S3/E43. Layla F Saad on Raising Liberated Children

About Layla F Saad 

Layla is a New York Times bestselling author, speaker, educator, and cultural worker for justice, healing, and liberation. Her work is deeply rooted in the ideals of becoming a good ancestor and bringing about social change, decolonisation, and intergenerational liberation.

In this episode, Layla and I discuss the multifaceted nature of activism and motherhood. Layla shares her profound insights on how parenting, especially of black and brown children, plays a crucial role in activism. We dive deep into the complexities of raising liberated children, critical thinking, and the balance between protecting innocence and preparing them for real-world challenges. From discussing the critical need for age-appropriate conversations about racism and discrimination to navigating historical injustices, we deeply explore balancing activism and motherhood. 

Layla’s journey is a powerful testimony to the importance of sustainable activism that is compassionate, hopeful, and rooted in community. She emphasises the need to model behaviours for children that foster joy, freedom, and empowerment, all while navigating a predominantly white society. This episode is a must-listen for any parent looking to empower their children with a sense of cultural pride, accountability, and resilience

Takeaways

• Understand that parenting itself can be a powerful form of activism.

• Embrace the complexities of encouraging children to navigate society while protecting their well-being.

• Recognise the importance of teaching accurate history and critical thinking skills to children.

• Approach conversations about racism and discrimination with age-appropriateness and sensitivity.

• Engage in micro-activism that aligns with your personal skills and values.

• Practice gentle and mindful parenting to break negative cycles and empower your children.

• Focus on sustainable, community-rooted activism rather than self-sacrificial approaches.