Reclaiming Our Narrative: Deema Al Alami on Culture, Education & Books
Listen on: Apple│Spotify│YouTube
In today’s fast-paced world of constant external influences, how do you help your children stay rooted in their identity, culture, and values—without feeling like they’re being left behind? That’s the question at the heart of this episode of All Brains Grow, where I sit down with Deema Al Alami, a Palestinian educator, author, and advocate for Arab families. Deema has spent over 16 years redefining how children experience Arabic culture through literature, professional development, and the Arab Child Summit.
Whether you’re a parent, educator, or someone interested in how cultural pride shapes children’s futures, this episode will leave you inspired, reflective, and ready to embrace your family’s journey.
🎧 What You’ll Discover in the Podcast:
🔸 The Untapped Power of Books and Storytelling:
- Why reading is more than just an academic task—it’s a way to fight loneliness, spark joy, and connect to our roots.
- How Deema co-authored books like 48 Stories of Exile to help children fall in love with their heritage before learning how to defend it.
🔸 Cultural Parenting vs. Western Parenting:
- Why Deema stopped following Western parenting courses and realized she needed a different approach tailored to Arab values.
- The moment she discovered that independence for Arab children doesn’t have to come at the cost of family unity.
🔸 How Backward Design Can Guide Your Parenting:
- A simple yet powerful exercise: Define what you want your child to be at 18 and work backward to set intentional goals.
- Why this method isn’t about micromanaging but about creating an overarching vision for their growth.
🔸 Real Talk About Parenting Struggles:
- Deema’s honest stories of skipping pages during bedtime reading and navigating the chaos of raising two boys.
- Why it’s okay to question whether you’re doing things “right” and how embracing imperfection can actually make you a better parent.
🔸 The Arab Child Summit: Reclaiming Our Narrative
- How the summit is creating a space for Arab experts to spotlight solutions specific to Arab families.
- Why Arab parents need to embrace their unique strengths instead of constantly comparing themselves to other parenting styles.
🌟 Why You Should Listen:
This isn’t just a conversation about parenting—it’s a deep dive into how we can protect, preserve, and celebrate the values that make us who we are. Deema’s passion for children’s literature, her advocacy for Arab identity, and her practical tips will leave you feeling empowered to make small, meaningful changes in your family life.