multiracial

5 Celebrity Multiracial Moms to Follow on Instagram

May 31, 2017 By Diedre 4 Comments

A few posts ago, I shared with you all how much I love Instagram. The great thing about it is you get to connect with your friends, other moms & even a celebrity or two!

Even though I can’t say that any of these ladies are my actual friends, it is inspiring to see how they lead their lives (and their families) in such a positive way. They are all multiracial and are killing the mom game.

Here are just a handful of my favorite celebrity multiracial Instagram moms:

Ayesha Curry

This gorgeous celebrity mama is a class act. She loves her husband, family, she cooks, is an entrepreneur & author.

She is also unapologetic about her faith and devotion to her family.

Tamera Housley

I’ve been following Tamera & her sister since I was a tween and they were in their Sister, Sister glory days. Tamera is the quieter, more laid back version of the twin duo.

I love her style, and the love for her husband and children shine through. Oh, and in one of her most recent pictures, she had a picture of her and Ayesha Curry!

Shh…don’t tell…. I had a little fangirl moment.

Tia Mowry

Tia is the other half of the well known Mowry twins. I love that she experiments with her hair and fashion.

When she and her sister had their own reality show, I couldn’t get enough.

I love how she is reinventing herself–I was a fan as a child, but I loved seeing her when she was an actor on The Game, and now has her own cooking show.

She has faced criticism from internet trolls making comments about her child’s appearance, and in true mom fashion, she faced the haters.

Alicia Keys

This talented songbird is a success in her own right. She is a Grammy award winning artist, and currently, you can find her lending her expertise on The Voice.

She is biracial and has talked about how she infuses her Jamaican background into her music.

As a product of a Jamaican family, I love that! She has two beautiful children with beautiful curls!

Kenya Raymer AKA Halfie Truths

This lady is an Instagram celebrity. I love her unapologetic approach to motherhood and life.

She has suffered 2 miscarriages and is carrying a healthy baby. Having a miscarriage recently myself, I’ve really connected with her.

She is a world traveler, dancer, fashionista & real lady. I just love watching her journey. I think you will too.

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10 Multiracial Motherhood Moms to Follow on Instagram

May 24, 2017 By Diedre 9 Comments

Do you love Instagram as much as I do??

I’ve had the distinct pleasure of connecting with some pretty amazing women there. As a mom in a multiracial family, it’s so encouraging to see other moms with their beautifully blended families living life to its fullest.

This Instagram list honestly could be a mile long, but I condensed it to 10 for today.

Are Those Your Kids (Me!)

What I love about Instagram is the ability to tell a story through pictures. On my Instagram page, you’ll find pictures of my family on the farm, our curly hair product wins, and so much more!

I’ve also recently started using the Instastory feature, so you can tune in and see what my family is up to!

De Su Mama

Before I began my blogging journey, Vanessa was one of the first multiracial mom blogs that I stumbled across. I love how her Instagram page leads you down her path of multiracial and multicultural motherhood.

Almost Indian Wife

Brittany shows us how to successfully blend cultures and cultivate a happy family. Her instastories show what being a boy mom is really like!

Her posts are full of Indian foods that she whips up for her family, life with her 3 boys & her love of coffee! I always look forward to seeing what Indian recipe she is going to whip up next.

Erica Nicole

This mama makes having 2 kids under 2 look like a breeze. Her posts are bright, funny & encouraging.

If she lived closer, we’d definitely hang out.

Life of a Minister Mom

Patricia is a California native, transplanted in the South. I’ve actually met her, and she’s just as sweet in person as she is online! Her love of family and community shine through every post.

She shares her personal motherhood struggles along with how she’s overcome them.

Megan Joy Today

Megan’s posts will inspire and encourage you. She is raising 5 beautiful multiracial children and seems to do so with grace and humility.

She shares homeschool tips as well as a love for essential oils. She truly does it all!

Sideline Socialite

If you are into sports, then following Brittany is a must! Based out of Houston, Texas, this mama shares her love of entertaining, fashion, sports & DIY.

Her husband is the photographer and trust me, when you stop by her page, you will get sucked in.

Vmarie401

This show stopping mama shows us that being a mother does not mean sacrificing style.

Every member of her family slays-every…single…day.

Ruthieridley

Ruthie is another show-stopping mama whose style shows that moms aren’t boring. Her love for her family is evident as she shares many pictures of her three beautiful children & supportive hubby.

Who would you add to the list????

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

May 21, 2017 By Diedre 3 Comments

Since beginning this blog, I’ve had the distinct pleasure of having serious conversations about race with other multiracial families.

In talking with other multiracial individuals, it seems as if there’s been a common thread. Many of their parents didn’t talk to them about race.

For some, their culture lended itself to diversity, so there was no need to talk about race-culture is what united them.

For others, their parents didn’t know how to talk about it–or simply didn’t want to. That is a personal choice, however at some point, your child will come face to face with race.

Why not have the conversation so they can be prepared?

If you are raising your child in a small town that lacks diversity, sending your child to school can bring on some fears about what they will face. Here are a few ways that you can raise well adjusted multiracial children in schools that are not diverse:

Define Your Child’s Ethnicity Yourself

When I was enrolling my child in PreK for the first time, there wasn’t a multiracial option for ethnicity. When I mentioned it to the Pre-K director, she looked at me like I had 2 heads and told me to just check all that apply.

I was shocked that despite the fact that multiracial Americans are one of the fastest growing group in America, there wasn’t a multiracial option. So I did just that, I checked black and white.

America is becoming a minority-majority population. Be sure to choose the ethnicity that you want your children to identify as. Don’t allow others to choose that for you.

Advocate For Diversity in the School

Are there diverse books in the library and your child’s classroom? Volunteer to read books that feature minority or mixed race (main) characters.

If the school is hosting a special event, recommend minority or mixed race guest speakers.

Advocate for a multicultural festival to bring a variety of cultures to the school. Some kids many never be exposed without this kind of experience.

Teach Your Child to Advocate for Themselves

The questions will come.

“What are you?”

“What are you mixed with?”

“That’s your mom? I didn’t know she was ______.”

Teach your kids how to answer these kinds of questions. Some of the questions don’t require a response. Some questions require a strong affirmative response that teaches people to back off.

Decide what’s appropriate for your child and discuss this at home BEFORE the uncomfortable questions come.

Be Present

No matter what kind of school your child attends, it’s important to be present and active in your child’s education.

Have regular conversations with your child’s teacher(s) about your concerns. Addressing concerns early in the year allows for a smooth year for your child and a proactive approach to solving problems.

This will also smash any stereotypes that teachers may have about multiracial families. Sad, but true.

Make Friends With Other Multiracial Families

It’s important for your kids to see other families like yours.

Even if your child is the only multiracial child in their class, it will be refreshing for them to spend time outside of school with other multiracial families.

Bring a Multicultural Festival to Your School: A Step by Step Guide

January 21, 2017 By Diedre 3 Comments

*I received these products free through a partnership with Oriental Trading Company. Even though the product I received was free, all opinions are solely mine.*

Planning a multicultural festival is a great way highlight the cultural diversity of your community through music, dance, art, storytelling and more. Want to plan one at your school? Read below to find out how!

Form a Multicultural Festival Committee

The committee should be comprised of teachers, school counselors, an administrator, and parents.

Assign Duties to Committee Members

Committees work best when people are assigned duties in their area of expertise. If there is an artist in the group, assign that person duties like making flyers and signs. The administrator can be responsible for making the call home alerting parents of the festival.

Involve Community Stakeholders

If your school is low on funds, then this is a must! You would be surprised at what community members are willing to donate. Many are willing to donate supplies, money, and even their time!

Draft a letter on school letterhead describing the event (location, purpose, time & date). Bring the letter to various community vendors & businesses at least two months in advance. Click here for a sample donation letter.

Before you visit the business with your letter, call in advance to find out the name of the manager and what days and times they will be available.

Calling ahead of time ensures that you will be able to talk to someone when you bring the letter.

Publicize, Publicize, Publicize

Publicizing your event is a great opportunity to get the students involved. If you have a Student Council at your school, have the Student Council advisor present this festival to them.

Get them involved in making flyers and announcing to the school. The president may be in charge of making the morning announcements. Draft an announcement that can be read daily.

If the school has a website or a social media page (like Facebook, Twitter, Remind 101) put out a social media blast about the festival. Flood your school and community with information.

Pick Countries & Assign One to Each Classroom

The world is a big place! Count the number of classrooms you have in your school, and pick the countries you will assign to each classroom. You may choose to combine smaller classes together.

Each classroom will be responsible for making a class flag and cultural dress. Students will enjoy being creative and making their own attire. Teachers can be as elaborate or simple as they choose based on their comfort level. Oriental Trading Company has several materials that are perfect for multicultural activities!

This will make your social studies teachers very happy because it will align with their standards. ELA teachers could even assign a writing assignment about the country that could align with their standards.

Assign Duties to Classroom Teachers

Announcing your event and assigning duties should be presented in a faculty meeting, followed up by an email.

Have a spokesperson (counselor or administrator) explain the details of the Multicultural Festival to teachers during a faculty meeting. This allows for questions and suggestions.

Explain to everyone the purpose of the festival and at that time, assign countries to each classroom. Have each classroom responsible for researching their country’s flag, music, traditional dress & cultural norms.

Plan a Multicultural March & Feast

On the day of the festival, plan for a march around the school.

The multicultural march will allow each class to see what the rest of the school has been working on. Have someone in charge of playing It’s a Small World on the loudspeaker or PA system as the students march around the school.

Assign someone the duty of taking pictures of each country on display. After the march, have students and teachers return to their classrooms to enjoy a feast of multicultural foods.

Want to propose a Multicultural Festival at your school? Print this pdf and give to your administrator or counselor to get the ball rolling.

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How to Meet the Needs of Biracial Kids in School: A Guide for Parents

October 3, 2016 By Diedre 2 Comments

Now that I have two school aged children, I pay extra close attention to her surroundings at school. Is she the only minority in her class? Are diverse books included in his/her classroom or library? Are there other parents in interracial marriages that I can relate to?

As an educator, I know what to look for to help them have the most well-rounded educational experience as possible. Do you know what to look for?

Here are a few tips for advocating for the needs of your biracial kids in school:

Encourage Your Child’s Teacher to Have a Diverse Set of Books in His/Her Classroom

Representation is important!

Kids love to see people who look like them on tv, in print, and in person. Help educators challenge the single race approach to diversity by buying books for your child’s classroom, or by volunteering to read to your child’s class. Your presence and the book you choose will make a world of difference to the teacher, and the students.

Check out my Amazon storefront for a variety of options.

Volunteer to Read Books with Diverse Characters to Your Child’s Class

If the teacher is resistant to adding to his/her collection, or they aren’t sure where to start, bring the diversity to the classroom yourself! Talk with other parents about adding to the teacher’s classroom library.

I don’t know a teacher who would refuse a few minutes of solace in exchange for a parent reading to the class. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved!

Participate in Multicultural Events at the School

Many schools have some sort of multicultural celebration. Volunteer to cook some ethnic foods or share about your culture.

Use every opportunity to educate other parents & educators.

Make a Decision at Home about How your Child Will Identify

Why is this important? When enrolling your child, there are multiple forms that require you to check race. At some point, your child will have to make a choice about their identity.

If you don’t have the conversation about identity at home, it will come up at school. Don’t you want to be the first one to have that discussion with your child?

Be Actively Involved in Your Child’s Education

This is important no matter the ethnicity of your child. Unfortunately, teachers tend to work a little harder for kids whose parents are actively involved in their education.

Right or wrong, this is the truth.

Take time to meet your child’s teacher and have open communication with them.

Do you have a biracial child in school? What advice would you give other parents?

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Multiracial Families: Debunking 4 Common Myths & Misconceptions

September 11, 2016 By Diedre 15 Comments

Even though Multiracial families are becoming the norm, many people still hold on to stereotypes, misconceptions, and preconceived notions.

It is estimated that 21% of Americans will identify as multiracial by 2050. My kids will be part of that number. Interesting isn’t it?

Back in 1967, there were actually state laws that banned interracial marriage. These laws weren’t overturned until the Supreme Court case, Loving vs. Virginia in 1967. In that case, the Supreme Court found that it was unconstitutional for the state of Virginia to ban interracial marriage.

This case has done wonders for this country but the conversations we have about multiracial families doesn’t need to stop here. Here are a few incorrect assumptions people make about multiracial families:

Spouses are Attracted to Each Other Specifically Because of Race

For my husband and I, this definitely wasn’t true. When we met, we bonded over food, music & conversation. Our friendship evolved into a relationship.

Our attraction to each other was just as much for inner qualities as physical attraction.

We both had dated inside of our race prior to meeting each other.

Multiracial Children are Destined for Racial Confusion

Don’t you dare feel sorry for my family or my children! I was very intentional about where I chose to live, educate my children & even the circle I run in. All of those influences can have a negative or positive impact on my children.

My girls are exposed to both sides of the family and embrace both their races and cultures.

We read books about identity, and I plan on having more in depth conversations with them as they grow and mature.

Multiracial Families Have More Tension

Having a multiracial family does not equal family tension. Tensions in families arise from personality conflicts, family history, among a host of other issues.

Since starting this blog, I’ve been pleased to hear that many people in interracial relationships have had positive experiences blending families. In my own family, my husband was embraced when we visited Jamaica.

He enjoyed the country much more than I did (it could have a little to do with the fact that I was 5 months pregnant and we were not always in a building with AC & my hormones were raging)

Interracial Means Black and White

This is a common misconception, especially in the south. Interracial relationships come in all racial & cultural mixtures.

Minorities in interracial relationships often get overlooked in the discussion. Interracial means a mixture of different racial groups, even if skin tones match or look similar.

What myths or misconceptions have you heard, or personally had about multiracial families? Did you like this post? Then do me a favor and give it a share!

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