Parenting for the Culture

Parenting is one of the hardest jobs on the planet.The one thing that we can agree on is that there isn't just one way to parent. People have so many opinions on how to manage your kiddos and it can be very overwhelming.  There are days that you feel like you nailed it and then there are days where you feel like you are just a complete failure. Parenting styles is one of those things that you are always tweaking and adjusting because our littles ones are always changing. There isn't a one size fits all when it c...

There are plenty of things we, as adults, are attached to. For example, you may have a favorite hoodie, hat or even a favorite food. These things comfort us when life is being, ya know....life. For our littles, their attachment to us can make us feel special but it can also be the most frustrating thing, especially when you have adult responsibilities to take care of and your little is attached to your hip like that piece of tape that doesn't seem to want to let go! This week, Charisse gives you all the lowdown on how to...

Life is full of lessons. For kids, those lessons, just like life, can come at them quick. As parents, we have to use our judgement to decide when and where to teach those lessons. When our little is having a full meltdown, trying to teach them why whatever happened to them is causing issues isn't the best time. We parents have to have better timing because if we really want our kids to learn the lesson, then they need to be in a state that allows them to take in the info you are trying to teach. This week...

We hope you saved room for part 2! Finding the right place for our littles, who are 0-5 years old, can be even more stressful than than finding the right school for our older kids. For a lot of our kiddos, this may be the first experience that is outside of the home for them. For some of us, this is the first time we are gonna separated from our child and we want to make sure that we are as comfortable with this school as we are in our own homes. But not to worry, take a deep breath...

We can all agree, as parents, education is important for our tiny humans. But, picking the right school can make all the difference in overall health and well being for our kids. The right school can nurture our kids to grow up and be the adults that will change this world. Unfortunately, the wrong school may not tap into your kids super power so they can thrive. We know there can be a lot of pressure deciding the school that will educate your child but not to worry we got you! On this episode, Charisse gives you the tips...

School is back and that means homework is back too! Just like our kids, homework is something that we as parents dread each year as our kids move up in grade. The Homework being given gets progressively more difficult. Anyone try to do this "new" math these kids keep bringing  home? Homework and studying can be very stressful but lucky for us, this week Charisse drops some very helpful tips and hacks to make this new year with new homework roadblocks a lil less daunting. Happy Parenting My Friends! 

We love answering your questions here! If...

Whoever said patience is a virtue never had kids. Keeping our cool while your little one is having a full meltdown in the middle of the aisle at the grocery store, isn't the time to be virtuous. Sometimes, the best way to combat that spicy child of yours is to not react to the screaming and crying by being the example of calm and peace that your child can rely on to guide them through the latest emotional outburst. Like Bruce Lee once said "You must be like water" Happy Parenting! 

We love answering your qu...

We all have needs, but trying to figure out what our tiny humans need at any given time can be one of the most frustrating things about being a parent. We get it! It’s hard to get to the heart of the mater when our kid is having a full blown tantrum in the middle of Target. But, there's a path to making sure that your little gets what they NEED in that moment but also so you get what YOU need in that moment too. This week on the podcast, Charisse gives you the tools to be ab...

Here we go people, it happens every year. It’s ...Back to School Time! This time of year for us parents can be full of mixed emotions. Some of us are sending our littles to school for the very first time and some of us are just happy that someone else is going to keep an eye on them for a couple of hours. Either way, this time of year is always an adventure as you make sure your children have what they need to be successful. This week, Charisse discusses how you can make the transition back to sc...

When we say parenthood is a hard and thankless job with no raises in sight, we know you feel us. But nobody actually thinks of being a parent as an actual J-O-B. What if you did and you are the CEO of your very own small company? Let that sink in. What if you outsourced the work and,  instead of dragging yourself through "paperwork,” (aka doing the dishes, taking out the trash, and the bane of any parent’s job, doing laundry) you just decided to delegate that task to someone else? This week, Charisse talks about how the job o...

We, as parents, always want to make sure our littles get the best care possible. That’s why when dinnertime comes around, what you put on the plate is made with the best nutrition possible to help them grow. Easy, right??? Nope! When your child takes that plate, the plate you put together with love, and tosses it across the room, you quickly realize it’s a chicken nugget night and it’s not worth the battle tonight. Dealing with picky eaters can be one of the most frustrating pieces of parenting, we get it. This week, Charisse gives you so...

As kids, we never understood the importance of doing chores. Most of us just thought it was free labor for our parents, which at the time seemed unfair. Now, as adults and even more importantly as parents, we now see the value even if our kids don't. The struggle to find the balance in teaching our children how to take care of themselves, but also not cause a full on meltdown, can be a frustrating task. Not to worry! This week, Charisse gives you her thoughts on how and when is a good time to start implementing chores into...

For those of us who have siblings, we all know there are days that we wish we were an only child. It's hard enough being a kid and trying to navigate social situations with strangers, but imagine having another person you have to live with and see everyday. What makes things even more challenging is that person also takes up time, attention and resources from you. Having a sibling can be  frustrating but rewarding, and sometimes as parents we have this idea of what kind of relationship we want for our kids, and just like the unpredictability of life, s...

Let's face it parents, having kids can be an adventure. Things like making sure these tiny humans stay healthy is a full time job. Screen time is one of those things in parenting that can be the thin line between having a good night and having a night where you might need a lil more wine in that glass. That's why Charisse gives you the lowdown on how you can help change the culture and feelings around technology with your littles ones. She gives you some tips and hacks to help make the relationship balanced between you, your child...

Kids plus travel equals chaos. When you have kids, the days of getting up and just leaving for vacation are long gone. Now, preparing for a vacation with children can consist of making sure everyone uses the restroom before we leave, or making sure that each child has head phones for their tablet. Otherwise, it’s the theme song to Paw Patrol all the way to granny's house. However you travel this summer, Charisse will give you some tips how to prepare your littles for traveling with the family.

We love answering your questions here! If...

Summer is officially here! Now that schools out and you don't have to worry about whose project needs to be done at the last minute you can relax, right?? Yes and no. This week, Charisse chats about how you can use some time to prepare and transition the kids for a more relaxing, but still productive summer. Allowing some time between the last day of school and summer activities is a chance for the whole family to reflect on the school year but it also allows time for YOU and your children to decompress mentally. While camp may not...

CONTENT WARNING!: This episode talks about heavy topics that include bullying, slurs, and sexual harassment.

Hard conversations are part of life and if you're lucky you don't have to have one with your kids until YOU are ready. Unfortunately, in today’s world, you can't always monitor what your kids are exposed to. Today, Charisse talks about how to have a conversation with your child about the many things that are happening in todays society. Teaching your child how to be an advocate for themselves and others can be one of the most beneficial things you can te...

Being a mom is hard, plain and simple, but imagine being a new mom with little to no experience. This week, Charisse discusses how preparing for your special day can set you up for success once the baby is here. Leaning on the loved ones around you can help you get through those difficult times as a new mom. Charisse also chats about how building a " Mommy Network" can be a lifesaver, especially when you feel alone and as though no one gets what you are going through. Knowing your limits as a mom will allow you to be...

Did Y'all hear Melanie Fiona's Mama on the Mama's Den? (We've got some clips for you, but if you want to hear the whole thing, go ahead and click this link) This might surprise you, but Charisse it 100% team Mama Donna! This might surprise some of you who have heard the episode and think it's the EXACT OPPOSITE of gentle parenting. However this might surprise you....Mama Donna IS a Gentle Parent. Okay, stay with us here. Charisse is going to explain everything and by the end of this episode you'll understand not only why she stands 10 toes down...

Sometimes when trying to protect our children, we are hindering their resilience. We're going to say that one more time. Sometimes when we try to protect our children we are ACTUALLY hindering their resilience. Now if you're clutching your pearls, just wait. Charisse is going to explain it to you. Our children are more capable than we sometimes give them credit for. In this episode Charisse shares what she has experienced as an educator and how we as parents can help them grow versus fixing them. Make sure you've listened to our episode on emotional regulation and dive right...

Hearing the word "No" can be difficult to hear as an adult.  Now, imagine a child hearing the word "No." It can send even the most calm toddler into a fit of rage. Today, Charisse chats about how hearing the word "no" doesn't have to be a negative thing for your child. She discusses how saying "no" to your child and helping them to understand WHY you are saying "no," can help them learn to cope when things don’t go their way.

We love answering your questions here! If you have a question you need...

Children only know what they know. Take, for instance, that time you made them turn the TV off and they said "you're mean!"  Then, when they were at the dinner table they told you that making them eat broccoli is mean. Now that you think about it, at school the other day, they told a classmate that the other kid in their play group was mean because they had a toy that your child wanted to play with right then and there.

Here's the thing, chances are they don't actually think ANY of it was mean in t...

You remember that moment before you had children when you pictured the group pictures in the matching outfits? Or the take your kid to work day? Or that moment where they would do all the cute things together?  

And now you're here with your seven year old screaming and hitting a punching bag because they feel like it and you're wondering what's wrong with them?  Why are they like this?

Now, you bought the child the punching bag to do exactly this, but you know YOU wouldn't do this. So why would this tiny version of...

Welcome back friends! Charisse is a back with a couple questions from you all, our listeners! First Frenchy in New Jersey is dealing with a teenager who really REALLY wants to wear makeup, but it's a hard no for her. Here's a hint, we're going to reference one of our Pillars of Peaceful Parenting. Then, Charisse  answers a listener in Detroit's question of how exactly to Gentle Parent in hostile territory. It's not as cut and dry as you might think!

We love answering your questions here! If you have a question you need Charisse to answer F...

Charisse has been fielding all the questions lately about her absence and we hear you! Like all parents, she had to juggle all the things: a spouse out of town, children in three different parts of the city, and coordinating with a babysitter and look, things did not go as planned. One of Charisse's little heavens did the babysitter DIRTY yall, like ran her out of the house with tears in her eyes dirty. And Charisse felt like the worst  parent, the worst educator, and questioned this whole gentle parenting thing. 

But the truth of it is, th...

One question Charisse always gets is "How do I get my child to listen?" It seems to be a common theme amongst parents. Even our friends over at The Mama's Den have had that problem. One has to ask, is listening really the problem? There is a question that Charisse really hears when a parent asks her how to get their little ones to listen and it has nothing to do with listening and everything to do with respect. 

If you have a question you need Charisse to answer Fill out our form  or join the Parenting fo...

Welcome back friends! We are on the third installment of the P-E-A-C-E-F-U-L Parenting method, and this week we're back this week with letters "U & L"! (Click for Part 1 , Part 2 & Part 3) We've heard you've needed all the parenting tips and Charisse is ready to help! One common issue that keeps coming up is that "I just don't know where to start!" For the final two letters in the series Charisse breaks down why Understanding  is so fundamental in parenting and how it ties into compassion. Plus, pillar L for Listening. Listening is probably what Charisse gets asked about the most b...

Welcome back friends! We are on the third installment of the P-E-A-C-E-F-U-L Parenting method, and this week we're back this week with letters "E &F"! (Click for Part 1 & Part 2) We've heard you've needed all the parenting tips and Charisse is ready to help! One common issue that keeps coming up is that "I just don't know where to start!" In the next two letters in the series Charisse breaks down why being the Environment in which you're parenting in plays a huge role in your children's needs. Plus, pillar F for Friendship. Now Charisse knows this is going to...

Welcome back friends! Last week we gave you the first two letters (click here if you missed it) of the P-E-A-C-E-F-U-L Parenting method, and this week we're back this week with letters "A &C"! We've heard you've needed all the parenting tips and Charisse is ready to help! One common issue that keeps coming up is that "I just don't know where to start!" In the next two letters in the series Charisse breaks down why being Aware is key to being an amazing parent, and how connectedness is important to truly understanding your little one's most basic needs...

Welcome back friends! We've heard you've needed all the parenting tips and Charisse is ready to help! One common issue that keeps coming up is that "I just don't know where to start!" Look, that's valid. It seems like these days everyone has a different definition of what exactly gentle parenting is, AND Charisse isn't here to say that her way is the only way! But if you're a parent looking for a nice easy way to start, Parenting for the Culture has got you covered with the P-E-A-C-E-F-U-L Parenting method. Make sure you listen in to hear just...

Have you ever told someone exactly what you wanted for Christmas? Like you sent them pictures, your size, maybe you even sent the direct link to buy it? Then when Christmas rolled around and you opened up your gift that you were absolutely positive was the thing you wanted  you were stunned to find something completely different? We as adults have mastered the art (for the most part) of finding a way to say thank you because we know that even though we didn't get the thing we wanted (even if we made it really easy for them) it w...

It's December and for a lot of us it's the start of the panic of the Holiday season! Charisse is here to help lighten the load. First on our mind are those perfect holiday pictures. It is hard getting all six of the little ones ready to take that photo to send out in the holiday card. What do we need to do as parents and caregivers to prepare our children (and ourselves) to make that experience an enjoyable one for the whole family?

PLUS holiday gifts. We know that we all have a little bit of...

Hi Friends! Charisse is back from the Black Love Weekend and she is feeling replenished! But how does that turn into Thanksgiving tips for you and your little heavens? Well it's all about having a seat at the table. Listen in as Charisse shares what you can do to help your children feel included this Thanksgiving and all holiday season!

If you have a question you need Charisse to answer Fill out our form  or join the Parenting for the Culture Class (its FREE) and discuss every episode with Charisse every Friday after the episode drops!

Shame has been weighing heavily on Charisse after she caught a clip from the 2021 Black Love Summit (make sure you get your tickets to our 2022 Summit right now!) where Bre discussed how shame from her childhood had affected her relationship with her partner as an adult. As parents we often use shame as a way to try to teach our children right or wrong, but does it really accomplish that? Listen in as Charisse breaks down the idea of shame, whether or not she believes we should be shaming our little ones, and what other options we have as...

Halloween is only a few days away and look if you don't have a costume for your little heavens, Charisse can't help you. What she DOES have tips for is navigating the chaos that is the Halloween experience. The sounds, the exercise, the SUGAR! There is so much stimulation that if you don't go into the day with a game plan you are going to get had. We've got your back parents!  Planning for Halloween is as much about us as it is about our little ones. Listen in as Charisse drops gems to make sure that it's all t...

Wellness. We all have heard the word. We all know we need some sort of wellness in our life, even though we don't have any sort of grasp on it. But as parents we know that we need to model better behaviors for our kids so we are out here TRYING. Which is why Charisse was so excited to talk to David Wasicki, CTNC. 

David is a girl dad of a toddler, the General Manager of Black Love Inc, a fellow podcast host, and a Certified Transformational Nutrition Coach. In addition to the balancing of all the t...

I CAN'T CALM DOWN! 

If you're a parent there's a good chance one of your little heavens has yelled this at one point or another, and if you're like any normal human being you were probably frustrated at the jump. You probably told them to breathe or to "just calm down" or try to take a walk. 

As adults with fully formed frontal lobes, we often forget that children do not have all the tools and experience we have to regulate our bodies and we get frustrated. Well, Charisse is here to tell you to ke...

Children are just tiny humans. Just like us, they need boundaries to help understand how to function within the family. But if it was that easy you wouldn't be here at your wits end trying to figure out how to set them! Look, it's hard. Especially if your children are a bit older and you're trying to teach them boundaries while unteaching them another behavior that they know and love. This week Charisse has tips for teaching boundaries at all stages with a special shout out to one of our  Mama's Den mamas (Hey Codie!) and a problem she's h...

Yasmine Jameelah is entrepreneur, journalist, and wellness advocate through her Transparent & Black platforms, but she's also somebody's child. Today she shares with Charisse what her childhood looked like and what led her to her current successes.  From being raised in the Christian and Muslim faiths and how her parents gave her the space to explore, to how her faith has been key in shaping her wellness journey Yasmine is open honest and vulnerable about it all. Plus, Yasmine drops all the gems for us parents and how we should demonstrate wellness for our children, and more importantly, why it's i...

Do your kids know your name? Your full name? Not mama or daddy or mama Charisse but your government name? It sounds silly, but an incident that Charisse witnessed as she was dropping off her youngest children at school brought the thought of safety right to the front of her mind. As parents, we like to think that our children would know what to do if they were ever in trouble, but they're kids! It's our job to ensure that they've got all the tips and tricks to be safe in the case of an emergency. This week, Charisse...