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This
is a joint project of the National Black Child
Development Institute (NBCDI) and the National
Institute of Child Health and Human Development
(NICHD) of the National Institutes of Health in
partnership with:
- 100 Black Men of America
- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority
- American Academy of Child and
- Adolescent Psychiatry
- American Psychiatric Association
- Congress of National Black Churches
- Delta Sigma Theta Sorority
- Jack and Jill of America, Inc.
- National Association of Black Social Workers
- National Coalition of 100 Black Women
- National Medical Association
Why Was the Project Started?
In the best of times, African
American families experience more than their share
of violence, insecurity, poverty, and unemployment.
The attacks on the World Trade Towers and the
Pentagon on September 11th, the sustained saturation
media coverage of the terrorism, the economic
impact, and the mobilization of the war against
terrorism place an additional burden on our families.
What Are the Goals of the Project?
Working together with parents,
professionals and leaders of national African
American organizations, the African American Parents’
Project seeks to provide parents with the information
and resources they need to inspire hope and provide
comfort and a sense of safety for their children.
The goals of the project are:
- To persuade and empower parents to recognize
the important role they play in helping their
children cope
- To educate parents about the natural feelings
and fears children experience after witnessing
or encountering a traumatic (frightening) event
- To provide parents with age appropriate tools
which promote easy and effective communication
with their children.
Parents
have the most important job in the world. We know
how influential they and other caregivers are
in the lives of our children, especially in times
of stress. Through this collaboration we will
translate our research into materials that African
American parents can use to ensure the well-being
of their children.
Duane Alexander, M.D.
Director, National Institute of Child Health and
Human Development
How Are We Developing This
Project? We Asked Parents
We asked African American parents about their
concerns.
They told us they want information
on helping their children cope and specific activities
that parents and children can do together. Parents
requested help in putting good advice into practice.
We Asked Leaders and
Professionals
Leaders of National African American civic, faith
and professional organizations and other professional
associations are participating in the development
of materials for parents. Organizations with a
record of service in the black community have
agreed to advise this project and help get the
word out about these new resources for families.
We Are Producing Resources
Especially for African American Parents Working
with the partnership organizations we are producing
materials specifically designed to assist African
American parents. The materials will include concrete
examples of activities that parents can do with
their children to inspire hope, bring comfort
and provide a sense of safety in a challenging
world
We will Include Specific
Suggestions for Parents
We want to encourage parents to know when to ask
for help from mental health professionals, doctors,
clergy, and school counselors. The materials we
develop will help parents identify signs of stress
in their children. In addition, an activity guide
will offer specific advice for parents which could
include how to:
- Encourage your child to feel hopeful about
the future
- Listen to your child
- Comfort your child
- Help your child feel good about him or herself
- Help your child feel safe
- Give your child age-appropriate information
- Make a plan together for emergencies
- Share your faith
Where Do We Go From Here?
We ask you to support the African American Parent’s
Project by getting information about this project
to parents. |
