Therefore, strengths for African Americans such as dependence on family, and spirituality have been viewed as deficiencies by experts on family mental health who neglect to understand African and African American values. Historically, women of African descent have produced highly functioning, optimally developed individuals for thousands of years. African American women are an icon of American society. Many of these skills are learned as African American parents teach their children how to cope with racism and how to negotiate functioning in both African American lifestyles and mainstream White society. Strengths of the African American Parent Raising children in a religious and spiritual environment.
Spirituality is one of the healthiest protective factors in mental health.
Utilizing the community through extended kinship in helping raise their children. Developing emotional competencies in children by allowing them to express their feelings, by teaching them to be sensitive to others emotions, and be showing them how to control their impulses. Parenting Principles Balancing Warmth and Discipline Good parenting requires balancing warmth and nurture with firmness and control. African American women are excellent examples of the correct balance of these elements. Nurture is critical to encourage the young to explore, to learn, and to feel safe in their environments.