It's not about the trophy!

In a matter of days, we will be at the end of yet another school year. "Pomp and Circumstance" will have played over the loud speakers of local auditoriums and stadiums for the final time. Kids, teachers, and parents alike will be twerking over-the-moon excited about taking a much needed break from the daily bump and grind of schoolwork, traffic, grade monitoring and parent/teacher conferences.

One of the most significant lessons I've learned this year, as a parent, is the importance of advocating for your kid(s)... especially when they are too young to know how/when to do so for themselves.

Case in point...

If you follow me on any social media outlet, you know that my son was recently awarded a trophy for EARNING a spot on the honor roll each nine weeks this school year. He endured the constant nagging from his dad and I about always doing his best and not worrying about what others are/are not doing. The kid put in a lot of work to ensure that all of his homework assignments and projects were completed and turned in on time. He even performed well on most tests. Keep in mind though, he didn't really keep up with what his averages were in each class, however, he was certainly aware of the fact that any time his grades would 'slip', his Momma would ring his neck give him a stern talking to to help him get back on track LOL.

Imagine our disappoint at the awards ceremony when all of the students who were to receive trophies for their honor roll achievements were lined-up on stage and our kid's name was never called!

It wasn't until AFTER the ceremony was over and AFTER I went back to the classroom to insist that the homeroom teacher and I compare grades did he receive his trophy. The teacher had to, literally, use a printed copy of my kid's report card to verify his honor roll status. Very, VERY disappointing - especially in the age of computers and fancy grading software!

What if I wasn't an involved parent and missed the opportunity for my kid to see the positive results of their hard work? What would have happened if circumstances were different and he needed an additional credit in order to promote to the next grade level, but the teacher/school made a mistake in reporting? Would they eventually realize their error and notify us via mail? Would anyone call? Maybe? Maybe not?

I believe now, more than ever, that I do not need to apologize to anyone or feel guilty about advocating for my kid(s) - at least not at this stage of their life. I'm certain, somewhere down the road, they will have to learn to advocate for themselves. Until that time comes...

I'll continue to be their voice.

Happy Mother's Day!

"I'll Always Love my Momma"

God Fearing...Beautiful...Strong...Encouraging...Knows her children better than they know themselves...Would give her very last to any one of her children and SNATCH them up all at the same time...Nurturing...Caring...Self-Less...The Hero of her home...She is AMAZING!

To my Mom and to all of the other PHENOMENAL women who “Mother” whether it be through birth, love or both – Happy Mother’s Day!

Today...I cried.

I have a BLACK son.

During my entire drive to work...I wept and could not stop.

I wept over the state of this world.

I wept over the hearts of mankind.

I wept over the innocent lives that have been taken away at the hands of uncaring, misinformed, prejudice people.

I wept over the unspoken conversations with my BLACK son that have been rehearsed over and over again in my head.

I wept over the lives of every individual who will never know or attempt to know the depths of racial disparity.

But most of all...

I wept over the life of my son and other BLACK boys like him who have to figure out how to navigate this world while being...BLACK.

And still...I weep. 
#jordanedwards

To phone or not to phone...THAT is the question!

When the boy child was 2, his dad decided to purchase him an iPod. There were many opinions about the appropriateness of the gift. Some thought it was too expensive, some thought he was too young, some thought we were crazy…we thought "why not?"

At the time of the purchase…social media, text messaging, website monitoring, etc., wasn't on our radar. We downloaded a few apps and before long, he was downloading them himself. Life was good simple.

Fast forward to today…

He is now 9. And EVERY DAY is a fight!

“Mommy can I use your phone? Mommy can I use your iPad? Where is Daddy’s iPad? When can I have my own phone? ALL OF MY FRIENDS HAVE A PHONE! One of my friends have 2 phones. I’m the only one on earth without a phone!”

And the beat goes on and on and on and on…EVERY.DAY. <screams>

Hence the question:

When did you succumb to this parenting pain point and give your kid(s) a mobile device? Is it worth the headache...Hidden apps? Monitoring apps? If you have multiple kids, did each one earn the privilege at the same time? How has the privilege benefited you?

Do tell...