Raising Resilient Black Kids

“Raising Resilient Black Kids is an excellent conversation starter. Both as a tool for caregivers to begin racism-related conversations with their children, and, importantly, to help caregivers start an internal conversation about their own experiences navigating racism. Turner does an amazing job of offering accessible, developmentally appropriate conversational tools for caregivers. I will definitely be recommending the book’s exercises to many Black families in my clinical practice.” –Ryan C.T. DeLapp, PhD, director of the Racial, Ethnic, And Cultural Healing (REACH) Program at the Ross Center–Ryan C.T. DeLapp, PhD“Raising Resilient Black Kids is filled with useful resources, worksheets, and journal prompts to help parents understand racial stress and navigate ‘the race talk’ with their children. Through the HEAL method, Turner provides clear and practical techniques for parents to support their children’s mental health. This book is a must-read for parents of Black kids!” –Celeste M. Malone, PhD, MS, associate professor of school psychology at Howard University, and past president of the National Association of School Psychologists–Celeste M. Malone, PhD, MS“Discover strategies to help children navigate racial stress and thrive in Raising Resilient Black Kids by Earl Turner. I appreciate the author’s intentionality in providing culturally affirming, evidence-based strategies for parents to support their children’s emotional well-being and resilience. Activities in the book can not only be used for individuals, but also group settings. This book is a valuable resource for Black families.” –Shanita Brown, PhD, LCMHC, NCC, teaching assistant professor at East Carolina University–Shanita Brown, PhD, LCMHC, NCC“Earl Turner has truly provided readers with a gift with this publication. I know firsthand the stressors associated with parenting Black youth as a mother and as a psychologist who collaborates with patients through the parenting process. I am incredibly excited to have a resource like this one to use with my clients in sessions, recommend for them to use at home, and as a tool in my own toolbox as a Black mental health expert and mother of two Black children.” –Raquel Martin, PhD, assistant professor and scientist at Tennessee State University, licensed clinical psychologist, podcast host, and Black mental health expert–Raquel Martin, PhD“Erlanger Turner’s Raising Resilient Black Kids is a practical guide for those who love Black children. It answers so many of the questions my clients ask about how to have the talk. Resilience can be hard to develop in the face of racism, but this workbook helps everyone in the family and community to process their own feelings and experiences to support healthy and thriving development for Black youth.” –Riana Elyse Anderson, PhD, LCP, associate professor of social work and clinical psychology at Columbia University, and developer and director of the EMBRace Program–Riana Elyse Anderson, PhD, LCP“This workbook is an essential resource for parents navigating the complexities of racial stress with their children. Through practical guidance and insights, it empowers parents to foster resilience, emotional intelligence, and empowerment in their children. This book equips parents and caregivers with tools to navigate challenging conversations, build self-esteem, and cultivate a strong sense of identity. A must-read for anyone committed to supporting Black children’s well-being and emotional success.” –Allen Eugene Lipscomb, PsyD, LCSW, associate professor and associate chair of social work at California State University, Northridge; and author of Bonding Recognition Understanding and Healing (BRuH) Approach–Allen Eugene Lipscomb, PsyD, LCSW“What a joy to review this accessible, engaging book written specifically for Black parents! Turner’s compassionate guidance provides Black parents with information, tools, and gentle encouragement to support them in preparing Black children to thrive in the context of racism. He is both friend and expert. The inclusion of empowering child-friendly activism activities, mindfulness skills to manage reactivity, and attention to spirituality make this a unique and valuable resource.” –Shelly P. Harrell, PhD, professor of psychology at Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology, and licensed psychologist in independent practice–Shelly P. Harrell, PhD

Erlanger (Earl) Turner, PhD, is a licensed psychologist and associate professor of psychology at Pepperdine University in Los Angeles, CA. A nationally and internationally recognized expert in mental health, he has been featured on television, radio, and in print media outlets including CNN, USA Today, The New York Times, Essence, NPR, Los Angeles Times, and the Dr. Phil Show. He is former president of the Society for Child and Family Policy and Practice and has served as a consultant for Sesame Street, Instagram, and other organizations on racial justice initiatives. Turner is also founder of Therapy for Black Kids, whose mission is to help promote resilience and healthy emotional development among Black youth.