The Parenting Cipher

Genie Dawkins
  • 5.0 (15)
  • PARENTING

The Parenting Cipher is the podcast for innovative Black parents raising neurodiverse and special needs children who want clear answers, fresh strategies, and a supportive community. Each week, host Genie Dawkins — best-selling author, award-winning podcaster, and unstoppable advocate — breaks down the intersections of special education, family lifestyle, and advocacy so you can confidently lead your child’s educational journey. Genie has walked this path herself, helping her own children access scholarships, private education, and global opportunities. Now she’s sharing the lessons, laughs, and proven strategies that help families like yours create progress schools don’t always hand over. Expect real talk, humor, and empowering conversations with experts and parents on everything from IEPs and 504s to holistic family living, entrepreneurship, and cultural experiences. Every episode is packed with practical steps and cultural insight you can use right away. You’ll finish each episode feeling informed, equipped, and ready to advocate for the best possible education and life for your family. 🎙️ Media inquiries or podcast collaborations: Schedule here: link. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-parenting-cipher. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Why school Anxiety spikes in the spring-And what actually helps

    1D AGO

    Why school Anxiety spikes in the spring-And what actually helps

    Why does my Black autistic or anxious child’s school anxiety get worse every spring, and nothing the school suggests actually helps? ABOUT THIS EPISODE Spring is when many of our kids’ anxiety spikes, and the usual school advice is not made for Black and brown neurodiverse families. For children with an autism or anxiety diagnosis, the end of the year is a pressure cooker. Family fears, generational trauma, and the constant push for our children to “just toughen up” make it even harder. This episode breaks down why standard strategies miss the mark, how anxiety really works in the body and mind, and what Black and brown families can do differently to support self-worth and resilience in their kids instead of just telling them to get over it. KEY TAKEAWAYS Anxiety is not just worry, it’s a leftover fear response the body holds onto even when your child isn’t in danger.Black and brown parents pass down protective anxiety for good reasons, but it can keep our children feeling unsafe and alone at school.You have the right to ask teachers and counselors for specific ways to support your child’s anxiety, not just vague “calming” tips.Naming, instead of shaming, anxiety helps talking about it openly removes the blame from both child and parent, especially in families with a history of trauma.Helping kids notice their own strengths and giving them real agency in problem-solving is more powerful than trying to control every anxious moment for them. EPISODE QUOTES "Anxiety comes with all our other problems, right. It's like, attached to them, and it doesn't really separate from anything because it's so connected to our biology, our mind, our emotions, and really our spirituality, too." — Jodi "When you build that self-trust, you really are healing that trauma. Like our epigenetics says that, you know, when things happen to us, it does change or affect our DNA."— Jodi "The anxiety does not protect us, right? That's important to know."— Jodi LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED: Anxiety...I'm So Done With You (book by Jodi Aman) — A book for teens on understanding and managing anxiety — https://amzn.to/4eM85WiTEDx Wilmington Talk by Jodi Aman — Explains how kids can access sustainable power over anxiety —https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPojr1MZ7rYJodi Aman’s blog and classes — Parenting, anxiety, and emotional resilience resources —https://www.youtube.com/user/JodiAman FROM GENIE: The Parenting Cipher Beacon Library — https://beacon.by/resources/genie-dawkins/the-parenting-cipher-advocacy-resource-libraryGahmya Drummond-Bay's Love Connections program — https://www.evolvedkid.com/homeMiddle School Matters book — https://amzn.to/3RawY43 Rescue the School Year Youtube video for more tips to end the school year strong: https://youtu.be/lKnNo8qR6GU?si=9DrtddkI6h54OGic CONNECT WITH JODI: Website- https://jodiaman.com/Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/doctorjodiaman/ ABOUT JODI Jodi Aman helps young people and families manage anxiety with practical steps that center on self-worth and resilience, not just symptom control. She is a therapist and author who uses more than 20 years of experience to show kids and parents how to find their own agency and power. Her book, “Anxiety...I’m So Done With You,” and her speaking work provide direct tools for families, especially those whose needs are overlooked in mainstream mental health. For Black and brown parents raising neurodiverse kids, Jodi’s approach offers validation and strategy beyond “just calm down.” 🎙️ Stay connected with Genie Dawkins and The Parenting Cipher! Get expert support for special education, advocacy, and family success. Book a complimentary strategy session here, download your free guide “Top 10 Advocacy Mistakes to Avoid”, or inquire about podcast/media collaborations here. Follow on Instagram @geniedawkins and visit www.geniedawkins.com. Thanks for listening — let’s build powerful journeys together! Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-parenting-cipher. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    57 min
  2. Why Neurodiverse Kids Hit a Wall in the Final Weeks of School

    2D AGO

    Why Neurodiverse Kids Hit a Wall in the Final Weeks of School

    Why does my neurodiverse child start shutting down, acting out, or refusing work when we’re so close to the end of the school year? ABOUT THIS EPISODE When your child seems to hit a wall in the final weeks of school, it’s not a character flaw or your failure as a parent. Their brains have been in overdrive all year, working harder than most people realize just to keep up — and by May, the tank is empty. For Black and brown families raising neurodiverse kids, this exhaustion can get misunderstood or dismissed by schools, leaving you to carry the blame. This episode breaks down what’s actually happening with your child’s executive functioning, how it shows up at home, and what you can do to support them (and yourself) through the home stretch. Your child’s struggles are not a reflection of your parenting — they reveal what’s missing in the system. KEY TAKEAWAYS When your child’s focus, memory, or motivation falls apart at the end of the school year, it’s about brain fatigue — not laziness or family “problems.”Black and brown neurodiverse kids are often told to just “try harder,” but the truth is, their executive functioning needs to be supported all year, not just when things go wrong.You can make things easier for your child right now by building in external reminders, accountability tools, and frequent breaks — these are your rights, not rewards.Your child asking you to “just sit with them” or needing extra help is not a sign of weakness — it’s actually self-advocacy, and school staff should recognize this too.School systems are not set up for our kids’ needs. You are allowed to question, document, and request the supports your child is legally entitled to, especially when you see them struggle at the finish line. EPISODE QUOTES "That is not a character problem. That is not a parenting failure. That is executive functioning hitting a wall in the final weeks of a nine month school year."— Genie "There's a difference between you managing their diagnosis or their skills versus teaching them how to manage it."— Genie "You want them to build that muscle, that muscle of actually being able to do it themselves."— Genie LINKS AND RESOURCES: To support yourself and family checkout the Parenting Cipher (free) Library for free templates and guides. For ore tips on How to end the year strong watch the " Rescue the End of the School Year" Youtube video. RESOURCES MENTIONED: Send Goals — An app to set accountability goals and reminders for your child, with alerts to help track progress — ADD LINKAlexa — Used as an external timer for managing class and break times."ADHD" by Joyner Lucas — A song that captures the inside experience of living with ADHD Genie Dawkins Genie Dawkins is the insightful host of the Panic Cipher podcast, where she equips parents with practical tools and resources to help their children succeed academically and personally. Drawing from her experience working closely with families, Genie addresses common challenges—like the end-of-year slump students face—not as shortcomings, but as natural obstacles tied to executive functioning. With empathy and expertise, she reassures parents that struggles during the final stretch of the school year are normal, and offers guidance to support children as they navigate the most demanding academic months. Through her platform, Genie’s mission is to empower families and help every child thrive in both school and life. 🎙️ Stay connected with Genie Dawkins and The Parenting Cipher! Get expert support for special education, advocacy, and family success. Book a complimentary strategy session here, download your free guide “Top 10 Advocacy Mistakes to Avoid”, or inquire about podcast/media collaborations here. Follow on Instagram @geniedawkins and visit www.geniedawkins.com. Thanks for listening — let’s build powerful journeys together! Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-parenting-cipher. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    20 min
  3. Slow the Season Down

    12/10/2025 ·  BONUS

    Slow the Season Down

    In this special bonus episode, I’m sharing a spoken-word piece created just for The Parenting Cipher community — a moment of calm in a season that can feel loud, rushed, and overwhelming for our neurodivergent kids and for us as parents. “We Slow the Season Down” is a reminder that even when the world moves too fast, we have the power to create space, steady the pace, and protect our children’s peace. If your child struggles with sensory overload, holiday transitions, or emotional fatigue this time of year, this one is for you. Take a breath with me. Settle your shoulders. Let this piece hold you for a moment. Quiet is our superpower. And together, we slow the season down. When you’re ready for more support, join me in the latest episode, “Beyond Report Cards: Recognizing Progress in Neurodivergent Children,” where we talk about the everyday wins we often overlook — and why they matter more than grades. Share this bonus track with a parent who needs a soft place to land today. 🎙️ Stay connected with Genie Dawkins and The Parenting Cipher! Get expert support for special education, advocacy, and family success. Book a complimentary strategy session here, download your free guide “Top 10 Advocacy Mistakes to Avoid”, or inquire about podcast/media collaborations here. Follow on Instagram @geniedawkins and visit www.geniedawkins.com. Thanks for listening — let’s build powerful journeys together! Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-parenting-cipher. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    36 min
  4. Beyond Report Cards: Recognizing Progress in Neurodivergent Children

    12/10/2025

    Beyond Report Cards: Recognizing Progress in Neurodivergent Children

    Do you find yourself worrying that your child’s academic progress—and your own parenting—are being measured only by grades and big milestones? In this heartfelt episode of The Parenting Cipher, Genie Dawkins explores how parents can recognize and celebrate the quieter wins, support their children’s unique strengths, and give themselves grace—all while navigating the pressures of expectations at home and at school. Episode Summary: In this episode Genie Dawkins invites parents to take a step back and look beyond report card letters to the subtle, meaningful growth happening in their children’s lives—and in their own parenting journeys. Drawing from personal experience and W.E.B. Du Bois’ concept of double consciousness, Genie Dawkins discusses the internal pressures often faced by Black parents and neurodivergent children, the pitfalls of perfectionism, and the value of pausing to notice progress that isn’t always obvious. She shares stories about her children’s experiences with special education, the importance of validating small victories, and introduces practical strategies like "child mirroring" and "parent mirroring" for reflection and growth. Key Takeaways: Why it’s essential to move beyond letter grades as the sole measure of progress, especially for neurodivergent childrenThe impact of double consciousness on parents’ and children’s expectations of excellenceHow to spot subtle signs of emotional growth, resilience, and self-advocacy in your childWays to use “child mirroring” and “parent mirroring” to recognize internal and often overlooked winsThe importance of praising both your child and yourself for small steps forwardHow slowing down and being intentional can create a more supportive environment for your whole familyLinks and Resources: Learn more about "double consciousness"Parenting resources from The Parenting CipherUnderstanding Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)Child Mind Institute: Emotional Regulation and ResilienceQuotes: "Sometimes the biggest growth our children make is silent. And sometimes the biggest growth we make as parents goes unnoticed too." — Genie Dawkins“Give them praise. Tell them, like, I’m so happy... That’s acknowledging something they may not even acknowledge.” — Genie Dawkins“Slow it down sometimes where you can appreciate what you’ve done for your child and how far they’ve come. Look at the small things, not just the big things, right?” — Genie DawkinsShort Biography for Speaker: Genie Dawkins is the host of The Parenting Cipher, a parent advocate, and special education strategist with lived experience raising neurodivergent children. She is passionate about empowering parents to navigate school systems, nurture their children’s gifts, and embrace their own wins along the way. Through stories, guidance, and community-building, Genie brings clarity, empathy, and actionable insight to families walking the path of special education and personal growth. 🎙️ Stay connected with Genie Dawkins and The Parenting Cipher! Get expert support for special education, advocacy, and family success. Book a complimentary strategy session here, download your free guide “Top 10 Advocacy Mistakes to Avoid”, or inquire about podcast/media collaborations here. Follow on Instagram @geniedawkins and visit www.geniedawkins.com. Thanks for listening — let’s build powerful journeys together! Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-parenting-cipher. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    37 min
  5. Pediatrician Shares What Parents of Neurodiverse Kids Must Know About ER Visits & Gut Health

    12/02/2025

    Pediatrician Shares What Parents of Neurodiverse Kids Must Know About ER Visits & Gut Health

    Have you ever felt lost or anxious when your child gets sick—especially when trying to navigate the healthcare system as the parent of a neurodiverse or minority child? Wondering how to advocate confidently for your child’s medical needs or open doors that support their long-term success, from managing acute illness to exploring STEM careers? In this powerful episode of The Parenting Cipher, Genie Dawkins sits down with retired pediatrician and executive director Dr. Timothy McKnight to unpack what it really looks like to advocate for your child’s health and academic future. From surviving the ER to nurturing medical school dreams, this conversation blends personal stories, expert guidance, and practical steps parents can use right away. Episode SummaryGenie talks with Dr. Timothy McKnight—second-generation African American physician, former pediatric ER doctor, and now leader of the Pathways to Practice program at Cleveland State University. He breaks down how parents can communicate effectively with doctors, document symptoms, support gut and immune health, and navigate disparities that impact neurodiverse and minority children. You’ll also learn how representation in healthcare shapes confidence, access, and opportunities for kids of color who dream of careers in medicine. Key TakeawaysTrust Your Instincts: Parental intuition is real. Dr. McKnight stresses that doctors must listen when parents express concerns. Document Everything: Bring a thermometer, track symptoms, note changes, and record medication responses. Clear documentation helps doctors make better decisions. Tell the Story: Arrive prepared to share your child’s history calmly and thoroughly. Your narrative guides the medical team. Gut Health & Neurodiversity: Probiotics, fiber, and balanced nutrition play an important role in mood, behavior, and overall wellness—especially for neurodivergent kids. Help for Picky Eaters: Dr. McKnight shares realistic supplement strategies for children with sensory challenges or restrictive diets. Understanding Health Disparities: Families in urban and underserved communities often face unique barriers. Providers who reflect the community can help bridge trust and outcomes. Pathways to Medical Careers: The Pathways to Practice program offers wraparound support for underrepresented students who want to enter medical, dental, or health professions. Advocacy Saves Lives: You don’t need the “right” words—just persistence. Ask questions, keep notes, and get second opinions when needed. Links & ResourcesDr. McKnight’s Pediatric Wellness Products mcknightmd.com — probiotics, multivitamins, fiber, gummies, and more with transparent ingredients. Cleveland State University – Pathways to Practice A program supporting underrepresented students pursuing healthcare careers. Parent Tip: Use your phone’s voice memo app to track symptoms, meds, and questions before appointments. Speaker BiographyDr. Timothy McKnight Retired pediatrician, second-generation African American physician, and executive director of Pathways to Practice. Passionate about mentoring diverse future healthcare professionals and creator of a pediatric wellness supplement line. 🎙️ Stay connected with Genie Dawkins and The Parenting Cipher! Get expert support for special education, advocacy, and family success. Book a complimentary strategy session here, download your free guide “Top 10 Advocacy Mistakes to Avoid”, or inquire about podcast/media collaborations here. Follow on Instagram @geniedawkins and visit www.geniedawkins.com. Thanks for listening — let’s build powerful journeys together! Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-parenting-cipher. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    50 min
  6. From Chaos to Calm: Holiday Survival Strategies for Neurodiverse Kids

    11/18/2025

    From Chaos to Calm: Holiday Survival Strategies for Neurodiverse Kids

    Ever wonder how you can keep your neurodiverse child regulated and happy amid the overstimulation, social pressures, and chaos of the holiday season? In this episode of The Parenting Cipher, Genie Dawkins shares her personal journey of navigating holiday triggers, family microaggressions, and anxiety—while empowering parents with practical tools to help their neurodiverse kids find calm during potentially stressful family gatherings. Episode Summary: When Genie Dawkins’ children were first diagnosed with ADHD and anxiety, the holidays became a source of stress with sensory overload, unpredictable changes, and tense family dynamics. She breaks down what holiday triggers look like, how dysregulation manifests, and the ways families can unintentionally escalate anxiety—then introduces the Calm Calendar concept, parent modeling, and her signature “Three Cs” holiday survival framework. Genie gets real about the emotional toll of microaggressions from family, shares the power of creating safe spaces, and gives actionable advice for celebrating progress—big and small—in any family setting. Key Takeaways: What holiday triggers and dysregulation look like for neurodiverse childrenWhy “just calm down” doesn’t work—kids need routines, visual aids, and modeling of calm behaviorThe importance of parent self-regulation and how your anxiety impacts your childHow to build predictability: using the Calm Calendar, prepping for transitions, and previewing eventsUnderstanding microaggressions and the emotional labor of defending your child’s diagnosis and needsThree Cs Framework for a peaceful holiday: Create Space, Communicate Clearly, Celebrate ProgressHow to set up sensory-friendly environments, safe spaces in relatives’ homes, and open conversations about expectationsWhy recognizing and celebrating every small win matters for building confidence and resilience Links and Resources: Holiday Survival Checklist (download from Show Notes)Child Trends Report on Childhood Anxiety Disorders (for statistics referenced)Jodi Aman on Parent Modeling (past episode guest) Quotes: “Just telling them to calm down is kind of like up in the air—they need someone to show them what that looks like.”“Parent modeling is defined as children learning behaviors, attitudes, and emotional responses by observing their parents...it’s a powerful learning tool.”“So many unconscious conversations with family build up your anxiety—and that builds up your children's anxiety.”“The real flex is finding peace without losing your purpose or your mind.” Speaker Biography: Genie Dawkins is the host of The Parenting Cipher podcast, special education advocate, and a mother of two neurodiverse sons. Genie uses her lived experience—and a dash of hip-hop wisdom—to empower Black and neurodiverse families to decode school systems, build resilience, and protect their peace. Her work highlights mental health, intersectionality, and practical action for parents navigating advocacy, school policy, and everyday family life. 🎙️ Stay connected with Genie Dawkins and The Parenting Cipher! Get expert support for special education, advocacy, and family success. Book a complimentary strategy session here, download your free guide “Top 10 Advocacy Mistakes to Avoid”, or inquire about podcast/media collaborations here. Follow on Instagram @geniedawkins and visit www.geniedawkins.com. Thanks for listening — let’s build powerful journeys together! Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-parenting-cipher. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    30 min
  7. Why Micro Schools Are the Key to Equitable Education for Black Students

    11/11/2025

    Why Micro Schools Are the Key to Equitable Education for Black Students

    Are you wondering if a micro school could finally be the answer to your child’s need for a truly personalized and joyful learning experience—especially if you’ve watched them struggle or feel invisible in traditional classrooms? In this episode of The Parenting Cipher, host Genie Dawkins sits down with Nicole Stewart Jones, founder and president of the National Association of Black Micro School Leaders, to break down what micro schools are, why they’re transforming education for Black and Brown families, and how you can access this growing movement. Together, they share personal journeys as parents to neurodiverse children and passionate advocates for equitable education, giving you a window into the real-life impact of micro schooling—and practical strategies for making this option a reality in your own world. Key Takeaways: Discover what a micro school really is, how it differs from traditional and charter schools, and why flexibility is built-inLearn how micro schools support neurodiverse learners—without the need for constant battles for accommodationsSee why personalized, project-based learning and small class sizes create space for every child to shine, build resilience, and fall in love with learningUnderstand the financial options available—including education savings accounts—and how advocacy is expanding access for all familiesExplore strategies for parents to become active partners in their child’s education and why “prescriptive” learning is the futureHear how Black-led micro schools are designing curriculum to honor culture, celebrate excellence, and transform whole communitiesLinks and Resources: National Association of Black Micro School Leaders (NABML): Learn more or connectEducation Savings Account Programs by State (EdChoice): Find your state's optionsNational Parents Union Poll: Read the latest research on school choice and flexibilityThe Parenting Cipher Instagram: Follow Genie Dawkins and the showQuotes: “Micro schools are prescriptive. They’re the solution as it pertains to your child’s education.” — Nicole Stewart Jones“Micro schooling is the prescription—when your child gets to understand they are not strange; they just think differently.” — Genie Dawkins“For Black and Brown communities, micro schools are more than just about education. It’s about transformation.” — Nicole Stewart JonesSpeaker Biographies: Nicole Stewart Jones: Founder and president of the National Association of Black Micro School Leaders, Nicole Stewart Jones is an educator with over 18 years of experience as a teacher and administrator in public schools. A mother of four—including two neurodiverse children—she launched Legacy Prep Christian Micro School and became a leading voice advocating for equitable, culturally responsive micro schools. Nicole’s work centers on empowering entrepreneurs, parents, and leaders to revolutionize education for Black and Brown communities. Genie Dawkins: Host of The Parenting Cipher, Genie Dawkins brings her lived experience as a parent navigating IEPs, school systems, and special education. A vocal advocate and community strategist, Genie champions transparency, parent empowerment, and creative solutions for all families, with a special focus on neurodiversity and Black parent experiences. 🎙️ Stay connected with Genie Dawkins and The Parenting Cipher! Get expert support for special education, advocacy, and family success. Book a complimentary strategy session here, download your free guide “Top 10 Advocacy Mistakes to Avoid”, or inquire about podcast/media collaborations here. Follow on Instagram @geniedawkins and visit www.geniedawkins.com. Thanks for listening — let’s build powerful journeys together! Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-parenting-cipher. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 3m
  8. Don’t Get Blindsided: Thrive Under 2025’s New IEP Rules

    11/04/2025

    Don’t Get Blindsided: Thrive Under 2025’s New IEP Rules

    Are you wondering what the 2025 shakeup in Special Education means for your child’s IEP—and how to protect the services and rights they desperately need? In this episode, Genie Dawkins breaks down the sweeping changes on the horizon, from federal policy shifts to state law surprises, and gives you the must-have strategies to keep your family ahead in the IEP fight. From the threat of dismantling the Department of Special Education, block grants, and vouchers, to new state rules about discipline and attendance, Genie Dawkins unpacks what’s changing, what’s at risk, and—most importantly—where parents need to focus their advocacy. With real-life stories and actionable tips, she coaches parents on building airtight IEPs, documenting everything, and finding their power in the face of confusing regulations and new threats. Key Takeaways: Understand the 2025 Shakeup: How the federal government’s proposed moves—including closing the Special Education Office and shifting IDEA to Health and Human Services—will affect special education oversight, funding, and student protections.What Block Grants and Vouchers Really Mean: Why losing federal rules and protections threatens equal access to needed services, especially for low-income and minority students.State-by-State Risks and Wins: Learn which states are strengthening student protections (like California’s early transition planning and restraint bans) and which are putting families at risk through stricter attendance and discipline reporting.Steps to Advocate NOW: The urgent action checklist to document services, update IEPs, push for rehabilitative/vocational goals, and shield your child from harmful discipline policies.Documentation is Your Power: Why keeping notes, sending confirmation emails, and getting everything on record is vital—especially when offices and laws are shifting under your feet.Build Your Advocacy Community: Where to find nonprofit and pro bono support, and how to ask for your own parent accommodations in meetings.Links and Resources: Free Checklist Guide: 2025 IEP Advocacy Checklist Advocacy Organizations List – For legal support, IEP meeting assistance, and educational equity Template Letters for Attendance Accommodation – Sample email to request excused absences and attendance support Child Trends Report – For research on discipline disparities and school-to-prison pipeline risksSpeaker Biography: Genie Dawkins Host of The Parenting Cipher, Genie is an experienced parent advocate and IEP expert with decades of firsthand experience navigating public school special education systems, especially in urban and underserved communities. Genie combines professional research, personal victories, and battle-tested coaching to help parents demystify the IEP process, build confidence, and protect their children’s educational rights against shifting policies and school resistance. She’s committed to practical solutions, community-building, and empowering families to “fight the powers that be.” 🎙️ Stay connected with Genie Dawkins and The Parenting Cipher! Get expert support for special education, advocacy, and family success. Book a complimentary strategy session here, download your free guide “Top 10 Advocacy Mistakes to Avoid”, or inquire about podcast/media collaborations here. Follow on Instagram @geniedawkins and visit www.geniedawkins.com. Thanks for listening — let’s build powerful journeys together! Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-parenting-cipher. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    56 min
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About

The Parenting Cipher is the podcast for innovative Black parents raising neurodiverse and special needs children who want clear answers, fresh strategies, and a supportive community. Each week, host Genie Dawkins — best-selling author, award-winning podcaster, and unstoppable advocate — breaks down the intersections of special education, family lifestyle, and advocacy so you can confidently lead your child’s educational journey. Genie has walked this path herself, helping her own children access scholarships, private education, and global opportunities. Now she’s sharing the lessons, laughs, and proven strategies that help families like yours create progress schools don’t always hand over. Expect real talk, humor, and empowering conversations with experts and parents on everything from IEPs and 504s to holistic family living, entrepreneurship, and cultural experiences. Every episode is packed with practical steps and cultural insight you can use right away. You’ll finish each episode feeling informed, equipped, and ready to advocate for the best possible education and life for your family. 🎙️ Media inquiries or podcast collaborations: Schedule here: link. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-parenting-cipher. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Genie Dawkins
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    66
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Genie Dawkins
  • Show Website
    The Parenting Cipher