think :

    So what does that mean to my parenting journey?
    How did my experience shape the relationship I have with my child/ren?

    Who else was/ is helping me in my transitioning and journey?

    How am I thriving in this space?

    What do I do with what I know now?

    In many non western cultures of the global majority, a village/ community is there to help raise a child hence some of the challenges of having children young were mitigated. The turbulent teen years were dealt with by a community so the nuclear family did not feel it that much. For those of us who grew up in Zimbabwe in the 90s and beyond we know how the christian values and beliefs shaped us even for those whose parents didnā€™t actively practice christianity. Gospel songs were everywhere and pretty much what we listened to especially in public places eg in commuter buses, shops and malls. So imagine the impact that had on our minds and well being!

    Fast forward to now, where families are dispersed and all overā€¦ what does that mean to be a PARENT in this fast paced world?

    How are you minding your childā€™s brain?

    What sort of things can you do as a parent to support positive brain development? How can you look after yourself during what is sometimes termed ā€˜turbulent teen yearsā€™?

    For this and moreā€¦ Be sure to subscribe to this blog for the upcoming masterclass on intentionalparentingĀ©ļø starting in Autumn/November 2023.

    More details to followā€¦

    For now, remain intentional šŸŒ±

  • Child Q

    Intentional parenting stands with Child Q. As a community of black African parents, we will work with our community at large to heal on the trauma that we have faced.

    What makes Child Q a very distressing and complex case is the layers of abuse, discrimination, injustice the community faces. To rectify these issues requires a system wise approach. For instance, why didnā€™t Child Q refuse to be undressed without her parents there??

    As I write itā€™s difficult to imagine what must have been going through her mind when all this was happening. I want to take a minute and applaud the relationship Child Q has with her mother that she was able to share the horrors of what happened to her.

    Thank you to the Hackney Safeguarding who took this forward to the panel.

    We are holding a series of webinars to discuss about this trauma, led by qualified practitioners from education, health, safeguarding, parenting,faith, youth work and many others.

    Intentional Parenting invites those with expertise in those areas, are willing to work with our community to get in touch via our contact page below via email/ phone/ whatsapp.

    We are open and willing to work with both statutory and voluntary organisations in forging a way forward.

    We understand that this is not an isolated incident. We will speak to our children and LISTEN to their experiences. We will LEARN from their experiences and stand with them.

    We promise to make time and read the SCHOOL policies so we are familiar with them.

    As a community we will seek opportunities to be part of the change both in schools and our local areas. These will include volunteering and participating in events that involve our childrenā€™s education such as school governorship, PTA (parent teacher association), youth work etc.

    We pledge to continue working within our community and other partner agencies in making sure ALL children thrive and reach their potential.

    To Child Q and many others, we see you. we hear you. As your parents forgive us for times we didnā€™t believe you, we are willing to do the work.