Category Archives: Parenting

When the World is Hurting: Talking to your Children about War & Violence

0 comments Anxiety, Children's Mental Health, Family, Grief, Healthy Living, Mental Health, Parenting , , , , , ,

Our Children Have Questions A few days ago, my son peppered me with questions – “Mom, what’s happening? Are we going to have World War III? Is Russia going to bomb us? Are we safe?” He was obviously concerned about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and rightfully so. Kids at school have been talking, whispering their fears to their friends. Violent images of the war flood the media. Radio stations cover the tragic events. We cannot shield our children from life’s perils despite our best efforts. So, how do we discuss such sensitive topics with our children? TEN tips for talking […]

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What I Wish I Knew …

0 comments Family, Motherhood, Parenting , , , , , , ,

Three babies – I had a whole three babies who are now my big babies at ages 7, 11, and 14. Before I became a mom, I thought I knew a little somethin,’ somethin’ about raising kids. Turns out I was horribly wrong. There is so much I have learned over the last 14 years and so much I wish I knew before becoming a mama. Here’s 10 things I wish I knew before becoming a parent: #1 They are babies for, like, two seconds – literally. So, savor those moments. The new baby smell; soft, sweet cheeks; baby coos; […]

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Accessing Mental Health Services: The College Edition

0 comments Mental Health, Parenting, Schools , , , , , , , ,

Mental Illness Statistics What we already know according to the National Institute of Mental Health: 1 in 5 adults in the United States live with a mental disorder and those mental disorders range in severity from mild to moderate to severe Young adults ages 18 – 25 years have the highest prevalence of any mental illness at 29.4% Only 38.9% of adults 18 – 25 years with any mental disorder received mental health services compared to 45.4% of adults ages 26 – 49 with any mental disorder Young adults ages 18 – 25 years have the highest prevalence of serious […]

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Love’s Gaze

2 comments Family, Parenting , , , ,

For my father, Alvin Ellis Your first gaze upon newborn me escapes the recesses of my memory But I know without question That your first gaze was one filled with love, adoration, devotion, hope, and joy Now as a grown woman with my own family, Your gaze upon me has never shifted, wandered, nor faltered It remains steadfast, sure, and constant It challenges, it propels, it nurtures, it envelops Like an impenetrable fortress your gaze is evidence of a father’s love A love that guides and protects no matter the distance Under the gaze of my father, I have grown […]

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You’re Here, But I Still Miss You

0 comments Family, Motherhood, Parenting

Strange Times What a peculiar span of time within which we continue to find ourselves. I honestly believed, dared to presume, that COVID-19 would breeze through the United States, leaving few remnants of its contagion. Yet, the legacy of this novel coronavirus strain has been death, divide, and destruction. There’s been a shift in my household as well. Thankfully there have been no significant perils. Rather it’s a curious dilemma; and it’s one I never predicted – the description of which reads like a clever rhyme from a children’s picture book: It’s quite the conundrum and completely unfair. For you […]

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Higher Love

0 comments Family, Motherhood, Parenting, Racism, Social Justice , , , ,

Love – both heady and sweet, passionate and tender, heavy and carefree. Love inspires. Love accepts. It encourages. It creates a magical holding space. It desires good things – if it’s healthy love. But, toxic love harms, constrains, belittles, and wreaks havoc upon the soul. I want healthy love, a higher love; a love that endures, that earnestly seeks the best even when overwhelmed by the worst.

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