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Are Those Your Kids

Raising Biracial Kids in Today's World

Diedre

4 Easy Ways to Empower Black Males in Your Classroom

September 28, 2020 By Diedre 5 Comments

Did you know that education is dominated by women? Especially in elementary schools?

Given all the tragic events that are happening in our country, learning how to empower black males is more important than ever.

I’ve been an educator for 12 years and I’ve worked in Title I schools for many of those years.

My heart for empowering black males begins with my own family. I am the oldest of 4 children, and my three younger siblings are black males.

They are all bright, competent, and friendly. I’ve witnessed their struggles in the education system and when I became a school counselor, I vowed to be an advocate for all children, but especially for children who were at a disadvantage (because of their race, socioeconomic status, home life situations, or anything else that presented itself as a barrier to their success).

I remember my mom telling us a story about a teacher that had called home and spoken to my dad. She later called my mom and told her that she had spoken to some man at our house and inquired about the man.

My mom informed the teacher that the man she spoke of was her husband and my brother’s father. The teacher was silent and obviously embarrassed. Her bias about black families and specifically black males had been exposed.

I’ve heard some people say that Black people talk about race too much. And that if we stopped focusing on it, everyone would be able to move on.

The unfortunate thing about that statement is that we don’t address our biases, we cannot move forward to true equality.

Given all the tragic events that are happening in our country, learning how to empower black males is more important than ever.

 

This is so important for everyone, especially educators to recognize. Here are 5 ways you can empower Black males in your classroom:

Provide Racial Mirrors

The easiest way to do this is by providing books, posters, and visual representations of Black males in your classroom. When you have the opportunity to have guest speakers, invite Black males.

Click here for a few book recommendations.

Even if you are a virtual educator, providing a racial mirror is possible. If you are arranging guest speakers to talk to your class about a particular subject, seek out Black males.

It is so important for the boys in your class to fight against the prewritten narrative/stereotype that all Black males are thugs, father multiple children by multiple women, and are uneducated.

Advocate

As an educator, it is your job to advocate for all of your students. If you notice discrimination happening in your school, it is your job to advocate for your students!

Discrimination can also take place by sympathy instead of empathy. Black boys are often seen as less capable. I’ve heard educators say, “His home life isn’t great, so I don’t push him that hard.”

Given all the tragic events that are happening in our country, learning how to empower black males is more important than ever.

Giving your Black boys “a break” and not pushing them to exceed expectations is hurting, not helping. When they grow up to be Black men, no one will be issuing them a break, so it’s important to push them to excel, regardless of their home life situation.

Open Discussions about Body Norms

Having conversations about self-esteem and positive body confidence is a subject that people often assume is solely for girls.

Boys have moments of insecurity too. Being the smallest boy (or largest) in a class or grade level often makes a boy an easy target.

Boys feel insecure about wearing glasses/braces, being the tallest, acne….all the things that girls often speak openly about.

Given all the tragic events that are happening in our country, learning how to empower black males is more important than ever.

You cannot control how others perceive your students, but you can empower them through affirming statements like:

You are worthy.

You can do hard things. 

I am capable of overcoming.

Life is tough, but so am I.

Feel free to add your own affirmations to the list!

Empower Black Males by Practicing Cultural Competence

This one is probably the hardest because it requires a bit of self-reflection. And self-reflection doesn’t always feel good because it can expose our flaws.

Demonstrating cultural competence  also involves demonstrating cultural sensitivity(be aware of personal bias, beliefs, misunderstandings, prejudice both conscious and unconscious)

Many school are not equipped to meet the needs of their diverse student bodies, but that doesn’t mean that your classroom has to follow the status quo.

Having a poster or two with someone non-white on the classroom wall isn’t enough. Diversity simply means recognizing the positive differences in the world around you.

Given all the tragic events that are happening in our country, learning how to empower black males is more important than ever.

Being an educator comes with massive responsiblity.

Creating an inviting classroom environment (whether face to face or virtual) is an opportunity to empower ALL students, especially black males.

The Best Ever Pumpkin Eggnog

September 26, 2020 By Diedre Leave a Comment

Have you ever tried pumpkin eggnog?

I’m a pumpkin spice everything kind of girl and I’m not ashamed.

My birthday is September 27th, and I live for all things fall. I was more into sweet potato than pumpkin until my adult years.

And then I wondered why it took me so long.

One of the best things about the holidays is enjoying your favorite food and drinks. Add pumpkin eggnog to your list of favorites to enjoy!

One of my favorite drinks that I enjoy during the holidays is eggnog. Couple that with pumpkin and I am in heaven!!

This pumpkin eggnog recipe is perfect as a stand-alone drink, or as a creamer for your coffee.

Take the flavor up a notch by purchasing as many items as you can from your local farmers (check out your local farmer’s market).

One of the best things about the holidays is enjoying your favorite food and drinks. Add pumpkin eggnog to your list of favorites to enjoy

In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks and sugar together until fluffy and it turns a pale yellow color.

One of the best things about the holidays is enjoying your favorite food and drinks. Add pumpkin eggnog to your list of favorites to enjoy!

Mix the pumpkin into the egg yolk and set aside.

One of the best things about the holidays is enjoying your favorite food and drinks. Add pumpkin eggnog to your list of favorites to enjoy!

Bring the milk, heavy cream, nutmeg, and pumpkin pie spice to a simmer over medium heat, whisking the entire time to prevent burning.

One of the best things about the holidays is enjoying your favorite food and drinks. Add pumpkin eggnog to your list of favorites to enjoy!

Once the milk mixture has simmered for a few minutes, remove it from the heat.

One of the best things about the holidays is enjoying your favorite food and drinks. Add pumpkin eggnog to your list of favorites to enjoy!

Ladle a bit of the milk mixture into the egg yolks until there is only a little bit of milk left.

One of the best things about the holidays is enjoying your favorite food and drinks. Add pumpkin eggnog to your list of favorites to enjoy!

Pour the egg yolk mixture into the pan and whisk to combine.

One of the best things about the holidays is enjoying your favorite food and drinks. Add pumpkin eggnog to your list of favorites to enjoy!

Place the pan back on the stove over low medium heat.

 

Whisk the entire time as you bring it back up to a low simmer or until it reaches 158 degrees Fahrenheit.

One of the best things about the holidays is enjoying your favorite food and drinks. Add pumpkin eggnog to your list of favorites to enjoy!

Remove it from the heat and continue whisking until it has cooled significantly.

One of the best things about the holidays is enjoying your favorite food and drinks. Add pumpkin eggnog to your list of favorites to enjoy!

Pour the eggnog into a pitcher and cover with plastic wrap.

One of the best things about the holidays is enjoying your favorite food and drinks. Add pumpkin eggnog to your list of favorites to enjoy!

Refrigerate until cooled completely and serve with a bit of whipped topping and a dash of cinnamon.

One of the best things about the holidays is enjoying your favorite food and drinks. Add pumpkin eggnog to your list of favorites to enjoy!

 

Pumpkin eggnog makes the perfect drink for a holiday party, a quiet evening at home, or as a creamer for your coffee!

Print the recipe below!!

 

–       

Print
Yum
The Best Ever Pumpkin Eggnog

Ingredients

  • 3 ½ cups of milk
  • 1 cup of heavy cream
  • 1 cup of sugar
  • 9 egg yolk
  • 1 cup of pumpkin puree
  • 1 ½ teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice
  • ½ teaspoon of nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

Instructions

    Schema/Recipe SEO Data Markup by Yummly Rich Recipes
    0.1

    https://arethoseyourkids.com/pumpkin-eggnog/

    Instructions:

    1. In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks and sugar together until fluffy and it turns a pale yellow color. Mix the pumpkin into the egg yolk and set aside.
    2. Bring the milk, heavy cream, nutmeg, and pumpkin pie spice to a simmer over medium heat, whisking the entire time to prevent burning.
    3. Once the milk mixture has simmered for a few minutes, remove it from the heat.
    4. Ladle a bit of the milk mixture into the egg yolks until there is only a little bit of milk left.
    5. Pour the egg yolk mixture into the pan and whisk to combine.
    6. Place the pan back on the stove over low medium heat.
    7. Whisk the entire time as you bring it back up to a low simmer or until it reaches 158 degrees Fahrenheit.
    8. Remove it from the heat and continue whisking until it has cooled significantly.
    9. Pour the eggnog into a pitcher and cover with plastic wrap.
    10. Refrigerate until cooled completely and serve with a bit of whipped topping and a dash of cinnamon.

    Why You Should Take (Too Many) Pictures Of Your Kids

    September 17, 2020 By Diedre Leave a Comment

     

    My family should be use to it by now, but sometimes when I get out my phone or camera, my kids groan a little bit. It may be worse as they grow older.

    Taking pictures of your kids helps to preserve precious memories that may fade as you and your children age.

    Yes, sometimes it’s OK to just be in the moment without photographs to document your every memory.

    However, I am a huge advocate of taking pictures of your kids as often as possible. It may sound cliche, but it does go so fast! Here are some reasons why you should take pictures of your kids as often as possible:

    Taking pictures of your kids helps to preserve precious memories that may fade as you and your children age.

     

    Help Your Kids Remember

    One reason to take pictures of your kids is to help them recall memories from their youth. Of course, your toddlers aren’t going to recall every trip or moment with grandparents.

    They won’t recollect the early moments with a new dog or the birthday parties.

    Taking pictures of your kids helps to preserve precious memories that may fade as you and your children age.

     

    However, if you snap photos, you’ll be able to dig them out (digitally or physically) when you are looking back on the moments of their younger years. Some of my older daughter’s favorite pictures are from moments she couldn’t possibly remember.

    We moved to the farm in December, but my son was only 1, so he’ll never remember what life was like before the farm. These are moments I want to treasure.

    Help You Remember

    I am still young (I think 36 is still young?!), but  I am told that soon enough, there will be moments I won’t remember. Taking (too many) pictures of my kids will not only help me share those past moments with them; it will also help me remember those times that were so special to us.

    Why You Should Take (Too Many) Pictures Of Your Kids

    Even seemingly mundane moments like making pancakes in the morning or doing my girls’ hair are moments worth capturing. When they are grown with children of their own, I want to remember these moments!

    Tell Your Story

    Some people are private about sharing photos of their children online. I completely respect that, but I love sharing my family’s story. As a multiracial family with biracial children, I love telling our story to inspire other families. In my Multiracial Motherhood Facebook group, more than 3500 moms share their own stories. Showing the images of my children on our blog and in the group helps me share their unique stories to inspire others.

    Taking pictures of your kids helps to preserve precious memories that may fade as you and your children age.

    Don’t forget to turn the camera around and snap some selfies with your kids or have your significant other take some photos of you, too! Your whole family’s story is important, and you’ll want some images of you as mom. 

    Taking pictures of your kids helps to preserve precious memories that may fade as you and your children age.

     

    Celebrate Those Big Moment

    It may seem crazy to think about graduations, weddings, or milestone adult birthdays now, but when you take pictures of your kids throughout their childhood, those photos can be used at future gatherings. Think about the momentous occasions you’ve been to for friends and family.

    High school and college graduations are perfect places to showcase images from your kids’ early years. Organize your photos digitally with Google Photos or a Dropbox, or print out some to keep in a special box or file system. You’ll be thankful when those special parties happen!

    Take (too many) pictures of your kids this year. As silly as it sounds, they’re only young once.

    Farm life has been a wonderful addition to our family life. Being married to a farmer is unique, in that his job is not a 9-5 position.

    Even though you are snapping photos to keep record and share your story, they’re also incredibly cute! If that’s not reason enough to take pictures of your kids every day, I don’t know what is! 

    How to be an Ally in #Blacklivesmatter Today and Everyday

    June 8, 2020 By Diedre 5 Comments

    This post contains affiliate links. This means that I may receive a small commission (at no cost to you) if you subscribe or purchase something through the links on this page.

    I’ve seen so many friends, influencers, and acquaintances posting online lately. They want to know how to be an ally in #blacklives matter.

    On one hand, it’s been so refreshing to see people of every race and nationality joining together for a common cause.

    Black people need the voices of other people so that change can come–and come swiftly.

    Black Lives Matter has motivated people to be a part of a movement driven to make systematic change. Here are a few easy tips on how to be an ally of #BLM.

    I’ve responded to numerous DM’s asking what the next steps are. White friends are afraid to speak out for fear of saying the wrong thing or receiving harsh criticism and backlash.

    I got you. Here are a few easy ways that you can be an ally:

    Don’t be offended by directness

    Did you know that how we communicate is learned behavior that can be shaped by our culture and experiences??

    I didn’t until I had people point out how direct I am and how they had to get use to my approach.

    I am 37 years old and I wasn’t always vocal. I love peace and living a drama-free life, so I only brought up when I was upset when it went too far. It was unhealthy. I allowed others feelings to be more important than my own, and that often left me feeling resentful or I would boil over during a small disagreement because I spent so much time holding back. In my 30’s, I decided that I was no longer going to hold back. I was going to speak my truth (in kindness) but let people knew where I stood early on.

    It was a little scary at first, but the more I did it, the more empowered I felt. Then I could really see people’s hearts. If you tell someone how you feel about something and you can have a meaningful exchange and they work on reconciling the relationship, they are worth keeping in your circle.

    If they could give two you know what’s, then it’s time to let ’em go.

    When your black friends are telling you point blank period how they feel, believe them. Let them have a moment of clarity and let them be transparent with you. It doesn’t have to be a scary thing. Just listen.

    Stop taking criticism over system issues personally

    Want to know how to be an ally?

    STOP TAKING EVERY SYSTEMATIC ISSUE PERSONALLY

    Over the past week or so, I’ve had to take a few breaks from social media for my own mental health.

    I would see white people posting about how all cops aren’t bad because they have cops in their families. Why can’t we just say that what happened to the likes of George Floyd and so many other black men were just wrong?? Why can’t we admit that we need systematic change?

    It takes the voices and actions of many to change systematic injustices that have tainted society.

    Stop talking, explaining, rationalizing & just listen

    Perhaps the best way to be an ally is to just listen.

    Don’t say:

    “Well, maybe there’s more to the story that we don’t know.”

    “He/she was in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

    “He/she had a criminal background in the past.”

    “We only saw part of the video.”

    “Are you sure it was about race? It could’ve been something else.”

    We don’t want our experiences invalidated or explained away. Please just listen.

    Black Lives Matter has motivated people to be a part of a movement driven to make systematic change. Here are a few easy tips on how to be an ally of #BLM.

    Stop asking us how we feel

    I know you have good intentions by asking, but honestly, we don’t know how we feel. Emotions are high. One minute we’re crying. The next minute we’re talking to our children and hugging them tighter. We’re in shock. We are emotionally spent.

    We are grieving. Black people are not okay.

    Stop making conversations awkward

    If you’re my friend, we talk about life. Work, home, current events, our favorite t.v. shows.

    Our world is in such a weird state right now. It almost feels like we’re in the twilight zone. Don’t suddenly make conversations weird with long awkward silences. It’s okay for you to share your feelings. It’s okay to ask questions. It’s okay to participate in protests if you feel led to.

    Don’t be an ally, be a good human being

    How can you be an ally? Show up!

    Care. Be a good human being. Don’t make excuses about injustices, but look for ways to make small changes where you are.

    Hear a racist joke at work? Call them out.

    Notice that there are no people of color (of any other ethnicity) in your space? Do something about it!

    Surround yourself with diversity at church, extracurricular activities for your kids, in the books you choose and the places you go.

    Build authentic relationships with people who are different from you, and being an ally won’t seem like such a challenge. 

    Black Lives Matter has motivated people to be a part of a movement driven to make systematic change. Here are a few easy tips on how to be an ally of #BLM.

    You’ll begin to care about the issues of people who are close to you.

    Part of our indifference to change has been that people can easily turn a blind eye to issues that don’t affect them. But there is a huge problem when people are hurting all around and no one takes notice.

    Keep advocating for change

    In order for systematic change to come, we can’t be angry today and business as usual tomorrow. Sharing a few of your favorite black-owned shops and IG profiles isn’t enough. You have to keep widening your circle of influence and making room for others at the table. Check out  a few of these statistics from White Fragility:

    Teachers: 82% White

    Full-time college professors: 84% white

    Owners of professional football teams: 97% white

    Ten richest Americans: 100% white

    US Congress: 90% White

    People who directed the top 100 grossing films: 95% white

    US Congress: 90% White
    People who decide which TV shows we see: 93% white

    People who decide which news is covered: 85% white

    Now tell me we don’t need systematic change.

     

    Living While Black: The Day to Day Plight of Black Women

    May 17, 2020 By Diedre 3 Comments

    Being a black woman in today’s day and age is hard.

    Living as a black woman in America is hard. We are often treated differently, yet are expected to adhere to a set of invisible standards.

    The death of Ahmaud Abrey Breonna Taylor has brought to light many issues in our country that have yet to be resolved.

    In both cases, innocent black Americans were minding their own business and were murdered. Their families were left grieving without resolution and without justice for the murders.

    Ahmaud Arbery was a 25-year-old black male running in his own neighborhood when he was cornered and gunned down because he was thought to be a suspect of break-ins in the neighborhood. At the time of his jog, he was just running. He was not committing a crime.

    Breonna Taylor was a 26-year-old EMT who was shot in her home asleep by unmarked officers who entered the wrong home.

    These stories need to be told so that we can take action and begin to receive justice.

    As much as we like to use phrases like we all bleed the same, for black people, these words carry far heavier weight.

    Hearing about the murders of innocent black men and black women is scary.

    It causes us to have deep conversations with our children and in our communities–conversations that we shouldn’t have to have.

    My children are biracial and light-skinned, but these conversations are still important for me to have with them.

    Living as a black woman in America is hard. We are often treated differently, yet are expected to adhere to a set of invisible standards.

    They are young, so they may not always understand the importance of these conversations, but they have to be had nonetheless.

    The conversations start with my (white) husband and me, and then we talk about how to navigate life as a multiracial family during these times.

    It’s not easy y’all.

    As black women, we’re often treated differently. yet are expected to adhere to a set of invisible standards.

    If I wear my hair in a certain way, people will judge me. They will make assumptions about my intelligence.

    When I’m out alone with my kids, people often assume I’m a single mom until they catch a glimpse of my wedding band.

    When I’m seeking medical attention, staff assume I am on public assistance (this has happened on more than 1 occasion. I even switched pediatricians because of it)

    My pediatrician at the time even spoke to my daughter (who was 1) and told her to tell me to stop spending all of her college funds on her clothes.

    I am treated differently when I wear my (large) natural hair vs. long straight hair.

    Women assume that I find all white men attractive (sorry sista, just mine).

    Being a black woman in complicated. Want to know more about what you can do? Check out this YouTube video I did with Brittany from The Almost Indian Wife.

     

     

     

    4 Toxic Friendships I’m Saying Goodbye to in 2020

    May 13, 2020 By Diedre 2 Comments

    Toxic friendships are tricky.

    They sneak up on you after you’ve poured yourself out past your capacity.

    You make excuses for people because they are friends, and you often give them too many chances.

    If you have a big heart like mine, even when people try to warn you, you find yourself giving too much of yourself because you are a glass-half-full kind of person.

    Toxic friendships often leave you feeling rejected, frustrated, resentful and lonely. Here are a few behaviors to avoid when looking for a friend.

    Listen, I’ve been there. I’ve had to say goodbye to friendships I thought would last a lifetime.

    No matter how necessary it is, it’s never easy.

    Now that I’m 36 and a mom of 3, I’ve decided not to hold back and make excuses for people anymore.

    Toxic friendships often leave you feeling rejected, frustrated, resentful and lonely. Here are a few behaviors to avoid when looking for a friend.

     

    If I’m going to invest time in someone, it darn well be with someone who is ready to do the same for me—especially if spending time with them means time away from my family.

    Here are a few  toxic friendships I’m saying goodbye to:

    Messy

    I’ve done pretty well at staying away from messy folk. I try to keep the mess meter non-existent (except for my Real Housewife reality obsession), but every now and then, I meet a new person who seems to be nice, but then reveals their messy roots.

    I ain’t got time for it.

    Yeah, you heard me I AIN’T GOT TIME FOR IT.

    The friend who listens to you vent then goes to the person you were venting about.

    Or the friend who takes bits and pieces of what you say and spreads it to whoever, whenever.
    You may have wanted to see the good in her, even when everyone else warned you that she was messy. But if she keeps making enemies because of her messy ways,

    Ditch her.

    Which leads me to the next friend to ditch…..

    Unreliable

    The friend who always makes excuses for never returning phone calls, but you see her having fun with her other friends on social media.

    She’s also the friend who gets uncomfortable talking about hard things or can’t seem to understand why you’re upset when she let you down for the millionth time.

    Selfish

    This kind of toxic friendship leaves you feeling empty very quickly. She only wants to talk about herself and what she’s going on. The minute you need something from her, she’s a ghost.

    If you try to tell her how you feel, she may turn things around on you, making you second guess your own feelings.

    Having a selfish friend is the epitome of a toxic friendship they only express love and kindness when they need something from you.

    When you tell them how you feel, they come up with a million reasons why this isn’t possible. They never take accountability for how their actions are affecting you.

    Emotionally unavailable

    Being empathetic doesn’t mean your friend has to experience everything you have. It means that they listen to you—really listen.

    Being emotionally unavailable is a form of selfishness. These kinds of toxic friendships are draining because you are always listening but never listened to. When you share intimate details of your life, you are left with generic comments like Oh, no! or That sounds bad. Or just a blanket, I’m glad that’s not me.

    Dealing with someone who is emotionally unavailable can leave us feeling resentful, lonely, or rejected.

    Sometimes the fear or being hurt, or growing up experiencing some kind of trauma can cause a friend to be emotionally unavailable. If they aren’t actively working on healing their own past hurts, then you can’t expect them to show up for you in your time of need.

    Listen, people can change, but not everyone wants to, or is willing to.

    If you find yourself in toxic friendships, there are a few things you can do:

    Open the door for conversation

    Have some honest conversations about your feelings. Instead of pointing fingers, tell your friend how you feel when they do or say certain things. Listen to their point of view. Is there a valid reason for their behavior? Have they experienced a recent hurt or trauma that has affected the way they treat you?

    Leave some room for growth

    After you have a conversation with your friend and they seem receptive, give some time for a change. Are they genuinely trying to make amends?

    Reevaluate your friendship

    Sometimes healthy conversations about feelings don’t end the way we anticipate. Sometimes people are unwilling to change, and we have to be ready to deal with that too.

    Reevaluate your friendship and decide whether or not you want to put any more effort into a relationship that is no longer serving you well.

     

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    Hi, I’m Diedre!

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    Lifestyle + Mom Blogger

    Welcome to Are Those Your Kids! This blog was created to share my experiences in motherhood, from the perspective of a mom with biracial kids. I discuss all things education, culture, multicultural resources, curly hair and motherhood.

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    Back in December, Justin & I took a baecation. It Back in December, Justin & I took a baecation.

It had been a few years since we'd had a vacation without kids.

We had no idea how desperately we needed the trip to reconnect.

Having the opportunity to talk to each other uninterrupted was so magical. It felt like we were dating again.

Sometimes life gets crazy (and the past year has been rough) & you need to have these moments to reflect on.

So today, on my hubby's birthday, I celebrate him.

The father he is to our children, the husband & friend he is to me.

Here’s to my hubby who doesn't really like social media but occasionally can be bribed to participate in my reels🤣
    Healthy sleep habits. Ayana & I share several ways Healthy sleep habits. Ayana & I share several ways to get a good night's rest.
    I’m guilty of telling my kids to use their words I’m guilty of telling my kids to use their words, but then I don’t provide them with the words to use. It’s important to not only give your children the skill set to deal with their problems, but make sure they understand how to use it.

These conversations start when they are toddlers. When they are toddlers, talk them through scenarios. As they acquire language skills, they will begin to mimic the words that you provided to them.
When my daughters have a disagreement, I resist the urge to get frustrated and send them to their rooms. We talk through the issue and I often encourage them to talk it out.
We discuss what upset them, and I encourage them to talk to each other and let each other know how they felt. I model these conversations with them until they can do them on their own.

When I hear yelling, I remind them to use respect when speaking to each other. It’s definitely a work in progress, but the more you start teaching them effective communication  at an early age, the more empowered they will feel about advocating for their own feelings in a variety of environments.

Teaching kids social skills comes naturally in my 9-5, but it gets a bit challenging to transfer the skills at home, but I'm determined tp raise effective communicators in all my children.

Who taught you to communicate?? How do you teach your kids how to communicate?
    Sometimes when we argue, I hear things about mysel Sometimes when we argue, I hear things about myself that I don't like.

And sometimes it's true, even though I don't like it.

It doesn't feel good at the time, but it makes me a better person.

No one likes being wrong or the person that hurts others, but sometimes we're so connected to our feelings that we disconnect from every one else's.

The thing about marriage is that persevering is not just about survival, but about growing through your mess.

And teaching your kids that conflicts will come, but talking through them helps you grow.

I'm thankful my husband loves me through my stubbornness & pushes me to be a better version of myself--even when I'm not in the mood to grow🤣

Who is the peacemaker in your marriage? You or your spouse?

##interracialmarriage

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    I have a bad habit of starting a new book before i I have a bad habit of starting a new book before i finish the last.

But this book has been on my Amazon list since last year, so I decided to grab it.

As an educator, I'm always looking for more personal development.

Last year I attended a conference & in one of the sessions, i was overwhelmed by data about how black girls are treated. Black girls are 20% of female preschool enrollment, but 54% of girls receives one or more out of school suspensions.

"In a society so shaped by race & gender, we all live with implicit biases that inform our ideas, stereotypes & norms of black feminimity."

I can't wait to dig deeper into this book!
    Know what i love about spring break?? Getting to Know what i love about spring break??

Getting to watch my kids play.

Use their imagination unapologetically.

And I'm more relaxed.

There's no rushing to end play because of homework or errands or work.

So cheers to spring break!
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