Can Stories Build a More Just World for Our Children? In this heartfelt episode, I share a powerful conversation with my 10-year-old son, Aidyn, sparked during our morning drive to school. His reflection on Donald Trump’s proposal to eliminate the Department of Education stopped me in my tracks: “What does he think America is? His playbox? All he’s doing is building up sandcastles.” To Aidyn, sandcastles are fleeting—ego-driven creations that crumble with the tide. And in that moment, I realized: His ability to see power so clearly didn’t come from nowhere—it came from stories. Books have been our bridge to understanding justice, humanity, and the weight of power. Together, we’ve explored how power can lift or destroy, and how justice demands more than showmanship—it demands care, courage, and connection. But this conversation isn’t just about politics—it’s about parenting. It’s about how we prepare our children, especially Black children, to navigate a world that often misjudges them. Through stories, Aidyn has learned to recognize injustice, challenge false narratives, and see beyond fear-laden stereotypes to the truth. Because storytelling isn’t just an art—it’s a tool for connection and change. In this episode, I also draw from the wisdom of:📚 Deepa Iyer, author of We Are the Builders, who reminds us that building a just world requires every one of us to understand our roles and responsibilities.📚 Rio Cortez, author of The ABCs of Black History & The ABCs of Women's History, who urges us to know and share our histories with our children, ensuring their stories are rooted in truth. And through The ENGAGE Method, I share how you can turn reading time with your child into a powerful tool for connection and growth—because every story you share becomes a brick in the foundation of their future. So, let’s build something that lasts. Not sandcastles, but legacies—strong, enduring, and just. Listen Now and Start Building: 🔗 Deepa Iyer’s Episode – We Are the Builders - Building the Future 🔗 Rio Cortez’s Episode – The ABCs of Black History & The ABCs of Women's History - Resisting Erasure 🔗 Explore The ENGAGE Method – Build Lasting Bonds Through Reading This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readingtoconnect.substack.com/subscribe
