Social Justice Parenting: How to Raise Compassionate, Anti-Racist, Justice-Minded Kids in an Unjust World

by Traci Baxley

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction

Audio CD

Published October 19, 2021

Reviews

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this. One of those books where you wish you could have an entire book report afterwards, so you could keep track of all her amazing quotes/prompt ideas etc. I'll be revisiting this book multiple times as my kids get older and "tough" conversations start happening more and more frequently.

This also emphasized what I sort offffff already knew, but how we all need to stop thinking kids "aren't ready," for certain conversations, how much they are already exposed to, and how many ideas unconsciously already start forming even from the age of 2!

Every parent parenting in today's fucked up climate should read this.

[Jaime · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned from the sections/chapters that focused on social justice parenting. I wish there had been more on this, opposed to general parenting advice (although still useful).

I was surprised and curious why Baxley decided to gear this book towards only women? I wish parenting experts would reach out to dads too — puts too much responsibility on us!

[Charis · Rating 4 out of 5]

So good! Compassionate, impactful, straight forward read. Lots of practical suggestions, good questions for reflection, and valuable principles for application in each unique family. I think my favorite part was how clearly she states her values and how she makes decisions in the family based on them!

[Angé · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is a really good starter book if you’re on the anti-racism journey. Some super profound moments and thoughts that were compassion-filled and inspiring, while giving tangible tips of how to be a social justice parent. I can tell the author gave a lot to this book so I’m giving it a five star rating but I do think it’s more of a four but I do want people to read who normally would t so I’ll keep the five.

[Kara Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read so many parenting books where the book gives just the author's experiences and offers no advice, this book wasn't just a memoir of her experiences but a wonderful balance of practical, useful advice. I felt like I came out of reading this book with actionable information. I wanted just to highlight the whole book and appreciate how she goes over conversations to have with your kids. If a child says this, this is how to phrase this. She also gives journal entries for just parents and families together.

I finished this book feeling inspired and ready to lead and support my kids. She talks about open dialogue and how that makes us look messy and vulnerable, but that is where the growth is. What is your why? Know your why. Knowing why helps you get back up when you fall. Reset and move forward. The clearer you are the more you focus on how to move forward - loved her explanation of what it means to be an ally or advocate.

[Lauren Estes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great introduction into social justice parenting. The book contains many actionable ideas on how to identify values, model those values to your kids and how to collectively participate in community care.

I did find the chapter on kindness to be uncomfortable. The author describes attempting to inspire empathy in her kids, but then comes across as emotionally manipulative. She tells her kids how sad she is when they don’t do enough chores. This reads as blame and shame to me along with a few other anecdotes. I am clear on my own parenting strategies and conscious of how fine the line is between coercion of kids and the idea of community responsibility so I can disregard.

In general, this is an important book and would recommend to anyone who is starting on the journey to being a more socially aware parent.

[Ryan Nuckolls-Rosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Cried at least six times while listening. The author is a mom of five and lifelong educator - I think she even references Paulo Freire at one point. She’s the mom we wish we had.

I listened as an audiobook, which I enjoyed. I think some might consider her a bit “preachy” in sections, but that didn’t bother me - following on IG now and saving her recs. It was a decent balance of theory and the specific, actionable examples / language to use that we really want when listening to a parenting book.

[Graham Whittington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very digestible with a fair bit of practical advice to go with the “here to do the work” platitudes. A lot of the parenting advice extends beyond social justice parenting even as it ties back into that subject. Good stuff.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is powerful in it's inspiration, clarity, kindness, and real life examples. It has given me practical tools and illustrations that I will use in my parenting. I cannot recommend this book highly enough!

[Kate Bryant]

dnf 55% when my library loan expired

[jasonbateman · Rating 4 out of 5]

am i a parent…. no. but ill be dead before u catch me being complicit to hate in the classroom 👊💥