Mikaela Sydney Smith is a 13-year-old student and budding actress that is doing amazing things in Atlanta, GA. She has created a conference, specifically for girls of color, to make a difference and develop “a sisterhood of positivity.” The conference, Activate Your Inner Magic - Mother/Daughter Dinner and Conference, will be held on May 7th, 2017 at Sutton Hall in … [Read more...]
Parenting
Popular Stories on Parenting
5 Things a New Mother Desperately Needs No Matter How Many Kids She Has
I can remember, just like it was yesterday, being almost 30 years old, pregnant with my second child and scared. I was literally scared to bring her home from the hospital. And when my mother told me she would not be able to visit me until 2 weeks after my due date, I cried. I didn’t tell her, but the thought of bringing that baby home from the hospital, without my mother, … [Read more...]
How I learned to Let My Husband Raise My Son
Sometimes blending those as step-family as there may be biological parents to deal with or the spouse entering the new family may find it difficult to parent someone else’s child. I had a two year old son when I met my husband and he had no children. The biological father really wasn’t a presence so there was no problem on that front. The problem was me. I had to learn to let … [Read more...]
The Best Kept Secret About Chuck E. Cheese’s Birthday Parties
My youngest daughter just had her 9th Birthday party at Chuck E Cheese's. And while I know she had a ball, I secretly think I enjoyed it more. And here's why: Easy Planning I was literally able to go on-line one afternoon (while at work) and plan the entire party: the theme, the food, the gift bags, the entertainment, the cake and more. I just had to select one of Chuck E. … [Read more...]
Remember, Your Kids are Learning How to Love by Watching You
I have two kids and one on the way. If there is anything they have taught me, it’s how to be more mindful of how I behave and interact with others. Kids are always watching you. Even when you think they aren’t, they are. I believe it’s their way of trying to make us better people. Now don’t get me wrong; I don’t think you should change who you are because your kids are … [Read more...]
5 Places You Dread Taking Your Kids!
Ok…I must confess that I used to be one of those people who would feel some type of way when seeing a kid have a complete meltdown in public. I had no perspective so I would be thinking "why don't the parents control that child?!" and “If I had a baby I BET it would’t go down like THAT!” WELP let's just say now that I have a child of my own, I completely understand and I'm … [Read more...]
7 Phrases Every Pregnant Woman Really Really Needs to Hear
My husband and I are expecting our first child next month. I’m waddling. I can no longer see my feet, and wearing shoes with laces is no longer an option. (Chile, bending down to tie shoe strings just requires too much effort!) Aside from all the changes happening with my body, there is so SO much to think about and consider: Will our baby be healthy? Will I be a good … [Read more...]
I Had to Tell Myself that I am a Great Mom. Here’s Why…
Proverbs 22:6, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." For years, I questioned this scripture. I just didn't see how it was going to manifest in my life. I questioned my parenting skills and I wondered if I would ever be a great mom. After all, I was pregnant with my 1st child, Gabi, at 19-years-old. As a single mom, I went … [Read more...]
‘Turn Up’ Time: 10 Things We Want the Obamas to Do After They Leave the White House
It is truly bitter sweet that the first black POTUS and his beautiful family are leaving the white house. We are sad that they are leaving. But at the same time, we we are truly happy that it was eight years well spent! We are so excited for them to be a part of the 'real world' again. They are leaving the ‘presidential life' behind and looking forward to all of the amazing … [Read more...]
5 Small Changes that Will Make You a Better Parent in 2017
When I reflect on all the challenges I have faced in life, I can honestly say that nothing has been more challenging than being a parent. Don’t get me wrong; I love being a parent. I love it so much that I am pregnant with my third child. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy. It’s not. On my best days, I smile and pat myself on the back because I made it, but on my worst days, I end … [Read more...]
It’s Not Too Late: 5 Simple Ways to Give Back as a Family This Holiday Season
With Christmas rapidly approaching and the New Year just 2 weeks away, many of us are feeling stressed out and overwhelmed. Even if you enjoy this time of the year, the to-do list seems to grow daily and getting everything done in time feels like hard work. All that hard work can actually make some of us feel a little down about the holidays. But instead of letting the long … [Read more...]
5 Bad Habits Parents Need to Kick to the Curb in the New Year
I have two kids and one on the way. I am not a perfect mom; far from it. I make mistakes daily. Sometimes, they are tiny, so I just dust them off and keep it moving. But sometimes, those damn mistakes make it hard for me to fall asleep at night. I stay up wondering if I did the right thing… if I made the right call. But I try my best to not let it get to me too much. No one … [Read more...]
National Believe Day: Here’s How to Make Sure Your Kids Love Giving More than Receiving This Holiday Season
I just love the holiday season and what it represents. I don’t know how it’s possible, but it literally invokes a warm feeling in my heart. But I didn’t always feel this way. I used to dread the holidays and had these feelings of anxiety and disdain for the so-called “most wonderful time of the year.” I just felt like people were focusing on all of the wrong things. But … [Read more...]
I’m 48 and Expecting…and I’m Not Quite Sure How I Feel About It
Can you believe it? I'm 48 and expecting—but not like you may think. I'm expecting a daughter-in-law (a daughter-in-love). Our family is growing. In just one more day, there will be another Mills. It's a huge deal for the excited couple. But let me tell you, it's a huge deal for me, too. I’m not quite sure how to feel. And I'm just being 100 perfect honest. I’m excited for … [Read more...]
How Informed Should You Keep Your Young Kids on Current Affairs? And Why?
The question of whether or not to inform your young children about current affairs is a very personal and sensitive question and one that I always ask myself when it comes to my own children. Initially my reaction was that I want my “kids to be kids,” meaning I wanted them to live in innocence and remain blissfully ignorant to the realities of society. I didn’t want to … [Read more...]