*This post contains Amazon 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.* This post was also published by the Huffington Post. As parents, it's our job to teach our kids (and educators) how to love the skin they're in. If this wasn't a lesson you were taught as a child, it may be difficult to know where to start. As a school counselor, the … [Read more...]
3 Kinds of Friends Every Mother Needs to Have in Her Tribe
Maintaining friendships becomes more difficult as seasons in life change, especially the season of becoming a mother. The way I see it, there are 3 kinds of friends: single, married with no kids & married with kids. There are definite advantages to each. Single Single friends keep you from being boring. They make the best shopping partners! The downside is that you can't just hit the road and hang out like in the old days. You have to find a babysitter … [Read more...]
When Transracial Adoption Moves You from Ignorant to Woke
Today on the blog, I'm privileged to have Rachel Garlinghouse share her experience on transracial adoption. Family Life I grew up in a racially diverse, but segregated town. My family: all white. My circle of friends: white. My neighbors: white. Most of my bosses, all of my teachers, and most of my co-workers: white. I married a white man, and we planned on starting a family several years after I graduated college. Diagnosis But that changed when, … [Read more...]
You Know You’re in a Multiracial Family When…
Have you ever heard of Loving Day? I didn't until recently. It's an annual celebration held on June 12, the anniversary of the 1967 Supreme Court decision of Loving v. Virginia, which struck down all laws forbidding marriage between people non-white and white. For a multiracial family like mine, this day is super meaningful! People often remark that when you love who you love, it doesn't matter, and the world shouldn't either. I believe that is the case, but being … [Read more...]
How Growing Up In a Jamaican Family Has Influenced My Parenting
Both of my parents were born and raised in Jamaica, but came to the states as adults. I never really thought about how my Jamaican family was different from others until I was told me no about something that most other parents said yes to. My father was in the Air Force, so many of my friends had parents from different countries, which brought about their cultural norms. As an adult no longer surrounded by other military families, I have … [Read more...]
Black & White: An Interview About Growing up Biracial
Good evening all! I'm so excited to share this interview with you. Since starting this blog in July, I've had a variety of people reach out to me through social media outlets. My biggest following to date is on Instagram. I love interacting with other moms, especially those that understand the joys and trials of raising biracial children. What does a school counselor and therapist have in common? Apparently a whole lot! Tiffany Coleman and I have never met, … [Read more...]
The Joys & Challenges of Raising (Little) Girls
I love having daughters. I always wanted a sister (and didn't get one) so this is the next best thing. I feel like I was meant to do this. However, there are definite joys & challenges to raising little girls. Growing up in a home dominated by testosterone, I've been on a learning curve raising daughters. As I walk through the grocery store, I often get smiles as people compliment me. And then comes the dreaded, " You have two girls. You sure are going to … [Read more...]
How to Keep the Love Alive (After Kids)
Having kids totally changes the dynamic of marriage. Between the dirty diapers, late night feedings & tantrums, it can be difficult to keep the love alive with your spouse. When you can barely keep your eyes open after an exhausting day with the kids, the last thing you feel like is making time for your spouse. However, love is more than a feeling, it's an action. Making your spouse a priority, even when your time together is limited, is vital for a healthy … [Read more...]
Toddler Tantrums: How to Avoid the Ultimate Embarrassment
Becoming a parent means a major lifestyle change. The days of spending all day or evening at event become quite challenging with kids, especially toddlers under the age of five. Have you ever planned the perfect outing for your kids, only to be disappointed by tears, tantrums & meltdowns? Here's what I've found works for minimizing the meltdowns: … [Read more...]