Dear Diary: My Life Raising Brown Girls

In a few weeks NYC schools will be dismissed for Summer break. For some parents, Summer is time for a little R&R (rest and relaxation). They do not have to rush to get the kids ready and out the house for school. They get to sleep a little later. Well, I'm sorry to break the news to you. The children do not have the same vision as you. They are ready to enjoy their Summer vacation. They are ready to bounce off the walls. They are ready to be entertained and you should be ready too. Otherwise, be prepared to hear the famous phrase all children say, "Mommy, I'm bored". The issue a lot of parents have is trying to keep their children active and entertained mentally as well as physically during Summer vacation. Another issue that arises during Summer vacation is the cost of entertaining your children. These issues are common among several households especially in single parent households. Don't be discouraged. There are several free and inexpensive things yo

Today, our kids are exposed to so much information. Unfortunately, not all information is true and nor is the information from credible sources. However, discussions such as puberty among other topics should occur with the parents. Puberty is a very difficult stage for girls, boys and the family. They are very temperamental and often feel insecure. So as parents, it is our responsibility to reassure them that the changes they are going through emotionally, mentally and physically are normal. Puberty has reared its ugly head in my home. You would think I would be prepared since I have experienced this with my older daughter. The truth is I am prepared. However, I was not expecting it to happen so quickly. I have noticed kids are experiencing puberty a lot faster than in prior generations. Sadly, this has a lot to do with the meat and dairy. There are a lot of chemicals in our food and as a result of that, it is making our children develop a lot faster. As an adult, I do not recal