Don't Screw Up Your Kids

Learning About the World | I Don’t Even Notice Race | PTSS Series Part 5

In Part 5 of the Post-Traumatic Slave Syndrome series, Kaleesha Washington continues Chapter 1, “I Don’t Even Notice Race,” by exploring the sections “It’s About Time” and “Learning About the World” from Dr. Joy DeGruy’s groundbreaking book. This episode examines how culture shapes the way people understand time, relationships, communication, and learning — particularly within African and African-American communities. Topics explored in this episode include: • relationship-centered approaches to time and work • storytelling as a powerful teaching tool • why meaning and relevance matter in education • cultural differences in communication and learning styles • why many students ask, “Why are we learning this?” • the importance of context, connection, and lived experience in teaching • and how relationships and storytelling can improve student engagement and academic success Drawing from her own experiences as a teacher, principal, and historian, Kaleesha reflects on how storytelling transformed her classrooms and helped students connect deeply with academic content in ways traditional instruction often does not. This episode also explores how culture influences the ways people process information, build trust, understand the world, and pass knowledge from one generation to the next. This is Part 5 of an ongoing series discussing Post-Traumatic Slave Syndrome: America’s Legacy of Enduring Injury and Healing by Dr. Joy DeGruy. 🎙️ Don’t Screw Up Your Kids Podcast Hosted by Kaleesha Washington

The Preeminence of Relationship | I Don’t Even Notice Race | PTSS Series Part 4

In Part 4 of the Post-Traumatic Slave Syndrome series, Kaleesha Washington continues Chapter 1, “I Don’t Even Notice Race,” by exploring the section titled “The Preeminence of Relationship” from Dr. Joy DeGruy’s groundbreaking book. This episode examines the central role relationships play within African and African-American culture and how those relational values influence parenting, education, motivation, trust, discipline, identity, and community. Topics discussed include: • the emergence of African-American culture • relationship-centered cultural values • authenticity and emotional honesty • fictive kinship and community bonds • why relationships often matter more than material rewards • the importance of trust between students and teachers • the role of love and emotional safety in education • and how connection, belonging, and community impact behavior and identity formation Drawing from her experiences as an educator, principal, historian, and parent, Kaleesha reflects on why many Black students respond more strongly to relationship and affirmation than to traditional reward systems, and why understanding culture matters when working with children and communities. This episode also explores how historical trauma disrupted family and community structures while simultaneously strengthening the importance of connection, interdependence, and collective survival within African-American culture. This is Part 4 of an ongoing series discussing Post-Traumatic Slave Syndrome: America’s Legacy of Enduring Injury and Healing by Dr. Joy DeGruy. 🎙️ Don’t Screw Up Your Kids Podcast Hosted by Kaleesha Washington

The Myth of Race | I Don’t Even Notice Race | PTSS Series Part 3

In Part 3 of the Post-Traumatic Slave Syndrome series, Kaleesha Washington begins Chapter 1, “I Don’t Even Notice Race,” by exploring the section titled “The Myth of Race” from Dr. Joy DeGruy’s groundbreaking book. This episode examines the idea of race as a social construct rather than a biological reality and explores how racism continues to shape systems, institutions, opportunities, and lived experiences in America today. Topics discussed include: • the myth of biological race • systemic racism versus individual prejudice • slavery, segregation, and generational trauma • institutional power and inequality • redlining, education disparities, and discriminatory systems • why acknowledgment matters in healing • and how denial of historical harm prevents reconciliation and growth Drawing from history, education, politics, and personal experience, Kaleesha reflects on why America continues to struggle with race relations while other nations have publicly confronted historical atrocities through acknowledgment and reconciliation. This episode also explores the idea that “not seeing race” can become harmful when race still impacts people’s realities, opportunities, and treatment in society. This is Part 3 of an ongoing series discussing Post-Traumatic Slave Syndrome: America’s Legacy of Enduring Injury and Healing by Dr. Joy DeGruy. 🎙️ Don’t Screw Up Your Kids Podcast Hosted by Kaleesha Washington

Sankofa: Return and Get It | PTSS Series Part 2

In Part 2 of the Post-Traumatic Slave Syndrome series, Kaleesha Washington explores the introduction chapter, “Sankofa: Return and Get It,” from Dr. Joy DeGruy’s groundbreaking book. This episode examines how generational trauma, survival behaviors, and historical oppression continue to shape parenting, identity, self-esteem, relationships, and community dynamics today. Topics discussed include: • the meaning of Sankofa and why understanding history matters • how children internalize what adults say about them • parenting through fear, protection, and survival • self-esteem and perception • trauma passed through generations • epigenetics and inherited behaviors • and how patterns developed during slavery can continue affecting families and communities today This conversation also reflects on the powerful statement: “I am not who I think I am. I am not who you think I am. I am who I think that you think that I am.” This is Part 2 of an ongoing series discussing Post-Traumatic Slave Syndrome: America’s Legacy of Enduring Injury and Healing by Dr. Joy DeGruy. 🎙️ Don’t Screw Up Your Kids Podcast Hosted by Kaleesha Washington

Are the Children Well? | PTSS Series Part 1

In Part 1 of the Post-Traumatic Slave Syndrome series, Kaleesha Washington begins a deep discussion of Post-Traumatic Slave Syndrome: America’s Legacy of Enduring Injury and Healing by Dr. Joy DeGruy. This episode centers around one powerful question: “How are the children?” Through reflection on the prologue of the book, this conversation explores generational trauma, oppression, healing, parenting, identity, and the long-term impact of historical trauma on families and communities. Topics discussed include: • the emotional and psychological legacy of slavery • oppression and generational wounds • healing across communities • the humanity lost through oppression • and why the well-being of children must remain central to society This is Part 1 of an ongoing series discussing the themes and ideas presented in Dr. Joy DeGruy’s groundbreaking work. 🎙️ Don’t Screw Up Your Kids Podcast Hosted by Kaleesha Washington