Diedre

The Best Leave In Conditioners for Curly Haired Kids

March 9, 2019 By Diedre 1 Comment

I have 3 curly haired kids and using leave in conditioners is a part of our everyday routine.

Why should you use leave in conditioners?

Because curly hair needs moisture. The right leave in conditioners have a combination of oils and other natural ingredients that keep the hair shaft healthy and moisturized.

They are also great for detangling! They are best applied to wet hair after it has been washed & conditioned, but can be applied to damp or dry hair.

Some leave in conditioners are light weight, while some are in cream form and heavier. Knowing your curl pattern will help determine the kind you need.

4C hair (kinky, coily curls) typically loves the heavier creams, and wavy curls prefer light weight conditioners and are often weighed down by the heavier creams.

Babies can use leave in conditioner too! Since caring for baby curls is a much simplier process, using a leave in conditioner keep your baby’s hair moisturized while they sleep and play.

What’s the difference between deep conditioners & leave in conditioners?

Deep conditioners add moisture back into dry hair, reduce frizz and are washed out. Deep conditioners can sit on the hair up to 30 minutes and applied with heat for a deeper strenghtening treatment.

Leave in conditioners help to detangle hair.

Keep in mind that the first 5 ingredients are the ones that pack the biggest punch. Try to steer clear of conditioners that include harmful ingredients like sulfates, parabens and ingredients that you can’t pronounce.

Here are some great leave in conditioners that are perfect for curly kids:

Many Ethnicities

Many EthnicitiesÂ makes a wonderful cream based leave in conditioner. It works wonders on my daughter with 3c hair, and my husband won’t braid her hair without it.

The Mane Choice

The Mane Choice is personally one of my favorites. In my house, it works for my daughters with 2c & 3c hair. Their leave in also works for me. I love that they make leave in creams and sprays, so you can find a variety of leave in conditioners that fit your specific hair needs.

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Taliah Waajid

Taliah Waajid Children Tangles Out Today Leave-in Conditioner & Detangler, 8 Ounce is good for all hair types. It’s lightweight, but leaves a nice sheen on the hair and is easy to apply on either wet or dry hair.

Honey Baby Naturals

The wonderful thing about this brand is that it was created by a mom of three who wanted a prodcut that would work for her kids’ different hair types. Necessity is the mother of invention right?

Mielle Organics

Mielle Tinys & Tots Sacha Inchi Detangling Conditioner is a light weight leave in conditioner with great slip. It’s made with certified organic ingredients, so you don’t have to worry about toxic chemicals.

What are some of your favorite leave in conditioners for curly haired kids??? If this post was helpful to you, I’d love if you could give it a share!

Are you a total loss when it comes to finding the best products for your curly haired kids? Purchase myÂ e-book, <—-(click here to purchase)

TheÂ Frustration-Free Guide to Curly Hair willÂ answer all your curly hair questions + you’ll receive a guide to products by curl type!Â

4 Simple Tips to Successfully Breastfeed a Teething Baby

March 4, 2019 By Diedre Leave a Comment

This post is sponsored by Dents de bebe, but all opinions are my own.

After I had my first daughter, people often looked at me with disgust with they found out I continued to breastfeed a teething baby.

She was only 6 months old, and I wasn’t ready to give up breastfeeding, but I had to adjust some things to help her through the teething process without getting bit.

Now that I’m breastfeeding baby #3, I’ve had to adjust greatly. My son (unfortunatly) is a chronic biter!

He’s 11 months old, and I want to at least make it to a year of breastfeeding successfully, but teething is rough this time around!

Here are a few tips to help you continue to breastfeed a teething baby:

Wear a teething necklace

My son loves to use his teeth on EVERYTHING.

He’s bitten a hole in my p.j shirt, chews on books, and the worst thing—bitten me while nursing.

Most of the bites have happened as he was falling asleep and was grinding his teeth. I try to pull away before he completely falls asleep, and sometimes have to squeeze his face if he’s already chomped down on me.

Since he likes to try out his new chompers on any and everything, to help myself, I wear a Dents de Bebe teething necklace.

Dents de bebe necklaces are not only fashionable, but the silicone beads are 100% food grade, FDA-approved, BPA-free, Phthalate-free, Lead-free, Cadmium-free, Nitrosamine-free, and Latex-free.

Hygenic and hypoallergenic, items made of all silicone parts are easy to clean and top-rack dishwasher-safe.

They also make perfect shower gifts! (Grab the code at the end of this post to get 20% off!)

Use Essential Oils

Copaiba has been my best friend. It can be used diluted in a roller bottle and rolled on the gums, or if you feel more comfortable with oils, you can put a small drop (neat) directly on your baby’s gums.

Teething is such a painful process for little ones, and many teething remedies have been recalled which makes finding a pain reliver difficult for parents.

I like using all natural remedies as much as possible. I love Young Living Oils. Their seed to seal guarantee ensures that their oils are pure and aren’t filled with synthetics or cheap fillers. If you are ready to dive in, I’d love to help you on your wellness journey! All you have to do is click here.

Invest In Your Own Wellness

When babies are teething, they are often irritable, sleep less and require more of your energy and attention. If you aren’t getting enough rest (when you can) and taking care of your body, the teething process can wear you out.

If you are struggling to get back on the wellness track during the postpartum period, don’t be afraid to ask your spouse or friend to keep the baby to give yourself a break.

Many mothers feel guilty about having “me time” after the baby. Without a little time away, regrouping can become difficult. Be kind to yourself as you are bouncing back.

If you are feeling down and can’t seem to shake it, or having feelings of harming yourself or the baby, please consult your physician.

Don’t Give Up If Your Baby Refuses to Nurse

Keep in mind that teething feels like a terrible toothache.

Would you want to eat or drink if you had a toothache? Because breastfeeding is as much of a bonding experience as it is for nourishment, it is common to feel defeated if your baby refuses to nurse. Remember to pump if your baby is refusing multiple feedings. This will ensure that you can keep up your supply.

Remember, if all else fails, fed is best. If you cannot keep up with the demand of your baby, or you simply cannot produce anymore, that doesn’t make you any less of a mom.

Do you want one of these beautiful teething necklaces for yourself or a friend? Head over to https://www.dentsdebebe.com/ and Use the code: YOURKIDS for 20% off.

4 Reasons Your Middle School Child Isn’t Talking to You

February 23, 2019 By Diedre 1 Comment

I’ve been a middle school counselor for the past 8 years and I absolutely love working with preteens and teenagers.

When people find out that I work in a middle school, they shake their head and tell me that they feel sorry for me and there’s now way they could deal with the drama and hormones.

What I personally love about middle schoolers is the evolution I see in their personalities when they enter as timid 6th graders, and leave as confident 8th graders.

While there is definitatly not shortage of he say/she say drama, social media wars & hormonal breakdowns, I love offering support to my students.

Middle school is such a tricky time, and they need support from adults, but often don’t know how to ask. Here are a few reasons you can’t get anything out of your middle school child:

They Think You Don’t Understand

Kids often forget that their parents were once kids too. Even though times have changed, there are some experiences that don’t change.

They Think You’re Too Busy

Most families are now 2 parent working households. Parents are working longer shifts, and often parents pass each other like ships in the night.

I can’t tell you how many times kids don’t bring things back signed because their parent that worked the night shift was exhausted and they didn’t want to bother them.

I always encourage my students to talk to their parents about things that are bothering them, but they afraid that they will get in trouble for interrupting their parents while they are working on other things.

They Think You Don’t Care

Teenagers can be dramatic. They can take small things and turn them into earth shattering moments. But those moments are important to them.

Once I told one of my students that I didn’t want to see her back in my office with any nonsense. The next time a teacher brought her to talk to me, she had major attitude. I asked her what was wrong, and she said that I told her not to come back. I told her what I meant was I didn’t want to have to talk to her about drama that she brought on herself. I didnt mean that she couldn’t come and talk to me. I was shocked because that student and I have a good rapport.

It’s easy to mistake maturity for adulthood. Just because your child is responsible, doesn’t mean that they don’t still need you.

They Don’t Have the Words

My five year old still has tantrums on ocassion. When I see her melting down, I remind her to use her words. When my girls start fussing with each other and whining to me, I remind them to speak clearly and use their words.

When kids get older, we stop coaching them on how to express their feelings.

The teen years is when they really need our help the most! They are navigating a host of new experiences, and often struggle with articulating their feelings. And they often feel ashamed about what they feel.

So how can I get my child to open up and talk to me?

It really isn’t as difficult as you think…trust me…I do this everyday.

Ask Your Middle School Child Specific Questions

Not just yes or no questions. And not just how was your day. Dig deeper. Ask your middle school child who they ate lunch with. Ask what the highlight of their day was. Ask who their favorite teachers are.

The more you ask, the more you know.

And the more your child knows you care.

Sure, they may act like they don’t want you up in their business, but I can promise you that they secretly like it.

Invite Their Friends Over

Are you curious about how you child acts in school? Take some time to meet the kids they spend the most time with. This will tell you alot about the things they are discussing and where their interests lie.

I was just in a conference last week with a mom who was unhappy with her daughter’s recent choice of friends. Mom thought that her friend group was the reason she kept getting into so much trouble. And mom was absolutely right.

Spend Time Together

While most teens do prefer the company of their friends over their families, it doesn’t mean that they don’t still value time together as a family.

I get it. In between soccer practice, work obligations & home chores, it can be difficult to squeeze in extra alone time with your (pre)teen. But your relationship depends on it.

Spending time together can be as simple as reading the same book together (having a family book club) or taking your middle school child out with you (alone if they have siblings) to get some icecream after running errands, or showing up to bring them lunch at school.

Need more tips on parenting middle schoolers & teens? Check out these posts:

Welcome to Middle School: What They Don’t Tell You At Open House

9 Amazingly Easy Ways to Help Your Teenager Gain Confidence

Communication Boost: How to Maximize Conversation With Your Child

Tips for Battling Back to School Emotions With Your High School Child

How to Raise Your Multiracial Child in a School That Isn’t Diverse

Black Owned Hair Care Brands Made Specifically for Curly Kids

February 23, 2019 By Diedre Leave a Comment

This post is sponsored by Many Ethnicities, but all opinions are my own.Â This post also contains affiliate links. This means that I may receive a small commission (at no cost to you) if you purchase something through the links on this page.

Black women spend an estimated 7.5 billion dollars on hair care products in the U.S. I can’t even begin to imagine how much women in general spend on products–especially curly hair products.

As a curly haired woman with 3 curly haired children, it has been exciting to see that several black owned product lines exist specifically for curly kids.

The Mane Choice

The Mane Choice is one of my favorite product lines. I met the founder, Courtney at the Natural Hair Show in 2015. She is just as beautiful, knowledgeable & kind in person as she is online.

I love their products because despite the 3 curl types in my home, The Mane Choice works for each of my curly kids. It leaves my kids curls moisturized, shiny & soft to touch. My girls even ask for the Mane Choice by name. It doesn’t get better than that!

Shea Moisture

Shea Moisture has such a vast product line that is curated to solve a variety of curly hair problems.

Their curling gel souffle is a favorite of mine, but the kids line doesn’t work as well for my children.

Â Miss Jessie’s

Around since 2004, this brand was formed by two sisters, Miko & Titi Branch. The name from the brand came from their grandmother.Â

Miss Jessie’s is a more expensive brand, but I absolutely love their Multicultural Clear gel. It is light weight and provides the perfect amount of hold and curl definition for my curly kids.

Curls

Mahisha Dellinger launched her brand, Curls, in 2002. Frustrated with the lack of brands for natural curly hair, she singlehandedly built her empire.

This brand has a product line for curly kids & babies.

Eden Body Works

I was first introduced to this brand at a natural hair show.Â The facinating thing about Eden Body Works is that is was created by Jasmine Lawrence when she was only 13 years old.Â

Many Ethnicities

As a mom of multiracial children, I love that this brand was created by Dr. Ena Hennegan, a mother, a board-certified, practicing family physician in suburban Chicago.Â As a multiracial woman herself, she knew the needs of other multiracial, curly haired individuals.

She has 3 daughters with 3 different textures of hair, so her line of children’s products aims at solving the unique challenges that come with having multi ethnic hair.

The best part about these products is that my husband loves them! He doesn’t complain about braiding the girls hair at night when he’s using the Many Ethnicities Kids Leave In Conditioner.

Do want to try Many Ethnicities? Then use code “Take20” to receive 20% off your order at manyethnicities.com

Are you a total loss when it comes to styling your childâ€™s naturally curly hair?

Purchase myÂ e-book, TheÂ Frustration-Free Guide to Curly Hair to answer all your curly hair questions + get a guide to products by curl type!Â

4 Simple Tricks for Managing & Styling Wavy Curly Hair

January 11, 2019 By Diedre 2 Comments

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

I have 3 children with curly hair, and my youngest daughter has wavy, curly hair.

Learning to manage and style her hair has been a challenge because while it is not completely straight, yet not completely curly either.

I have 4c hair. It is kinky, coarse & requires a lot of moisture, while hers is between 2B/2C.

Her hair is a mixture of waves and curls.

Her hair is fine, wavy and gets weighed down easily by products that my hair craves. Learning what to use in her hair has been a bit of trial and error. Here’s what I’ve learned about wavy, curly hair:

It’s Okay To Use Shampoo On Wavy Curly Hair

There are a lot of women who subscribe to the curly girl method–a method that discourages shampoo.

Wavy curly hair often looks limp and weighed down when saturated with products, so for that reason, I don’t like the curly girl method.

Using shampoo cleanses the scalp and hair of product build up, giving you a clean slate for moisturizing and styling.

I typically only shampoo 1-2 times a week.

Most curly girls only use shampoo once a week, but when your child spends a majority of their time outside, or they go to school on a regular basis, I like to shampoo more than once a week.

Avoid Products With Toxic Chemicals & Opt For Products With Natural Ingredients

Sulfates are what give shampoo bubbles & suds and parabens have been linked to cancer. Typically if you are reading a product label and cannot pronounce most of the ingredients, they are not good for your hair. Companies add these products as preservatives, but can be harmful for your skin and hair.

Products with added fragrance are full of hidden chemicals. Plant derived ingredients can help with hair moisture and growth without the use of toxic chemicals.

Detanglers & Leave In Conditioners Are A Necessity

Curly wavy hair needs moisture. A lack of moisture often causes frizziness. I love spray leave in conditioners because it is easier to control the amount that is coming out of the bottle and it adds a nice shine without being too thick.

Using thick butters and leave in conditioner creams weigh the hair down and make it look lifeless.

Some of my favorite leave in conditioners come from the Taliah Waajid kids & Taliah Waajid kids lines & Kinky Curly Knot Today.

Using Gel Minimizes Frizz & Defines Curls

On days that we skip gel, my daughter looks like she has bedhead. Gel keeps her beautiful wavy curly hair defined and polished.

The trick to knowing how to manage and style curly hair is to identify the curl type. Once you have an understanding of what your specific curl type needs, you will be on the road to beautiful, healthy curls!

Are you a total loss when it comes to styling your child’s naturally curly hair? Purchase my e-book, The Frustration-Free Guide to Curly Hair to answer all your curly hair questions + get a guide to products by curl type!

5 Easy Hairstyles for Girls With Naturally Curly Hair

January 6, 2019 By Diedre Leave a Comment

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

With two of my three kids in school, finding easy hairstyles that get us out the door quickly is a must!!

My oldest two are girls, and are often very opinionated about their hair. They both have different textures of curls, and I’m working on teaching them how to love and care for their curls.

I keep a basket of products in their closet, and they often ask me what product I’m using and why. I use this as a teachable moment, so that one day, they will know how to style their hair without my assistance.

When they were babies, I was a little lost when it came to products. I have curly hair too, but the texture of my hair is much thicker than theirs. It took lots of time (and money) to figure out what works for them.

After I learned what worked for them, I had to teach my husband—this works out great because now if I’m running behind in the morning, he is the one styling their hair!

Here are a few of our quick and easy hairstyles:

The Relaxed Bun:

Basically this style is a lazy version of a tight bun. After making a ponytail, I pull the hair almost all the way out of the band and leave a little hair at the bottom.

You can dress up this hairstyle with a bow or a headband. It’s also known as a topknot.

Do your girls like watching Sunny Day on Nick Jr? Thanks to her, my girls have started requesting different hairstyles.

Two Space Buns

This is probably one of my favorite styles. For moms who are not good at braiding or parting, this style is very forgiving.

It only requires 1 part down the center of the head, then making two ponytails. The two ponytails are then wrapped around each other and pinned down into buns.

And voila! Two space buns! It’s an easy relaxed style, or you can dress them up with a scarf or headband.

Side Pony

I know what you’re thinking….

The side pony is such an 80’s style! But trust me, the side pony has made a comeback! My daughters love to dress up their ponytails with cat ears or turbans.

You can give the side pony some versatility by making it high or low. Either way, it’s such a cute and easy style!

Half Up, Half Down

If your daughters are like mine, they like to wear their hair down a lot. The problem with keeping curly hair loose is that it leaves the ends open to breakage.

Typically a style like this one is for special occasions like church or birthday parties. This is not an everyday style.

Braided Pony

Hairstyles like the braided pony are great protective styles.

A protective style tucks most of your hair away from daily manipulation.

Depending on the curl type, this style may last a few days without having to refresh it.

In order to achieve a sleek look without frizz at the end of the day, I recommend finding a gel to slick the edges down.

If you don’t have curly hair yourself, learning how to style curls can be a bit of a challenge. These 5 styles are simple and don’t require a lot of prior knowledge to accomplish.

If you are totally clueless about curly hair and need some help, then the Frustration Free Guide to Curly Hair is for you!

In it, you’ll get a FREE guide to the best products by curl type. It even breaks down the need of each curl type to make styling easier.

It’s only $8 and full of information that will change how you view your curls.

Click here to purchase.