Positive Indigenous Parenting is a culturally rooted curriculum from the National Indian Child Welfare Association. Through eight practical, culturally specific lessons, this training shares traditional Native parenting values and shows how to apply them in today’s world. Learn more about the production.
Session 1: Traditional parenting
Start your journey by exploring how Native communities have long nurtured children with love, patience, and strong relationships. Parenting in Native cultures is intentional, guided by well-defined customs, values, and practices passed down through generations.
We’ll discuss how history has shaped parenting in Native communities and how we can incorporate traditional teachings today. As we learn from those who parented us, the ways we care for children today will be passed on to future generations.
Session 2: Lessons of the storyteller
For generations, Native people have used stories to teach, guide, and inspire. Highly respected members of the community, storytellers pass on knowledge through the spoken tradition.
In this session, we’ll explore storytelling’s role in traditional parenting and how it can strengthen communication between parents and children. By connecting with the lessons of the storyteller, we also connect with our own voices as parents and caregivers.
Session 3: Lessons of the cradleboard
The cradleboard symbolizes the security and connection that helps children thrive.
In this lesson, we’ll explore how Native families traditionally nurture children at every stage of development. In many Native traditions, children are not rushed but are gently guided, encouraged, and celebrated when they are ready for the next step. These teachings remind us that parenting is about support and connection, not control.
Session 4: Harmony in child rearing
Harmony is a guiding principle for Indigenous families. It shapes how they live, teach, and support one another. Rather than strict discipline, harmony in child rearing emphasizes guidance, structure, and self-control.
By using this wisdom, parents can help children grow with confidence, respect, and strong connections.
Session 5: Traditional behavior management
Our children need clear expectations, consistency, and a safe space to learn from mistakes. Discipline isn’t about punishment or shame; it’s about teaching and reflection. Parenting with patience and purpose helps children thrive. This lesson examines how Native parenting traditions guide behavior and discipline.
Session 6: Lessons of mother nature
By learning from the rhythms of nature, we can prepare our children for the world and help them carry our traditions forward with confidence and care. Through quiet observation and reflection, children learn how to live well, treat others, and understand themselves.
We’ll also consider the kind of people we hope our children will become and how we, as parents, can guide them with love, clarity, and purpose.
Session 7: Praise in traditional parenting
We’ll explore how praise can reward behavior while building identity, confidence, and self-worth. In a world that often highlights mistakes, we can focus on what children do right. When we praise with intention and heart, we help them grow into their best selves.
Even if we didn’t receive much praise growing up, we can learn. Starting small, being sincere, and offering kind words or gestures can have a lasting impact.
Session 8: Choices in parenting
In this final session, we’ll reflect on the parenting journey and look ahead to the kind of parent you want to be. You’ll consider your own needs, envision the future you want to create, set parenting goals, and celebrate the positive steps you’ve already taken.
Positive Indigenous Parenting is a culturally rooted curriculum from the National Indian Child Welfare Association. Through eight practical, culturally specific lessons, this training shares traditional Native parenting values and shows how to apply them in today’s world. Learn more about the production.
Session 1: Traditional parenting
Start your journey by exploring how Native communities have long nurtured children with love, patience, and strong relationships. Parenting in Native cultures is intentional, guided by well-defined customs, values, and practices passed down through generations.
We’ll discuss how history has shaped parenting in Native communities and how we can incorporate traditional teachings today. As we learn from those who parented us, the ways we care for children today will be passed on to future generations.
Session 2: Lessons of the storyteller
For generations, Native people have used stories to teach, guide, and inspire. Highly respected members of the community, storytellers pass on knowledge through the spoken tradition.
In this session, we’ll explore storytelling’s role in traditional parenting and how it can strengthen communication between parents and children. By connecting with the lessons of the storyteller, we also connect with our own voices as parents and caregivers.
Session 3: Lessons of the cradleboard
The cradleboard symbolizes the security and connection that helps children thrive.
In this lesson, we’ll explore how Native families traditionally nurture children at every stage of development. In many Native traditions, children are not rushed but are gently guided, encouraged, and celebrated when they are ready for the next step. These teachings remind us that parenting is about support and connection, not control.
Session 4: Harmony in child rearing
Harmony is a guiding principle for Indigenous families. It shapes how they live, teach, and support one another. Rather than strict discipline, harmony in child rearing emphasizes guidance, structure, and self-control.
By using this wisdom, parents can help children grow with confidence, respect, and strong connections.
Session 5: Traditional behavior management
Our children need clear expectations, consistency, and a safe space to learn from mistakes. Discipline isn’t about punishment or shame; it’s about teaching and reflection. Parenting with patience and purpose helps children thrive. This lesson examines how Native parenting traditions guide behavior and discipline.
Session 6: Lessons of mother nature
By learning from the rhythms of nature, we can prepare our children for the world and help them carry our traditions forward with confidence and care. Through quiet observation and reflection, children learn how to live well, treat others, and understand themselves.
We’ll also consider the kind of people we hope our children will become and how we, as parents, can guide them with love, clarity, and purpose.
Session 7: Praise in traditional parenting
We’ll explore how praise can reward behavior while building identity, confidence, and self-worth. In a world that often highlights mistakes, we can focus on what children do right. When we praise with intention and heart, we help them grow into their best selves.
Even if we didn’t receive much praise growing up, we can learn. Starting small, being sincere, and offering kind words or gestures can have a lasting impact.
Session 8: Choices in parenting
In this final session, we’ll reflect on the parenting journey and look ahead to the kind of parent you want to be. You’ll consider your own needs, envision the future you want to create, set parenting goals, and celebrate the positive steps you’ve already taken.
