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.
Do you find yourself worrying that your child’s academic progress—and your own parenting—are being measured only by grades and big milestones? In this heartfelt episode of The Parenting Cipher, Genie Dawkins explores how parents can recognize and celebrate the quieter wins, support their children’s unique strengths, and give themselves grace—all while navigating the pressures of expectations at home and at school.
Episode Summary:
In this episode Genie Dawkins invites parents to take a step back and look beyond report card letters to the subtle, meaningful growth happening in their children’s lives—and in their own parenting journeys. Drawing from personal experience and W.E.B. Du Bois’ concept of double consciousness, Genie Dawkins discusses the internal pressures often faced by Black parents and neurodivergent children, the pitfalls of perfectionism, and the value of pausing to notice progress that isn’t always obvious. She shares stories about her children’s experiences with special education, the importance of validating small victories, and introduces practical strategies like "child mirroring" and "parent mirroring" for reflection and growth.
Key Takeaways:
Links and Resources:
Quotes:
"Sometimes the biggest growth our children make is silent. And sometimes the biggest growth we make as parents goes unnoticed too." — Genie Dawkins
“Give them praise. Tell them, like, I’m so happy... That’s acknowledging something they may not even acknowledge.” — Genie Dawkins
“Slow it down sometimes where you can appreciate what you’ve done for your child and how far they’ve come. Look at the small things, not just the big things, right?” — Genie Dawkins
Short Biography for Speaker:
Genie Dawkins is the host of The Parenting Cipher, a parent advocate, and special education strategist with lived experience raising neurodivergent children. She is passionate about empowering parents to navigate school systems, nurture their children’s gifts, and embrace their own wins along the way. Through stories, guidance, and community-building, Genie brings clarity, empathy, and actionable insight to families walking the path of special education and personal growth.
🎙️ 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.