Parenting is a sacred duty fraught with challenges, particularly within the Black Christian community in the UK, where cultural, historical, and societal dynamics play a significant role. This intricate subject was explored in a recent Keep The Faith online session featuring Dr. Kenisha Jackson, a psychotherapist and minister.
Dr. Jackson, who leads KEW Education and Therapy, draws on Biblical teachings to offer guidance to Christian parents aiming to nurture emotionally resilient children.
“Up until recently I would have said there’s no manual for raising children,” she expressed. “But we do have a manual, we have the Word of God.”
She encouraged parents to first solidify their own identity in Christ, emphasizing, “Knowing who we are really is the essence of everything.” She believes this self-awareness is crucial for raising children who are firmly anchored in faith.
Dr. Jackson stressed the importance of a faith that is demonstrated in daily life, not just taught in church.
“Children are watching all the time,” she pointed out. “It’s not ‘do what I say’, it’s ‘do what I do’.”
She explained that children develop their understanding of God by observing the faith practices of their family, noting that this element is crucial when families encounter wider societal issues.
With her background in the NHS and education, Dr. Jackson addressed the challenges Black children face, including higher exclusion rates and obstacles in accessing mental health care.
“These are not statistics, these are real people with real lived experiences,” she stated.
Central to her message was the need for spiritual and emotional healing, recognizing generational trauma and its impact.
“We’ve learned as a community to just keep going,” she remarked, “but the body keeps the score.”
She urged Christian parents to avoid letting past pain shape their parenting, suggesting they seek prayer and support when necessary.
Prayer, according to Dr. Jackson, should be a primary approach, not a fallback.
“There are some challenges that are bigger than us … we have to pray to get to the root of what is happening,” she advised.
She also highlighted the importance of imparting truth and wisdom to children.
“Train up a child in the way they should go, and they may stray, but they will come back,” she noted.
Effective communication, she added, should be infused with Christ-like love.
“When a child is being yelled at, they feel it,” she observed. “They can quickly feel ‘I’m not loved’.”
Dr. Jackson reminded parents of the mutual nature of grace.
“There is no such thing as perfect parenting,” she acknowledged. “You’re parenting your child at this stage, for the first time.”
She characterized parenting as a spiritual journey as well as a practical task.
Success, she proposed, is defined not solely by results but by a willingness to follow divine guidance.
“Success for me looks like being open … and not being afraid of the unknown,” she concluded. “Sometimes it’s bigger than what we see in the natural.”
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
