First, let's talk about Eddie Murphy. The actor is the father of nine children, who range in age from 3-months-old to 26. So he should be no stranger to raising a child. Then why does this quote bother us? “I don’t change diapers … ’cause I would be horrible at it, and that’s not fair to the child,” Murphy said in a recent interview with Extra. You mean to tell us in … [Read more...]
Parenting
Your Kids are Watching. 5 Imperative Habits They Should See from You in Your Marriage
Nothing brings your strengths and flaws to light like becoming a parent. My kids remind me every day that they are watching everything I do. They appreciate the moments when I get things right, and they see the moments when I don’t. Every. Single. Moment. They may not say a thing, but I know they see it all. And although my relationship with my husband isn’t about my kids, … [Read more...]
Advise Your Kids on How to Land Their Dream Job Out of College
In today’s economy just graduating college with a degree won’t cut it anymore. Millennials face one of the highest unemployment rates in decades and nearly 44 percent of millennials are underemployed, often working in low-wage or part-time jobs. So if you're sending a child to college this month (or you're off in college yourself), it may be wise to send them with some … [Read more...]
5 Secrets to a Successful School Year; Parents You’ll Want to Know This
By Verdel Jones The start of a new school year is upon us. Want your child to have a stellar school year? Then check out these 5 tips to kick off the school year right. These strategies will ensure that you and your child will have a successful year! 1. Write a letter to your child’s teacher I am a firm believer in letting your teacher know what type of child is in front … [Read more...]
The One Decision That Can Make You a Better Mom and Wife
As an adult, I look at my mother and wonder how she did it all. A woman who raised us with just a fraction of the resources I have access to (and I don’t just mean financially), how did she do it? But then I remember that although we turned out well, my mom is paying the price today for putting everyone’s needs in front of her own. Her struggles with depression and her … [Read more...]
Dear White People: Understand What Drives Our Dreams to Help You Understand Our Struggles
Dear Dr. Buckingham, I am extremely troubled as a parent and elementary school teacher. Over the years, I have taught both black and white boys, and I have observed two distinct mindsets, views and dream patterns. The black boys in my class appear to be focused more on survival, and the whites appear to be focused more on thriving. I say this because we have several … [Read more...]
New to Homeschooling; 5 No-Fuss Tips to Get You Started
New to homeschooling? No worries. Use the five keys here to put your mind at ease. With planning and a little help, you can do this! Here is how to get started. Relax and have confidence Be confident that with proper planning and a willingness to fly by the seat of your pants that you can do this. I know it sounds contradictory, however, it's very true.You will need a … [Read more...]
The 6 Most Powerful Family Films That Discuss Racism Yet Show Your Kids How to Respond Positively
It seems like we can’t escape one day without another act of racism grabbing the headlines. If you have young children, it may be difficult to explain the systemic suffering our people have endured and how proud we should be to have arrived at this point in history. I mean, we do have a black family in the White House. But it wasn’t an easy road to this point. It was the … [Read more...]
Does Not Having a Landline Telephone Spell Danger for Your Child?
This is something I have thought about for years—the decline of the old-fashioned house phone. It has been on my mind since cell phones became the trend. My biggest concern was what if something happens and a young child needs to use the phone to call grandma or 911 for help? They may not be old enough for a cell phone, but they are very capable of calling for help. When … [Read more...]
3 Vital Lessons to Teach Your Child About This Moment in American History—and How They Can Change It!
Undoubtedly, the challenges our nation has seen over the past few weeks and months is reaching a fever pitch. In many ways, the outrage about the circumstances of unjustified police violence has always simmered at local levels and, sometimes, boiled over into national attention. The recent killings of Alton Sterling, Philando Castile and the officers in Dallas and Baton … [Read more...]
5 Reasons Why Your Kids Can’t Be Your Only Reason for Staying in an Unhappy Marriage
I recently had a long conversation with a friend about relationship troubles, raising kids and the decision to stay or leave. She seemed to be facing so much confusion about the choices she needed to make. I felt empathy for her because I can only imagine how hard it is to decide if you should stay with the man you have kids with or leave because you simply are not happy with … [Read more...]
No Justice, No Peace? A Black Man’s Guide to Clinically Treating Your Suppressed Rage
Dear Dr. Buckingham, I am 38-year-old black father who wants to comfort and educate my 13-year-old son during these difficult times, but I am struggling myself. With the recent killings of Philando Castile, Alton Sterling and the cops in Dallas [Editor's note: this letter was written prior to the shooting of Terence Crutcher ] my heart has been heavy lately, and I have been … [Read more...]
Want to Know the Black Woman’s Biggest F.E.A.R in America?
Fear is defined as an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain or a threat. Black women in America live in fear daily as we watch our grandfathers, fathers, husbands, boyfriends, brothers, sons, uncles and nephews leave home. We live with the knowledge that sending our men to the store for a carton of eggs can end … [Read more...]
Real Fathers Reveal What to Tell Your Sons—As Young Adults and As Toddlers—About Their Lives in 2016
Before we could mourn one senseless death, another occurred. Day after day. At least the news covered it these times. Then five more deaths. The range of emotions runs too deep. The familiarity. The sense of loss. The numbness. The anger. The silence. And regardless of how we feel, we still have to wake up and get on with our regularly scheduled adult lives because that's how … [Read more...]
The Key to Success for This Mom and Daughter Duo is Accountability
Would you trust your 9-year-old child to be the C.O.O. of your company? Well, mom and inventor of GaBBY Bows, Rozalynn Goodwin did. And for good reason. Daughter, Gabrielle Goodwin was not only the inspiration for the company, but the then 5-year-old was the driving force to see the company into fruition. It all started with Rozalynn's Twitter rant, in which she … [Read more...]