My husband and I have a long chat about everything, from how he's been addressing white privilege with other white people when people of color aren't around, to our continuing preschool indecision. And, I reveal to him that I'm not going to get our daughter a Christmas gift this year. But, Santa might get her something. 

• Eben seems to be making progress in his goal of talking about racism to white people. He first declared it here: Episode 39 - What will our legacy be? 
• The book I'm currently reading/listening to is How To Talk So Little Kids Will Listen. I really like it. 
• I found wrapping paper with a black Santa on it. He's called Clarence Claus from Greentop Gifts. 
• I was inspired to check in on my fibroids because of this episode of Dem Black Mamas.

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I talk a good game about respectful parenting and child-directed learning but deep down, I'm a typical Guyanese mother. What does that mean? My friend Nyoka Acevedo and I break it down in this episode. She's a committed educator and passionate Restorative Justice advocate. And, Nyoka is a Puerto Rican mother trying to sift through a lot of historical bullshit that weighs us down. This episode is full of questions. Not a lot of answers. And, a great tip at the end about how to teach your toddler not to scream in your face when they want your attention. 

• Nyoka told me about a great resource for Restorative Justice work here in Oakland! http://rjoyoakland.org/ 
• Another shout out to friend in my head, Akilah Richards, who's raising Free Children and discussing it on her podcast  

Website me:  www.htgawp.com 

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I watch entirely too many YouTube daily vlogs and thus got it into my head that I could do a daily podcast about parenting. So, in this episode I pop in every few days to update you on the day to day joys and struggles of respectfully parenting a toddler. We had a HUGE event happen during this week that I had to document. My husband even makes and appearance! As usual, I ask a lot of questions to all the listeners so I don't feel so alone. So, let me know what you think!

Website me:  www.htgawp.com 

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I sit down and have a loooong chat with my new friends Pastaveia and Sean from EcoConsciousLifestyle! They're expecting their first baby and plan to maintain their minimalist lifestyle. I had questions! They are also interested in respectful parenting. I had answers! We also got in to a much needed discussion about how both of these life choices have a distinct impact on us as black parents. Stay tuned to the end where I regale them with my positive birth story in an effort to take the fear out of the big day.

Show notes:

• Pastaveia and Sean are part of the Black Minimalist movement. 
• Sean's into this book and Pastaveia is into this book.
• Throughout her plant-based pregnancy Pastevia relied on books and YouTube channels like Mama Glow: A Hip Guide to Your Fabulous Abundant Pregnancy Book by Latham Thomas and also found recipes from Jenne Clairborne's Sweet Potato Soul.
• I go on a rant about why it's especially important for parents of black children NOT to use tough love as a way of preparing them for the "real world." This video explains why that tactic is harmful to all kids.
• Speaking for raising preparing our children for the future. Pastaveia mentioned Brandi Sellerz-Jackson's inspirational blog post about raising carefree black kids.

Website me:  www.htgawp.com 

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I don't even know where to begin when it come to saving up for my kid's college education. Should we try to save for all 4 years or just a set amount and supplement the rest with scholarships and grants? Is our kid doomed to a life of debt if she takes out loans? What if she doesn't even want to go to college? I asked Linda Stern, brilliant personal finance journalist, and one of my best friends' mom, all these questions and more. Lots of helpful tips that put mind at ease and even gave me a reason to maybe have a second kid.

You can tweet Linda @lindastern

Website me:  www.htgawp.com 

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My husband and I answer some questions about trying to teach Lucy Spanish, parenting while tired, and what to do when your kid won't let you read to them. Lucy makes several appearances in this episode which highlights the fact that we're clearly not parenting experts.

Show notes:

Janet Lansbury links, again: podcast and audiobooks

Here's the article I mention about raising a truly bilingual child: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/10/well/family/raising-a-truly-bilingual-child.html

Website me:  www.htgawp.com 

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I can't believe it's already time for us to start thinking about preschool. My kid only just turned 2! Am I late to the search party?Should toddlers be doing "STEM" work? How many kids should be in the classroom? I sat down with my kid's best friend's mom, and my new pal, Josephine Saunders, to get some tips about the preschool process. Josephine's a school teacher and has put one other kid through preschool. So I wanted to pick her brain. 

Website me:  www.htgawp.com 

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It's been so long! My husband and I are just shooting the breeze about life and how hard it is to clean our house. Also, neighbor drama! And more, yes, MORE toddler tantrums.

Website me:  www.htgawp.com 

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I've been struggling between the trying to instill empathy and kindness in my daughter and not trying impose strict manners and politeness rules on her. I'm walking the line between respectful parenting and respectability politics. But, I know there has got to an appropriate balance. So, I called in my favorite parenting podcaster, Melitsa Avila. She gives me 10 Social Life Skills that can help all of us guide our kids as they navigate social interactions. We talk about everything from helping them cope with being judged by the color of their skin to showing them how to disagree and/or apologize to people in an appropriate way. This episode is long, and it's worth taking notes!

• You can find a TON of Melitsa's useful tips about raising school aged children on her podcast Growing Nimble Families
• She has also created lots of Character Conversation Cards to help families get the hang of discussing tricky topics with each other. 
• Check out Melitsa's Twitter page for a million more ideas and inspirational parenting tips. (@melitsaavila)

Website me:  www.htgawp.com 

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It's official, we have a 2 year old! My husband and I are astounded that we somehow have a kept our daughter alive and happy for 2 years now. We talk about what it's been like so far and what we hope the future will bring with a real deal toddler.

Website me:  www.htgawp.com  

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