Six Parenting Accounts You Need to Follow
Working as a nanny for nearly twelve years, I’ve seen my fair share of parenting styles implemented in the families I’ve supported. Many of these approaches felt both sensible and foreign to me, based on my own upbringing and the cultural norms of black families in this country. Gentle parenting, conscious parenting, intentional parenting and even respectful parenting sounded like great concepts, but were often represented by higher earning, lower stress households with time and resources at their disposal. I wondered: how accessible are these parenting styles to ALL types of parents? Could single parents, working parents and stay at home parents all benefit from adopting these approaches regardless of socioeconomic status?
These six accounts have given me a resounding yes we can, and if you’re a parent looking for some inspiration, check them all out.
Destini Ann is a parent, author and parenting coach specializing in intentional parenting. Her content is at the intersection of keeping it real and breaking generational cycles and she owns it effortlessly. More relatable than the typical gentle parent accounts, Destini is transparent about her own process in regulating herself and practicing mindfulness to be a more present and effective parent. The best thing about her message is she reminds parents that “…you doin a good job” while sharing tools to do even better.
Joy Marilie spent 20 years in education and expected that experience to translate into parenthood, but quickly learned parenting is a completely different beast. After researching and changing up her approach, she saw a difference in both her daughter and herself. Her platform demonstrates the efficacy of conscious parenting and will teach you how to move through conflict being responsive, rather than reactive. Class is in session and I’m getting a front row seat!
Shena Vici is the account you follow if you just want to see a parent enjoying the role through and through. From her elevated family dinner style to her candid convos with her kiddos while doing their hair, Shena is a great example of how modeling behavior works when raising children. She regularly gives her children agency and options and the love and mutual respect are palpable even through a screen. I’m waiting on an invite to that home restaurant, but until then I will live vicariously through her social media pages.
Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart is a psychologist and parenting who is passionate about helping overwhelmed parents get on the same page with their kids and teenagers. She utilizes role play to walk through real life scenarios from the adult and child perspective. Dr. Lockhart provides lots of helpful information, but my favorite offering of hers is scripts to guide adults through conversations with minors. Whether it’s race, disability, ADHD, anxiety or another trending topic, she can help you navigate the dialogue in a productive way. Check out her platform if you want to be more confident answering questions and tackling tough topics!
When Ashton Jean-Pierre became a father, he felt transformed by the role. His platform, What Dad Did, is a candid look into parenting a bilingual, liberated child of deaf adults. We get to witness how he utilizes a Montessori approach in parenting, as well as a glimpse into what black fatherhood looks like. From life skills to big feelings and all the little moments in between, seeing this dad parent is refreshing and educational. Go get you some joy and a lesson or two in the process.
Mr Chazz is known for helping parents through childhood while breaking generational cycles.
Mr. Chazz took the internet by storm in 2020 with his thoughtful commentary on practices like corporal punishment, authoritative parenting and double standards. His use of adult to adult disputes as an analogy for adult to child conflict is brilliant, and will have you examining your approach and methods in the best way. His voice reaches adults and children alike to inspire clearer and more intentional communication with less tension and more love. He has a podcast and other resources that every parent should take advantage of!
Every person on this list is breaking cycles and rewriting our story, and the next generation will be so much better for it! I learn so much from them and implement these lessons daily with my three nanny kids. You got this, parents! You’re doing an amazing job and your kiddos are so blessed to have a committed, intentional, hand-on parent like yourself.
Career nanny based in Atlanta Ga looking to empower and educate nannies as well as opening the conversation between parents and nannies.