Your whole life changes when you become a parent. Most of the time parenthood is wonderful. Other times it can be downright stressful. I, personally, sometimes have to laugh to keep from crying when things get rough around here. I am so not the person I was BEFORE I became a mom. Which is why I came up with a fun list of reasons that you KNOW you're a parent. You know you're … [Read more...]
6 Things I Hate to Hear [My] Children Say
I love it when I see and hear children expressing themselves. It brings me joy to see them thinking and blossoming, especially my own children. What I don't like, is when children express themselves to adults in a disrespectful manner OR they say things that are discouraging about themselves or others. Here are 6 things I absolutely HATE hearing children say. 1. Yeah. When … [Read more...]
Are Your Kids Collecting Expensive Souvenirs on Your Guilt Trips?
As parents, we want our children to have every opportunity in the world, including things we may not have had ourselves growing up. When I had my daughter 10 years ago, I knew there were certain emotions that came with being a mother: joy, worry, love, exasperation. What I didn't count on was the guilt that sometimes accompanies parenthood. The guilt of working too hard and not … [Read more...]
3 Reasons Kids Need Role Models
Kids may unknowingly see some adults as role models. These adults can be family, teachers or even celebrities. Many parents may be unaware their kids have role models, especially celebrities, because kids may never talk about them... but just follow their every move on social media. Some people may think kids should not have role models, so I’ve listed 3 reasons why I think … [Read more...]
Single Parents: 4 Things Your Kids Are Learning from Your Relationships
As a single father, I’m always careful about who I date, who I bring around my children and deciding the right time to bring that special someone around my children. Those are important concerns to think about when raising a child. Your children deserve to see you happy and in a productive relationship. Not only is it good for you, but it’s good for the child to see what a … [Read more...]
Parenthood: Will I Ever Have Any Money?
Being pregnant with each of my kids was the most exciting time in my life! I was also happy to nurse them for the first few months to a year for health reasons and to also avoid buying baby formula. As they got a little older, I remember my husband and I saying, "Can't wait until they're out of diapers/Pull-ups." Then, it was, "Whew! Can't wait until we're done … [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...]
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...]
6 Ways to Prepare Your Child For The Loss of Loved Ones
I don’t think that anyone is ever prepared for the loss of a loved one. My family experienced many losses this year. In February 2013, my husband lost his dear Mother. In March he lost an aunt and in November he lost a cousin. When he lost his mother, she was elderly and ill, losing her has not only been a horrible blow to us, but especially to our young daughter. That was … [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...]
Why Is Skin Tone Still OUR Issue?
Are you color struck? Do you find yourself saying things like, "She is so pretty to be so dark!?" or telling someone, "You better keep her out of the sun, you don't want her to get to dark." or my favorite when looking at someone's newborn child you say, "Oh don't worry she wont get too much darker." To be "color struck" as defined by UrbanDictionary.com is: To have an … [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...]
Couples Spotlight: Mike and Henrietta Jones
I love hearing other peoples' love stories and their thoughts and tips on what makes their marriages work. This week's spotlight couple has been together since their sophomore year of high school. Henrietta is a graduate of Morris College in Sumter, SC with a Political Science Degree, and works as an administrator assistant. Her husband, Mike is a graduate of Lees-McRae College … [Read more...]
Life With Food Allergies: Why Every Parent Should Care
I dropped my son off at preschool last week, and his teacher asked me if he could have some cupcakes and cookies that another parent dropped off earlier that morning to celebrate their son’s birthday. I looked at the list of ingredients and, of course, my son was not going to be able to participate. His teacher apologized and said that she didn’t know the treats were even … [Read more...]
How to Enjoy Your Marriage
Once you start your new lives together, daily routines will start to make your marriage seem dull. You may feel like your marriage is boring and wonder if that is how marriage is supposed to feel. Well, I want to tell you that you can enjoy your marriage no matter how long you’ve been married. Below are some tips to help. Go on dates with each other. Visit a new restaurant … [Read more...]