AMBER O’NEAL JOHNSTON
Author Amber O’Neal Johnston shares a guide for families of all backgrounds to celebrate cultural heritage and embrace inclusivity in the home and beyond.
Amidst heated debate around social justice and the shape that post-pandemic life will take, and while experts discuss educational freedom and school curriculum reform, little to no resources exist that meet our children and those who nurture them where it matters most: in the home. The home is where lifelong attitudes are rooted and affirmed. Where children learn the values that will inform how they move through the world. A PLACE TO BELONG: Celebrating Diversity and Kinship in the Home and Beyond by Amber O’Neal offers a path forward for parents of all backgrounds and educational choices who crave a culturally rich, life-giving home that fosters values of organic diversity and togetherness.
What does “a place to belong” mean? It means intentionally creating a space where children can clearly see themselves and others, a home where self-awareness, celebration of difference, and kinship are the norm. While messages on diversity, equity, and inclusion can get mired down in polarizing ideologies, A PLACE TO BELONG begins with the fundamental premise that parents love their children, value their communities, and want the best for both. Amber then guides parents to discover the magic of an inclusive learning environment where culture and childhood are honored in a cohesive and celebratory way.
Amber O’Neal details many ways for families to honor their cultural heritage and champion diversity in the context of daily family life, including:
· Fostering open dialogue around discrimination, race, gender, disability, and class
· Teaching “hard history” in an age-appropriate way
· Curating a diverse selection of books and media choices in which children see themselves and people who are different
· Celebrating cultural heritage through art, music, and poetry
· Modeling activism and engaging in community service projects as a family.
Every child longs for a place where cultural awareness, self-acceptance, and celebration are the norm. A PLACE TO BELONG gives parents the tools to empower children to embrace their unique identities while feeling beautifully tethered to their global community.
Amber O’Neal Johnston is an established authority on including diverse voices in traditional curricula and infusing culture and love for others into an intentional home environment. She shares her observations on education, living books, and world-schooling at HeritageMom.com. She is a regular contributor to the wildly successful Wild + Free homeschooling community, a frequent podcast guest on popular shows, and a coveted speaker at boutique conferences.
Follow: HeritageMom.com |IG: @heritagemomblog
