When my husband and I had our son, we thought we were done. We had two girls and our baby boy, so we were content. Our little family of five was everything we had dreamed of. It felt complete, and we were happy with the balance we had. But then, surprise! At 38, God blessed us with #4—another baby. Honestly, it took me a few months to get over the shock. I wasn’t planning for a fourth child, and the timing felt overwhelming. But eventually, I leaned into … [Read more...]
Living on a Farm Makes Me a Different Kind of Doula – Here’s Why
Five years ago, in December 2019, we made the big decision to leave the suburbs and move to the farm. Just a few months later, the world went into lockdown due to the pandemic, but looking back, it couldn’t have been better timing. While the rest of the world was cooped up inside, we were able to roam free on our expansive farm, finding solace in the fresh air and wide-open spaces. For more about how our farm life has shaped us, check out my post on navigating … [Read more...]
Postpartum Tips for C-Section Recovery: How to Heal Your Body and Mind
All four of my births were C-sections, but if I knew then what I know now, I would have had four vaginal births—more than likely at home. If you want to know more about why, check out my post on why I broke up with my OB-GYN and hired a doula. Recovering from a C-section can be a challenging experience, both physically and emotionally. Your body has gone through major abdominal surgery, and healing takes time. Here are some practical tips to help you navigate … [Read more...]
Why I Became a Postpartum Doula: A Journey of Passion and Purpose
When I found out I was pregnant with my fourth child at 38, I was in shock. I thought my motherhood journey was behind me—my three older children were growing up, and I had finally settled into a routine. But then life had other plans, and I found myself expecting again. I thought I had everything figured out. This time, I researched, I hired a doula, and I was determined to do everything “right.” Despite all my preparation, my birth ended in a … [Read more...]
Why I became a School Counselor
My Journey to Becoming a School Counselor Have you ever read There's a Boy in the Girl’s Bathroom by Louis Sachar? That book changed my life. It’s about a boy named Bradley Chalkers who is repeating fifth grade. He’s rude. He disrupts class. No one wants to talk to him or sit by him. He destroys property. But then, a new school counselor starts working at his school. She listens to him. She encourages him. And by the end of the book, Bradley is a model … [Read more...]
Raising Multiracial Teenagers: Challenges, Identity Struggles & How to Help
Raising a teenager is already a challenge, but when your child is multiracial, it adds another layer of complexity. As a mom of four—a teenager, a preteen, an early elementary son, and a toddler daughter—I’ve had my fair share of conversations about race, identity, and belonging. Over the years, my kids have been asked questions that made them pause, sometimes making them feel like they didn’t quite fit in anywhere. Questions like: Then there are the … [Read more...]
What Every School Counselor Wants You to Know: A Guide for Parents
If you’re a parent, you may have wondered: What exactly does a school counselor do? Maybe you’ve heard the term "guidance counselor" before, but here’s the thing—we are no longer called guidance counselors. The role of a school counselor has evolved significantly over the years. We don’t just “guide” students in choosing classes or preparing for careers. We play a critical role in the emotional, social, and academic development of children. As a school … [Read more...]
How to Apologize to Your Child: Breaking Generational Cycles
Some parents don't believe in apologizing to children. But in my opinion, children are people too, and they have feelings. When parents learn to apologize, they begin modeling what healthy relationships look like for their children. My parents are Jamaican, and I grew up in an era of children must know their place. As a child, you basically had no rights. You did as your parents said, even if it didn't make sense. You didn't dare question them, or tell them … [Read more...]
15 Things No One Warns You About When Parenting a Middle-Schooler
Parenting a middle schooler is no small feat. Middle schoolers are emotional, moody, and often hard to read. In fact, parenting a middle schooler almost feels like it requires a specialized degree! In my middle school counseling days, I learned a lot about this age group—lessons that have both challenged and encouraged me. When people found out that I worked with middle schoolers, the reaction was usually the same: “I could never do what you do,” or “God bless … [Read more...]