I struggle with the role I play in stealing pieces of her innocence. From showing her the video to having numerous “talks” with her about how to behave when dealing with the police or other authority figures.
Category: Kid
Trying to Establish a Positive Tween-Parent Relationship
I need to realize Hafsa is growing emotionally into a woman who has her wants, desires, goals. And who has to make her own mistakes. Emotionally, I want to protect her from everything that could do her harm, including herself. But my transition into mother of a pre-teen and hers into a pre-teen are changing our dynamic.
Back to School: Trying Something New
We know that our experience in Muslim school vs public charter schools may not be the norm. But I wanted to share our story as an example of a positive outcome. As parents, you have to do what you think is best for your child. We did. We re-enrolled her in the school for her 6th grade, she starts in a few days, God Willing.
Book Review: What Am I?
The book is a conversation between the main characters, Toa Idris and his paternal grandmother (who he affectionately calls G-Ma), about his heritage and ancestors.
Becoming a Muslim Woman
That Sunday, after the new moon has been sighted and grocery shopping for suhoor (pre-dawn breakfast) was purchased, Hafsa became a woman in the Islamic sense. Immediately after she gave me the news, I texted my sisters, sister-friends and my Black mother's circle because I needed advice on how to navigate this new role for… Continue reading Becoming a Muslim Woman
9 Diverse Children Books from Hafsa’s Bookshelf
A lot of people think Hafsa looks like me, I cannot see it but I take it as a compliment. Hafsa’s personality is a little bit of me, her father and a whole lot of herself. We have several hobbies in common, including our love of reading. She started reading at a young age and it quickly became one of her favorite activities. I cannot remember a time when I wasn’t reading, I was probably born with a book in my hand.
Part 3 – Black in a Muslim School No More
As I alluded to in Hafsa: A Difficult Name, Hafsa is no longer attending the local Muslim school. We had several issues with the school, including how being in a predominate South Asian and Arab environment may affect her self-worth. We were also concerned about whether she was being challenged in her secular classes and… Continue reading Part 3 – Black in a Muslim School No More
Hafsa: A Difficult Name
“Give your daughters difficult names. Give your daughters names that command the full use of the tongue. my name makes you want to tell me the truth. my name doesn’t allow me to trust anyone that cannot pronounce it right.” From teaching my mother how to give birth by Warshan Shire After I take her… Continue reading Hafsa: A Difficult Name
3 Kid Friendly Ramadan Habits
With Ramadan being less than a week away, both my social media feed and email have been filling up with beautiful and fun Ramadan decorations for the last few weeks. Muslims businesses are already advertising their latest Islamic products and outfits for Eid. These promotions help put you in the Ramadan spirit and get you excited… Continue reading 3 Kid Friendly Ramadan Habits
Four ways I’m raising a #CareFreeBlackMuslimGirl
Carefree Black Girl is a term that originated on Tumblr. Zeba Blay, Voices Cultural Writer at The Huffington Post, became the first person to use the phrase as a hashtag on Twitter in May 2013. It is a term that is used to celebrate Black girls and women. It has become a cute Instagram caption… Continue reading Four ways I’m raising a #CareFreeBlackMuslimGirl
