1. When did you become a mom and how did you feel?
I became a mother in 1997 at the age 19. I was quite overwhelmed. Not long after I discovered I was expecting, I was informed that I was carrying fraternal twin boys.
2. How do your feelings about motherhood differ now?
Now that I’m older, I truly understand the gifts that I’ve been blessed with. Motherhood is truly one of God’s greatest gifts and to be entrusted to provide, nurture, support and love a child is truly an honor. Just think about it, not one of us could enter this world without our mother. Being a mother is indeed one of the biggest challenges and highest callings placed on us as women.
Jhalil 4, Amani 13, Amaree 17, Amirae 17
3. What makes you a #GoodMama?
What makes me a #goodmama is that I realize I’m not perfect and that there is ALWAYS room for improvement. There’s never a right or wrong way to parent. Through many ups and downs and trial and error, I have learned a lot about being a mother over the years and I’m learning more and more every day.
4. Why do you think Black moms get a bad rep?
I believe Black moms get a bad rep for a number of reasons. The media often portrays negative images of our race anyway, so we have to stop adding fuel to that fire. Furthermore, many assume things about us. Instead of inquiring, some find is easier to speculate and pass judgement. Lastly, I think some women have lost their self worth. There’s not too much left to the imagination these days. Everywhere you look there are images of half naked women.
5. Tell us one of your funniest mommy moments?
One of my funniest mommy moments just occurred this morning when my 4 year old son felt as if I was taking too long to get dressed and decided to help me speed up the process. I quickly noticed how he kept coming in every room that I was in and would just stand there and not say anything. I’m guessing after he was overly annoyed and tired of following me back and forth, he finally asked “Mom why is it taking you so long to get dressed?” I began to button my top and he quickly put his toy down and proceeded to assist me with the buttons. I of course started at the top and he started at the bottom. He then walked over to my closet, picked out a leopard pair of heels and said, “I think these shoes will look nice and proceeded to put them in my work bag. Now he obviously knows his mom because I love leopard but imitating Mr. Brown with all the patterns and colors was not an option. I preferred to keep it simple and asked him to grab the black ones. I then grabbed my work bag and purse and proceeded to the door. I asked are you ready, he quickly glanced up at me and just sighed. I laughed to myself because I knew what he was thinking.
5. What advice would you give to a new mom?
If I could give any mom a piece of advice, it would be to listen, listen and listen some more. We have 2 ears and 1 mouth for a reason. Listen to your family, friends and other mothers. Even if you don’t use the advice always take heed.