The natural hair community not only helps to educate and support adults with naturally curly hair, it is also here to inspire and support younger children to understand the beauty in their curls. Since 2015, there has been a number of reported case where young children are being teased or discriminated againstin schools and other platforms for wearing their natural hair. In order to combat children insecure about their natural curly hair, parents, child care providers, and fellow natural men and women are doing a number of things to help children become more confident with their natural hair. Sharon Ragins, is a registered nurse who began participating in child care 23 years ago. As a natural, African American woman who has raised two children of her own, she has always found self-love and care to be a very important lesson for the kids she takes care of. Her practices include, readingchildren’s books focused on kids natural hair, using words of affirmation , and making sure the children’s hair is done before they go home.
An article written by the Ripple Kindness Project, explained that using words of affirmation with children helps to allow them to empower themselves. The article explains that, positive self-talk aids in allowing children to grow into adults who are comfortable in receiving love and support from others as well as themselves. Ms. Ragins believes tell children that they are beautiful the way they are helps them to become comfortable with their looks and what makes them unique at an early age. In reference to children understanding productsand stylesthat fit their hair, parents and hair stylist can teach kids about the tools they need to keep their hair healthy. Ms. Ragins separates the children’s hair care products based on personal needs and for the children who are old enough to understand, she lets them touch and smell the products going in their hairs. Her kids are able to point out a brush and a comb, while also having an understanding of why they need to get their hair done. Children with natural hair are beginning to celebrate and grow an appreciation for their curly hair every day. “It takes a village to make sure these children have confidence in everything they do and in everything they are”, says Ms. Ragins.