The Parenting Cipher is the podcast for innovative Black parents raising neurodiverse and special needs children who want clear answers, fresh strategies, and a supportive community. Each week, host Genie Dawkins — best-selling author, award-winning podcaster, and unstoppable advocate — breaks down the intersections of special education, family lifestyle, and advocacy so you can confidently lead your child’s educational journey.
Genie has walked this path herself, helping her own children access scholarships, private education, and global opportunities. Now she’s sharing the lessons, laughs, and proven strategies that help families like yours create progress schools don’t always hand over.
Expect real talk, humor, and empowering conversations with experts and parents on everything from IEPs and 504s to holistic family living, entrepreneurship, and cultural experiences. Every episode is packed with practical steps and cultural insight you can use right away.
You’ll finish each episode feeling informed, equipped, and ready to advocate for the best possible education and life for your family.
🎙️ Media inquiries or podcast collaborations: Schedule here: link.
Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-parenting-cipher.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Parenting Cipher is the podcast for innovative Black parents raising neurodiverse and special needs children who want clear answers, fresh strategies, and a supportive community. Each week, host Genie Dawkins — best-selling author, award-winning podcaster, and unstoppable advocate — breaks down the intersections of special education, family lifestyle, and advocacy so you can confidently lead your child’s educational journey.
Genie has walked this path herself, helping her own children access scholarships, private education, and global opportunities. Now she’s sharing the lessons, laughs, and proven strategies that help families like yours create progress schools don’t always hand over.
Expect real talk, humor, and empowering conversations with experts and parents on everything from IEPs and 504s to holistic family living, entrepreneurship, and cultural experiences. Every episode is packed with practical steps and cultural insight you can use right away.
You’ll finish each episode feeling informed, equipped, and ready to advocate for the best possible education and life for your family.
🎙️ Media inquiries or podcast collaborations: Schedule here: link.
Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-parenting-cipher.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Are you wondering how to effectively communicate your child's unique needs to their school and establish consistent routines? In this episode, Genie Dawkins dives deep into practical strategies for parents to advocate for their children, especially those with neurodiverse needs. From securing necessary accommodations to setting up productive after-school routines, Genie uses her personal experiences to guide you through the often-overwhelming journey of the school year.
Episode Summary
Genie Dawkins, host of The Parenting Cipher, provides parents with essential advice on how to secure specialized school accommodations and establish effective routines for their children. She emphasizes the importance of communication with school staff and consistently advocates for the child's individual needs. Throughout the episode, Genie shares her personal experiences with her son’s ADHD and holistic medication journey, offering encouragement and reassurance to parents.
Key Takeaways
- Securing Specialized Accommodations: Obtain documentation from doctors or therapists to support your child’s specific needs.
- Effective Communication: Establish open lines of communication with the school, including teachers and special education coordinators.
- Routine Establishment: Use the first month of school to set routines and communicate any necessary accommodations for your child.
- Advocacy and Documentation: Always document conversations with school staff to ensure there's a record of what has been discussed.
- Holistic Approach: Personal insights into using holistic medications for ADHD.
- Encouraging Independence: Support children in creating their own calendars and managing their schedules.
- Bedtime Routines: Introduce consistent bedtime routines and activities to aid sleep, particularly for neurodiverse children.
- Nutritional Tips: Incorporate multivitamins and establish morning routines to ensure a good start to the day.
Links and Resources
Quotes
- “Use the first month of school to establish routines and ensure you’re communicating effectively with the school staff.” - Genie Dawkins
- “Don’t be afraid to advocate for your child’s individual needs; you know them best.” - Genie Dawkins
- “Let your child take part in creating their own calendars and managing appointments. It builds independence.” - Genie Dawkins
Short Biography
Genie Dawkins: A devoted advocate for children with neurodiverse needs, Genie Dawkins uses her platform on The Parenting Cipher to share her experiences and knowledge. With personal insights into raising a child with ADHD, Genie empowers parents through practical advice and emotional support. She is passionate about holistic approaches and effective communication techniques that benefit both children and their families.
Subscribe, rate, and review The Parenting Cipher on your favorite podcast platform!
🎙️ Stay connected with Genie Dawkins and The Parenting Cipher! Get expert support for special education, advocacy, and family success. Book a complimentary strategy session here, download your free guide “Top 10 Advocacy Mistakes to Avoid”, or inquire about podcast/media collaborations here. Follow on Instagram @geniedawkins and visit www.geniedawkins.com. Thanks for listening — let’s build powerful journeys together!
Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-parenting-cipher.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.