As adults, most of us understand what it's like to be appreciative for what we have. Most likely, you're trying to raise your child to become conscious and aware of how blessed and fortunate they really are. I've been working on my children and I'm happy to share 7 simple ways to raise a grateful child. 1. Lead by example. In any and every social setting, especially in front … [Read more...]
Single Fathers: Don’t Step Up to be a Parent, Never Step Down
The unfortunate reality is there are a lot of single men with children, especially in the African American community. It’s unfortunate because every child could benefit from being in the house with the two parents who cared enough to bring them into this world. Regardless, the society we live in has many single men who are a part of raising a child either in their home, in … [Read more...]
What Are You Teaching Your Kids About Santa?
When I was a child, I believed in Santa Claus. I don’t think my belief was long-lived, but I did believe in him until I was about 6 or 7. I never thought he brought all the gifts, but whenever I would get a “big” gift, I thought it was from him. I’m not quite sure if my mom or dad told me that, or if it’s just what I chose to believe. We lived in an apartment building on … [Read more...]
Do Our [Brown] Kids Have to Work Twice as Hard?
As a parent, I'm faced with some tough topics to discuss with my kids at times. One of the things that we sadly have to discuss is why they are sometimes looked over for certain things. Or not considered when they are obviously just as qualified and capable. I'm searching for all the right answers when they ask, but I have no real reason why our brown kids have to work twice as … [Read more...]
You’re Going to Need This: 5 Healthy Snacks for Traveling with Kids
With Holiday travels just around the corner, packing on-the-go snacks doesn't need to compromise being healthy. It can also be fun! Here are five healthy snack ideas for traveling with kids. Make a Necklace This is especially fun for your younger ones: All you need is "O" shaped cereal and string. Measure the string by making sure that is slightly longer the measurement of … [Read more...]
Attention All Mothers: 4 Tips on Taking Care of Yourself
This past weekend I had an opportunity to attend a retreat just for moms. The purpose of the retreat was to force moms to do something most of us rarely ever do: take time out for ourselves and make ourselves a priority. Some people may think they make themselves a priority, but they really don't. Can you think of ten things you love to do -- without the kids or spouse? When … [Read more...]
Power Couple: Toni & Griff
You may know this Power Couple from Atlanta's AM1100 Toni and "Griff" show. If you’re not familiar, picture Howard Stern, the Honeymooner’s, and a sprinkle of Peg & Al Bundy all wrapped up in one. The Toni and “GRIFF” Show” has graced the internet and virtual radio world since 2010 and has gained over 70,000 fans and now a Facebook reach of over 900,000 listeners and … [Read more...]
Are Your Children Ready for Social Media?
Communication is primarily electronic these days. And of course, social media seems to be one of, if not THE most popular way younger people communicate. I respect your opinion either way, whether or not you believe children should have social media accounts. I can't tell you what age your child should or should not have a Facebook/Instagram account, just like I can't tell you … [Read more...]
Personal Finance 101: 10 Money Messages Undergrads Need to Hear Before They Hit Campus
Yes, your child has been accepted! An excellent financial aid package, scholarship, work-study, or a combination of the three, I hope. He or she may be the first in the family to go to college or the first to attend college in the U.S. You've already warned them about the dangers of college life: sex, drugs, mindless recreational activities and the squandering of time. But … [Read more...]
Letting Go and Letting Dad!
Question to the Moms: Is it just me or do you sometimes feel nervous when you leave the kids ALONE with Dad? I can't be the only one....I'm guilty of subconsciously (and sometimes consciously) thinking that my intelligent, capable, lovable and attentive husband can't fully take care of his own kids when I'm not around. WHY? There are several answers, some of which I will share, … [Read more...]
Why We Shouldn’t Let Our Children Live in Fear
The last time I watched CNN, as much as I did last week ,was in December when the horrific Newtown shootings occurred. I was beyond devastated. This time, details about a new tragedy consumed my television screen and I sat there wondering, “What is this world coming to?” Last week, the tragic series of events in Boston struck a painful cord with all of us. I think we all … [Read more...]
Four Ways Your Marriage is a Ministry
Ministry: The act of serving, ministration. I don’t know if you realize it, but you do serve in your marriage, therefore it is a ministry. You may ask yourself how your marriage is a ministry if you and/or your spouse are not ministers. You don’t have to be. The fact that your marriage is an act of service makes it a ministry. The definition clearly states that ministry is the … [Read more...]
4 Ways To Instill Courage, Persistence, and the Will to Achieve In Our Children
What I loved about being a classroom teacher was that I could teach beautiful brown girls and boys that looked like me some of the habits of success and life skills that served me well in my pursuit of love, happiness, and personal fulfillment. Earlier this week, as an administrator, I had to support the proctoring of some serious high-stakes State exams. And for some … [Read more...]
April Is National Child Abuse Prevention Month
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. This is a time for all of us to recognize to that we each have a job to do - and that's paying extra special attention to the social and emotional well-being of our children. They are blessings...not burdens. Why? To you this may not even mean anything, because it's just not an issue for you and your family. … [Read more...]
Don’t Forget to Talk to the Kids About Death: 5 Tips to Getting Started
This past weekend, I had the very unfortunate experience of attending the funeral for my cousin's six week old baby that died unexpectedly. I distinctly remember getting the call at 3am from a family member about what had happened and I just couldn't get back to sleep that night. I remember immediately checking on all of the kids and then getting them all in the bed with us, … [Read more...]