666: Penny Decree: The Power of Affirmations While Raising Black Sons

Born and raised in Detroit, Penny Decree began her career in construction management working on many of the commercial projects that dot the city’s downtown skyline. After deciding to start a family and giving birth to two boys, Penny wanted to make sure her sons saw themselves and were affirmed early on in the literature they read. She knew championing them and teaching them how to empower themselves at an early age would fortify their foundation as they grew older and faced new challenges as Black males growing up in America. Preparing them early for the societal forces that would work against them was a priority in her parenting strategy.   Penny began reciting morning affirmations with her two sons- who were toddler-aged at the time. Penny then decided to transform their affirmations into a book for them and others. Witnessing the power of affirmations in her own life and their little beginnings is what fueled the journey of writing and sharing her debut book, 'I Am Enough' with others.   Founding Decreed Publishing along with her two sons was the next step to continue the impact on Black youth. Together, they create empowering children’s books and products to help parents ground their children in truth and take control of their destinies. Listen in to hear Penny share: How she started to incorporate affirmations with her very young sons to help with anything from potty training to being young Black boys How to use fluid and flexible affirmations with your kids as they grow and evolve How she is using affirmations with Black boys so they can own their truth and their worth in a society that puts a target on their back The importance of diversity in children's literature for Black kids and white kids The reality of “both Americas” for Black people The difference in reality between my white son and Penny’s Black sons playing with police cars at a young age The dignity afforded white children vs Black children Links mentioned: Connect with Penny and buy her products: DecreedPublishing.com Penny on FB Penny on IG  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices