Dear Diary: My Life Raising Brown Girls

Today is one of those days where I do not want to be the responsible parent. Today is one of those days where I wish I was the parent that only thought of themselves. Unfortunately, that's not who I am. Today is one of those days that I wish I was the parent that only visited on the weekend and does not have the responsibility of being hands on 24/7/365/366 if it's a leap year. Today I am beyond annoyed. Today I am frustrated. Today I am tired. I am tired of bringing things to school or practice when it is not packed in the bags the night before. I am tired of replacing things I just bought because she lost them. I am tired of getting up early to ensure she leaves for school on time. I am tired of getting home late because she has practice every freaking day. I am so tired that I cannot even fall asleep because my mind is constantly updating my planner and thinking of what I need to do next.  I am tired of being there for everyone. I have no one there for me when I need them....

Being a parent is often wonderful. It's rewarding when you see you child(ren) develop, be successful in their studies, career and in life overall. However, please do not be deceived. Parenting is also overwhelming, draining, exhausting and challenging. Anyone who says different is not being honest with you or themselves. It is my responsibility to teach them to love and respect themselves as well as others. It is my responsibility to support them in all areas of life. As their mom, I ensure and endure a lot.  I ensure all their needs and wants are met. I endure their problems, heartache and disappointment when things do not go according to their plan. I experience their ups, downs, success, failures, happiness and sadness. Along with them, I feel and experience all they go through. I strive to meet the demands of parenting. My teenager (the youngest) loves to come up with these mind-boggling requests. She is not concerned that every minute of m...

Our daughter's will encounter obstacles along their journey. Our daughter's  will be told "No" several times along their journey. Our daughter's  will experience failure and disappointment along their journey. They will gain some friends and they will lose some along the way. Nonetheless, they will learn and understand that it is not meant for  everyone to travel along with them as go through the journey of life. As parent's, we must be there to pick them up when things   look   bleak. We must be there when  they feel like they can no longer continue their journey. We must motivate, encourage, support, pray for and pour into them. Most of all teach them to never give up and never give in. Tell them it may not look like things are working out for them now, but they should continue working towards their goals. Tell them they should pace themselves. Do not expect immediate results or success. Let them k...