Frequently Asked Questions

We serve two primary audiences: 1. African & Black parents in diaspora navigating schools, discipline, and raising bicultural children. 2. UK educators who want to better support African students and reduce bias in their practice. We serve families from across the African diaspora, Nigerian, Ghanaian, Somali, Zimbabwean, Kenyan, South African, Congolese, and more. Whilst we acknowledge the beautiful diversity across African cultures, we focus on shared experiences of navigating Western systems whilst maintaining African values.

Most of our content is UK-focused because laws, school systems, and cultural contexts differ by country. However, the principles of advocacy, culturally grounded parenting, and bias recognition apply globally. Parents outside the UK will find value, though some legal/systemic guidance will need adaptation.

No. We provide information, education, and coaching. We are not solicitors and nothing on this site constitutes legal advice. We teach you how to advocate effectively within systems, but we do not replace legal professionals. If you need legal representation, we can signpost you to appropriate services.

This is one of the most common challenges. Start by downloading our resource "Scripts for Responding to Family Criticism" in the Gentle Parenting path. The short answer: You don't need to convince your family. Set boundaries with kindness: "I appreciate your experience, but I'm choosing to parent differently. I need you to respect that even if you don't agree." Then, demonstrate that boundaries and gentleness can coexist. Show them that your children are respectful, that consequences exist, that structure hasn't disappeared. Choose your battles; you don't need to convert everyone.

Yes. Start by downloading our free School Advocacy Toolkit which includes template letters, documentation guides, and escalation strategies. If you need personalised support, book a School Meeting Preparation session where we'll review your specific situation, plan your approach, and practice what to say. For more intensive support, our Full Advocacy Service includes me attending the meeting with you as your advocate. We also offer coaching packages for ongoing school situations.

We offer a limited number of reduced-price coaching slots each month for parents experiencing financial hardship. Email us at hello@theafricanparent.org with "Financial Assistance" in the subject line. Please note that most of our resources (downloads, articles, free courses, Parent Circles) are completely free and accessible to everyone.

Yes! Coaching and most digital resources are available globally. School advocacy guidance is UK-focused (because laws and systems differ) but the principles of documentation, meeting preparation, and assertive communication apply anywhere. Our community includes parents from Canada, US, and across Europe. Full Advocacy Support (attending meetings) is only available in London, East of England and surrounding areas due to travel logistics.

Most parents see shifts after a single session, you'll leave with specific strategies you can implement immediately. However, deep pattern change (like breaking generational cycles or completely transforming your parenting approach) takes time. We recommend the 4-session package for lasting transformation, with sessions spaced monthly to allow time for practice and integration between calls.

Absolutely. Many of our parents are single parents navigating these challenges alone. Whilst some content mentions partners, all our strategies work for single-parent households. In fact, single parents often tell us our school advocacy resources are especially valuable because you don't have a partner to share the burden of fighting schools. You're welcome here.

Yes. These resources are designed to help any educator work better with African / Black students. You don't need to be African to recognise bias, build trust with families, and create inclusive classrooms. In fact, non-Black educators often find our resources especially valuable because we explain cultural context and family dynamics that might not be immediately obvious to someone outside the community.

Possibly. We address bias and racism directly, and that's uncomfortable for people who haven't done this work before. Growth requires discomfort. However, we're not here to shame anyone, we're here to equip you with tools to do better. Our approach is: "Here's the data. Here's what's happening. Here's what you can do differently starting tomorrow." Action-focused, not guilt-focused.

We can, but we don't recommend it. Change needs to happen at every level, from the headteacher to the teaching assistants. African students interact with everyone, and bias can show up anywhere. That said, we can tailor training to specific groups (leadership only, classroom teachers only, support staff only) if that's what your budget or schedule allows. Leadership training alone is better than no training at all.

The principles of culturally responsive teaching, bias recognition, and inclusive curriculum benefit ALL students. This training improves practice broadly whilst specifically supporting African students. Additionally, if you have even one African or Black student, that student deserves an educator who understands their experience. Quality education shouldn't depend on being part of a large demographic group in your school.

Yes. Full-day training includes 2 weeks of email support post-training for questions as staff implement new strategies. For more intensive support, book our Bespoke School Consultation which includes implementation support, staff observation, and action plan development over several months.

We accept all major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex). Secure checkout via Stripe. We do not accept PayPal, bank transfers, or cash payments.

Yes, for purchases over £200 (excluding single coaching sessions). Contact us at finance@theafricanparent.org to arrange. Available for: Coaching packages, courses, training bookings.

Digital products (courses, downloads, toolkits): No refunds. All sales final. You receive immediate access, so we cannot offer refunds. Physical products: 30-day returns for unopened items in original condition. Return shipping at customer's expense. Services (coaching, training, speaking): Generally non-refundable once booked, but reschedulable with 48 hours notice. No-shows or cancellations with less than 48 hours notice forfeit payment. See individual product terms for specifics.

You'll receive login details via email immediately after purchase (check spam folder if not received within 5 minutes). The email will include: - Link to course platform - Your username - Temporary password (you'll be prompted to change it on first login) - Instructions for accessing course content If you don't receive the email within 10 minutes, contact support@theafricanparent.org with your order number.

Yes. All PDF downloads can be printed for personal use. You may not redistribute, sell, or share downloads publicly. Schools/organisations wanting to share with staff need to purchase institutional licenses, contact us.

Try these steps: 1. Check your email (including spam/junk folders) 2. Try a different browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari) 3. Disable pop-up blockers temporarily 4. Try on a different device (phone vs computer) 5. Clear your browser cache and cookies Still stuck? Email support@theafricanparent.org with: - The resource you're trying to download - Device and browser you're using - Screenshot of any error messages We'll respond within 24 hours (usually much faster).

Use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page. You'll receive a password reset email within a few minutes. If you don't receive it, check spam. Still having issues? Email support@theafricanparent.org

Free downloads: Yes, you can share the download link or forward the PDF to friends/family. Paid products (courses, journals, toolkits): For individual use only. Sharing paid content violates our Terms of Service. Schools/organisations wanting to share with staff: Purchase institutional licenses. Contact hello@theafricanparent.org for pricing. We rely on paid product sales to keep creating free resources. Thank you for respecting our work.

Free monthly online gatherings (via Zoom) where African parents discuss specific topics in a safe, judgment-free space. Each circle has a theme (e.g., "Managing School Exclusions," "Discipline Challenges," "Raising Teens"). I facilitate discussion, answer questions, and parents support each other. Confidential, we don't record circles. Check our Events page for upcoming dates and topics.

Register for specific circles via our Events page. You'll receive a Zoom link 24 hours before the session. Free to attend. Open to all African / Black parents (you don't need to be a coaching client or course student).

No. We keep circles confidential to encourage honest sharing. Parents share vulnerable struggles and we want them to feel safe doing so. We do not record, photograph, or share anything discussed in circles. What's said in the circle stays in the circle.

We're not currently accepting volunteers but may in the future. If you have specific skills you'd like to offer (graphic design, web development, writing, translation, etc.), email hello@theafricanparent.org with "Volunteer Interest" in the subject line and tell us about yourself. We'll keep your information on file.

Email us at: - General enquiries: hello@theafricanparent.org - Community & support: support@theafricanparent.org - Invoices & payments: finance@theafricanparent.org - Media & partnerships: media@theafricanparent.org We respond within 48 hours (usually much faster, often within 24 hours on weekdays).

Not for general enquiries (email is most efficient). However, all coaching sessions are conducted via video call (Zoom or Google Meet), so we do speak directly during those.

Yes! Email media enquiries to media@theafricanparent.org with: - Your name and organisation - Type of media (podcast, article, academic research, etc.) - Topic/angle - Deadline - Questions/topics you'd like to cover We aim to respond to media requests within 3-5 business days.

Visit our Work With Me page or email hello@theafricanparent.org