Parenting Moments
presented by Healthier Urban Families at Wayne State University
APRIL 2021
Happy Spring! The month of April came in with both enthusiasm and concerns. You are hopefully adjusting to losing an hour and are enjoying the longer days and warmer weather. The Covid 19 vaccine has become more readily available and there is much anticipation of a return to school, work place and social gatherings. Unfortunately, our reality is that in Michigan the number of Covid cases are rising. We have to remember that we are winning the battle but have yet to win the war. Please have fun but continue be safe! Another safety concern is gun violence. There were several mass shootings within one week in late March. This month’s issue is centered on the need to create a safe place for our children. They are so aware of what is going on in the world and while we have limited control of what happens outside of our homes, home should be a safe, secure place. Please see the suggestions for talking to your children about the violence that they may be hearing about through media and friends. Also consider some of the suggestions given on creating a sense of safety at home. There are articles about gardening with your child, setting up a quiet area of your home, and yoga for kids. Also see the resource page of ideas about racial justice and helping children feel safe and secure in the skin they are in.
 – Beverly Weathington, LMSW, Community Engagement Coordinator, MPSI

Explaining What is Race?
How to Develop Children’s Understanding, Curiosity, Resilience, and Empathy
What Is Racial Literacy?
How to Start a Conversation
Interrupting Bias:
Calling Out
vs. Calling In
A Guide for Adults:
Our Kids are Watching Us:)
Creating a Safe Place
Media Violence
How to talk to children about media violence and create a sense of safety
Creating a Quiet Space
Gardening Basics
The best vegetables to grow with kids
Using Recycled Containers to Garden
Covid News: The Use of Face Shields

Merrill Palmer in Detroit:
A Century of Community Making
Exact opening to be determined mid-summer 2021.
Research is critical to understanding why African Americans are at much higher risk of developing certain diseases, and why these diseases have a greater impact on their health and longevity. If you are 65 years of age or older and agree, please join the Healthier Black Elders Center Participant Resource Pool (PRP) to volunteer for research.
Take good care. We'll be back soon with more Parenting Moments