liberation in parenthood with 'KIND, WILD & SLOW'
As a young BIPOC* woman and mother of five, I embarked on a journey of decolonization and liberation very early on. Bit by bit I have uncovered how the structures of colonialist capitalist patriarchy were harming my experience as a woman; a human with a chronic illness; and my experience of parenthood. This journey led me to write my first book — ' Kind, Wild & Slow', a transformative exploration of how reclaiming and encouraging global indigenous practices can inform and enrich contemporary child-rearing.
The book delves into exploring how the colonial capitalist patriarchy affects us and also explores how parenting philosophies of various indigenous cultures, from the Navajo and Sámi peoples to the Māori, Taíno and Australian Aboriginals can be applied on modern parenting. These traditions honor the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of both children and caregivers. It challenges readers to reconsider modern parenting norms that are shaped by structures they might not otherwise question if not having been exposed to the thought of these structures being harmful.
*BIPOC: Black, Indigenous, and People Of Color
“We can’t liberate the oppressed by continuing to pour into the systems that oppress people. These systems — internal and external, need to be deconstructed for collective liberation.”
I want to inspire parents to decolonize their approach to child-rearing not only for themselves but for the society as of whole - as we divest in colonial behaviour, we work toward liberation for all. We can’t liberate the oppressed by continuing to pour into the systems that oppress people. These systems — internal and external, need to be deconstructed for collective liberation.
The structures of colonist capitalist patriarchy cause disconnect, loneliness and burnout. Yet, children and “parenthood” are often the ones to become the scapegoats, "the reasons" and root causes to these issues simply because we as adults are misinformed and have yet to learn about the force and depth of these harmful systems. By learning more, and turning to indigenous wisdom, honoring age old traditions and by practicing decolonized ways of integrating and sharing cultures beyond country borders, you and I as parents can liberate ourseves from these harmful structures and better find joy in our parenting journey.
As part of decolonizing and resisting capitalism, the book explores topics such as living slower, kinder and a little wilder. In today's fast-paced world, there is immense pressure on parents to do it all and have it all. This constant hustle only depletes our energy and steal our joy. In 'Kind, Wild & Slow', I advocate for a slower way of living — a conscious resistance against the hustle culture. This book also emphasizes the importance of kindness, not just towards our children but towards ourselves as parents as well.
This book is not just about identifying the problems with modern parenting norms but also about providing practical solutions. By integrating indigenous wisdom into our parenting practices, we can foster a more nurturing and balanced home environment. 'Kind, Wild & Slow' aims to empower us parents to take charge of our parenthood experience and create a loving and wholesome nurturing space for our children.
The e-book is a 95 pages wonderful mix of transformative and liberating chapters, lists, quotes and beautiful imagery - and you can get your own copy HERE!
