Real Moms Too

Mother's Day should be everyday, well not exactly, but mothers shouldn't have to wait for one day to be celebrated for all they do as moms. Too often we wait for others to come along, give us a pat on the back and say, "you're doing a great job." But in reality, we know our worth, we know how much we put into raising and nurturing our children, and we know how we want to be treated! In this episode, Alana and Xia empower all momfriends to show yourself some compassion, uplift other moms along the way, and to nurture yourself first. It's time we HONOR ourselves! And do it on more than just a special holiday. We hope you have a wonderful and Happy Mother's Day!

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The coronavirus pandemic has added an extra layer of uncertainty and everything around us is telling us to fight through it by teaching us different coping skills. Many of us have been dealing with stress, worry, and anxiety, yet we have worked hard to cope and manage through it. While we are unable to control the outcomes that have transpired due to COVID-19, Alana and Xia came to a realization that they have been coping and not actually managing the things they have control over. In this episode, they help other momfriends identify the difference between coping and managing, and understand it is okay to take back their power, set healthy boundaries, and change what you can control. The one thing we have control over is ourselves. We get to say yes, no, or not now, which is why RMT is saying, sometimes we need to take a break! This current pandemic is not a normal situation, we did not choose this, and like we stated in episode 25, sometimes we are NOT ok!

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They say April Showers bring May Flowers!  And showers, baby showers that is, are what Alana and Xia discuss in this episode. Are you a mom-to-be? Then this episode will help you decide how to choose a host, build your registry, and more. And for those who trying to decide what to do about baby shower plans because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the momfriends share creative tips on how to throw a safe social distancing shower.  If you've been there, done that relate with your favorite momfriends as they reminisce about their own showers and the themes they chose.  And for the auntie or bff, this episode will help you be the host your friend needs during this exciting, yet stressful time. Tune in Now!

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In this episode, Alana and Xia interview Tamishio Hawkins, mom of 13-year-old kid entrepreneur, Tamia Hawkins. Tamia is the CEO of Mia's Treats Delight, motivational speaker, and philanthropist. Some parents not only have a regular 9-5 job while raising their kids, but they also spend time assisting their children's business ventures. Parents of kidpreneurs often face challenges attempting to balance it all, but Tamishio provides advice to help moms get through it. She shares details of her personal journey as a momager, provides encouragement, and reminds all momfriends they don't need entrepreneurial experience to help their child become successful. Tamishio has been a momager for the last five years and is a co-author of the book #MomBoss, thus her advice is extremely helpful for those who may be considering the momager journey. Tune in to learn how you can support your child's kidpreneur dreams!

More About Our Guest:
Tamishio Hawkins is a mother, philanthropist, best selling co-author of #MomBoss, and momager to Tamia Hawkins, founder and CEO of Mia's Treats Delights, a baking company located in St. Louis, MO. Outside of her career and being a momager, Tamishio serves on the Board of Directors for Young Biz Kidz as the Parent Recruiter. She attended the University of Missouri-Columbia where she studied Social Work & Psychology and often organizes events that focus on feeding the homeless. Tamishio’s passion and mission is to help others and she aspires to start her own non-profit serving the homeless population.
Follow Mia and Tamisho:
Mia's Treats Delight
Tamishio's Instagram

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As moms we each arrived at parenthood through various ways; some of us planned to the day when we would begin trying to start a family, while others were met with a surprise conception and baby. Either way, we became first time parents and from there it was history. But what happens when you begin thinking it's time to expand your family? How do you know when you're ready? What things should you consider when making that decision?

In episode 48, Alana and Xia discuss some of the fears, doubts, and challenges parents face when it comes to deciding if/when they should have more children. The hosts share some of the things they considered before deciding whether or not to have more children.

Ultimately, Alana and Xia believe parents should decide what is most important for their personal family situation when deciding to expand their family. But in reality, as much as you try to prepare, you may never be completely ready for another kid, so you should just go for it, if more children is what you really want!

Let us know how you approached deciding whether or not to have more kids. Join the conversation by emailing us or share your thoughts on our social media pages.

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Many parents have been charged with the task of working from home while also homeschooling their children during this time of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. To assist parents with this task, Alana and Xia interview Chanel Smith, former teacher, mother of three, philanthropist, and wife to retired NFL wide receiver Torrey Smith, to discuss creative and helpful tips on how to tackle distance and online learning with their children. Chanel reminds parents that they have to do what works best for them and encourages moms to give themselves some grace as they shouldn't feel pressured to become super teachers in a few short weeks.

If you have some fun and creative tips and activities for "homeschooling", please share with us on the Real Moms Too social media pages.

More About our Guest:
Chanel Smith is a former teacher, wife, and currently a stay-at-home mom to three energetic kids: Torrey-5, Kameron-3, and Kori-1. She spends a lot of time creating hands-on learning experiences for her kids to share with her Instagram family. In her "free time", she is a track and field coach, mentor, and the Vice President of the Torrey Smith Family fund, where she and her husband, Torrey, create programs and opportunities for underserved communities.
Follow Chanel Smith on Instagram: @chanelsmith_22

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In episode 46, Alana and Xia discuss how they handling social distancing and share some of fears surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 has taken many of us out of our comfort zone and created a lot of uncertainty. Because of the uncertainty, many states and countries are encouraging and mandating, social distancing. With social distancing comes school closings and life is temporarily changed.  Alana and Xia share activities they are doing with their kids to keep them learning and entertained, as well as discussing some resources they have taken advantage of to ensure they are practicing self-care.  Tune in to hear how your favorite momfriends are coping through social distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A Note From Our Hosts:
We,  would like to be an encouragement to all during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Many cities, states, and countries have issued stay-at-home orders to help reduce the spread of the virus. We hope our podcast can bring joy, motivation, and comfort to all moms no matter our backgrounds, ethnicity, or religion. We are all Real Moms Too and this has been a scary time for many of us, but we are hopeful that family bonds are being strengthened and love is being spread.  Tune in to old episodes to help you get through this time "alone". And feel free to email us or message us on social media for episode ideas or general conversation as we hope we are creating a mommy village for all.  We love to hear from you and we hope you are taking care of yourselves!  As your favorite momfriends always say, you cannot be a good mom, until you are a good you!

- Alana and Xia

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In episode 45, Real Moms Too interview mother and fellow podcaster, Shakisha Morgan, Estate Planning Attorney with the Griffin Firm PLLC in Washington, D.C.  Shakisha discusses the importance of having a Will, Trust, and/or an Estate Plan.

Shakisha drops so many gems throughout the entire episode whether you are riding solo dolo, a new parent, or a grandparent the information she shares is extremely valuable. Shakisha debunks myths, gives tips on how to choose who is the guardian of your children, and encourages people of all ages to be prepared, not only for themselves, but for their family's sake! This episode is for all generations to help protect and secure what and who we all work so hard to provide for, our families.

More About Our Guest:
Shakisha Morgan is an advocate and educator who uses values-based estate planning strategies to empower individuals and families to create, protect, and transfer wealth.  She helps guide families through the complex and draining process of probate administration and litigation. She is a workshop facilitator, guest lecturer, and has been a keynote speaker on various topics within estate planning, multigenerational wealth, millennial wealth building, and leadership. She has been featured at the Association of Black Estate Planning Professionals' Creating a Legacy Conference, and has appeared on the Gettin' Grown podcast and local news.
Shakisha's Instagram
Shakisha's Twitter
Mary & Martha Podcast - Outside of being an attorney, Shakisha is also a co-host on the Mary & Martha Podcast! Check it out Here!

A Note From Our Hosts:
We, Alana and Xia, would like to be an encouragement to all during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Many cities, states, and countries have been quarantined and asked to use social distancing to help reduce the spread of the virus. We hope our podcast can bring joy, motivation, and comfort in knowing that we are all Real Moms Too no matter our backgrounds, ethnicity, or religion.  This has been a scary time for many of us, but we are hopeful that family bonds are being strengthened and love is being spread.  Tune in to old episodes to help you get through this time "alone".  Feel free to email us or message us on social media for episode ideas or general conversation as we hope we are creating a mommy village for all.  We love to hear from you and we hope you are taking care of yourselves!  As your favorite momfriends always say, you cannot be a good mom, until you are a good you!

- Alana and Xia

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Did you know the 2020 Census takes place this year, starting TODAY? If you did not, it is okay, Real Moms Too is here to remind you that this is the year to complete the application. In episode 44, Alana and Xia interview Susan Licate, Media and Partnership Specialist, from the United States Census Bureau to discuss and learn more about the 2020 Census. Susan informs listeners of all the programs the 2020 Census impacts such as: highway development, government funded programs (such as W.I.C.),local schools, and more.

There are many misconceptions about the census and Susan debunks them all. She also provides information about how to complete the Census and ensures listeners the application is safe, secure, and non-political. She stresses the importance of completing the Census as an opportunity to help support those who live in our community, especially our children. Children are the most unaccounted for on the Census, yet will be the most impacted by the results. In this episode, listeners are reminded we all play a part to ensure everyone is counted.

More Information about the 2020 Census:
2020 Census Website
Sample Census Form
Why We Ask Each Question
Counting Children Fact Sheet

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It is officially Women's History Month, thus Alana and Xia dedicate a an entire episode to discussing womanhood, sisterhood, and why each are important in our society. The hosts  discuss how childhood experiences shaped their idea of womanhood, little girls being labeled as a "Tom-Boy," and how this impacted their ability to create women friendships in adulthood.  Alana reveals that she did not realize she needed sisterhood until she was about 25 years old; and Xia discusses some of the challenges she faced as she began to build relationships with women. They also discuss how women are portrayed in the media and on this plays into the comparison and competition among women.

The goal of this episode: to remind women and mothers that even through our differences, we can connect on the simple fact that we are women.

Happy Women's History Month!

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What challenges did you face growing up as a girl and how did it shape your idea of what what it means to be a women?

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