From A Father's Perspective

Celebrating Our Children’s Milestones: A Reflection as a Black Father As a Black father, one of the greatest joys in my life is celebrating my children's milestones—especially birthdays. These moments are not just markers of another year passing; they are opportunities to celebrate growth, reflect on the journey, and reinforce the love and pride we have for our children. In our culture and community, these milestones hold deeper meaning, providing a chance to honor our children's achievements and highlight the values we want to instill in them. Why Celebrating Milestones Matters In the hustle of everyday life—work, school, family responsibilities—it’s easy to let milestones pass by without much fanfare. But I’ve come to realize that taking the time to acknowledge these moments is more than just a celebration; it’s an act of love and affirmation. For our children, these celebrations reinforce their worth, let them know that they are seen, and encourage them to contin...

As fathers, we often find ourselves navigating new terrain when our daughters enter their teenage years, especially in high school. The balance between giving them advice and respecting their independence can be challenging. But no matter how things change, your role remains pivotal in offering support, guidance, and wisdom. Here are some tips on how to effectively provide advice to your high school daughter in a way that’s impactful and respectful. 1. Listen First, Speak Later Before diving into any advice, take time to listen. Sometimes, daughters don’t need solutions; they just need to know you’re there to hear them out. Active listening helps build trust and ensures that when you do offer advice, it’s well-received because she feels heard. Ask open-ended questions like, "How do you feel about that?" or "What do you think your next step should be?" This shows that you're interested in her perspective rather than jumping to conclusions. 2. Be Her R...