The Whitsdom Press

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  • The Heart of Black Parenting: Community, Collaboration, and Unwavering Support

    For centuries, the Black community has fostered a profound tradition of collaborative parenting and collective support for children. Let’s be real; do we really know how to be parents? For some of us, the answer is yes, based on how we were raised or what we saw from our parents and upbringing. For some, we want to change societal methods of parenting to help raise better members of society with less childhood trauma and mental health issues. 

    Growing up, I remember the network my parents created to help raise me in a changing world. This network was a circle of trusted adults who shared the same ideals as my parents and who would step in to help me when my parents either couldn’t or weren’t available at the moment due to work or other responsibilities. Those adults included my babysitter and a few teachers at the neighborhood elementary and middle schools I attended. Let’s dive into how this community-oriented approach supports families and the ways you can connect with this tradition.

    “It Takes a Village”: The Strength of Extended Networks

    • Shared Wisdom: Seasoned parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and trusted neighbors all share their expertise and insights, creating a rich pool of knowledge to support new parents. This eases the burden on any one caregiver and offers children diverse perspectives.
    • Practical Support: Everything from childcare and meal prep to emotional support is shared amongst the community. This reduces stress on parents and fosters a sense of true belonging for children, knowing they have a network of caring adults.
    • Cultural Transmission: Community plays a vital role in passing down traditions, values, and a deep sense of cultural identity. These experiences shape children’s understanding of the world and their place within it.

    Finding Your Village in the Modern World

    • Seeking Mentorship: Reach out to seasoned parents within your family or local community for advice and guidance. Churches, community centers, and online forums can offer avenues for connection. Even Facebook has groups with like-minded people seeking mentorship.
    • Building Your Tribe: Organize playdates, potlucks, and activities that strengthen bonds between parents and create a sense of community for children. Don’t hesitate to ask for and offer help from others within your circle.
    • Celebrating the Power of Shared Experiences: Share your parenting journey with your community, both the joys and the challenges. This normalizes the experience and strengthens connections with those who understand.

    While the specific landscape of Black families may have changed over time, the core principle of community-centered parenting remains a powerful legacy. This tradition serves as a reminder that raising children is not a solitary endeavor, but a shared responsibility built on love, support, and collective wisdom. By embracing this communal spirit and fostering connections within our own networks, we can create nurturing environments where our children can thrive and future generations can carry on this powerful tradition.

    Should we bring this back? Did we have this before the pandemic? Let me know your thoughts!

  • How to Support Your Teen's Mental Health in 2024: A Guide for Parents

    As a parent, you want the best for your child. You want them to be happy, healthy, and successful. But sometimes, it can be hard to know how to help them cope with the challenges of adolescence, especially in a world that is constantly changing and evolving.

    The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the mental health of teenagers around the world. According to various studies, more than a third of high school students in the U.S. reported poor mental health, persistent sadness or hopelessness, and emotional abuse by a parent or caregiver during the pandemic. The prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms among youth globally increased by 25% and 20%, respectively, compared to pre-pandemic levels. Additionally, some teens experienced racism, physical abuse, and job loss in their families as a result of the pandemic. These factors may increase the risk of suicide among vulnerable youth who lack adequate support and resources.

    That’s why we’ve put together this blog post with some tips on how to support your teen’s mental health in 2024. Whether it’s dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, or any other mental health issue, we hope these tips will help you and your teen navigate this difficult but rewarding stage of life.

    Tip #1: Listen without judging

    One of the most important things you can do as a parent is to listen to your teen without judging them. Teens often feel misunderstood, isolated, or criticized by their parents, which can make them reluctant to open up or seek help. By listening to your teen with empathy and respect, you can show them that you care about their feelings and opinions and that you are there to support them, not to judge them.

    To listen without judging, try to avoid interrupting, lecturing, or giving advice unless your teen asks for it. Instead, use active listening skills such as nodding, paraphrasing, asking open-ended questions, and reflecting back their emotions. For example, you could say something like “It sounds like you’re feeling really overwhelmed by school right now” or “I can see that you’re really passionate about this topic”. This way, you can help your teen feel heard and validated, and encourage them to share more with you.

    Tip #2: Encourage healthy habits

    Another way to support your teen’s mental health is to encourage them to adopt healthy habits that can boost their mood and well-being. These include getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, staying hydrated, and avoiding drugs and alcohol. These habits can help your teen cope with stress, regulate their emotions, and improve their self-esteem.

    To encourage healthy habits, you can model them yourself and make them part of your family routine. For example, you can set a regular bedtime and wake-up time for yourself and your teen, prepare nutritious meals and snacks together, join a fitness class or a sports team with your teen, or drink water instead of soda or alcohol. You can also praise your teen for making healthy choices and reward them with positive reinforcement such as hugs, compliments, or privileges.

    Tip #3: Help them find professional help if needed

    Sometimes, listening and encouraging healthy habits are not enough to support your teen’s mental health. If your teen is showing signs of a serious mental health problem such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts, they may need professional help from a therapist, counselor, psychiatrist, or other mental health provider.

    To help your teen find professional help if needed, you can start by talking to them about the benefits of therapy and how it can help them cope with their challenges. You can also reassure them that seeking help is not a sign of weakness or failure, but a sign of strength and courage. You can then help them find a suitable provider who specializes in working with teens and who matches their preferences in terms of gender, ethnicity, culture, or approach. You can also offer to accompany them to their first appointment or check in with them regularly about how they are doing.

    Supporting your teen’s mental health in 2024 may not be easy, but it is definitely worth it. By listening without judging, encouraging healthy habits, and helping them find professional help if needed, you can show your teen that you love them unconditionally and that you are always there for them. Remember that you are not alone in this journey – there are many resources and support groups available for parents of teens with mental health issues. Together, we can make 2024 a better year for our teens and ourselves.

  • Kickstart Your Journey to a Healthier You in 2024: Tips for a Stronger Mind, Body, and Spirit

    The new year is a great opportunity to reflect on your goals, habits and lifestyle, and to make some positive changes that can improve your well-being. Whether you want to lose weight, reduce stress, boost your mood, or simply feel more energized, here are some tips on how to start 2024 out the right way on your path to a healthy mind, body and spirit.

    1. Eat well. Nutrition is the foundation of good health, and eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, healthy fats and water can help you maintain a healthy weight, prevent chronic diseases, and support your immune system. Try to avoid processed foods, added sugars, salt and alcohol, and eat mindfully by paying attention to your hunger and fullness cues.

    2. Move more. Physical activity is not only good for your body, but also for your mind. It can help you burn calories, strengthen your muscles and bones, improve your cardiovascular health, lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and reduce your risk of diabetes and some cancers. It can also boost your mood, relieve stress, enhance your memory and cognitive function, and promote better sleep quality. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, such as brisk walking, cycling or swimming, and include some strength training and flexibility exercises as well.

    3. Sleep well. Sleep is essential for your mental and physical health, as it allows your body and brain to rest, repair and regenerate. Lack of sleep can impair your immune system, increase inflammation, affect your mood and concentration, and increase your risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease and stroke. To improve your sleep hygiene, try to stick to a regular sleep schedule, avoid caffeine, alcohol and nicotine before bed, limit screen time in the evening, create a comfortable and dark sleeping environment, and relax before bedtime with some meditation, reading or music.

    4. Manage stress. Stress is inevitable in life, but too much of it can have negative effects on your health and happiness. Chronic stress can weaken your immune system, raise your blood pressure and blood sugar levels, disrupt your digestion and hormones, cause anxiety and depression, and interfere with your sleep and relationships. To cope with stress effectively, you need to identify the sources of stress in your life and find healthy ways to deal with them. Some examples are: practicing gratitude, positive thinking and affirmations; setting realistic and achievable goals; prioritizing and organizing your tasks; delegating or saying no when necessary; seeking social support from friends and family; engaging in hobbies and leisure activities; meditating or doing yoga; breathing deeply or doing progressive muscle relaxation; or seeking professional help if needed.

    5. Nurture your spirit. Your spiritual health is about finding meaning, purpose and connection in life. It can help you cope with challenges, overcome adversity, and achieve personal growth. There are many ways to nurture your spirit, depending on your beliefs and values. Some examples are: following a faith or religion; praying or attending a service; reading inspirational books or quotes; listening to uplifting music or podcasts; volunteering or donating to a cause; spending time in nature or with animals; expressing yourself creatively through art or writing; or joining a community or group that shares your interests.

    In conclusion, the start of a new year is a great time to focus on improving your health and well-being. By incorporating some of the tips we discussed in this blog post, such as setting achievable goals, making small changes to your lifestyle, and seeking support from loved ones or professionals, you can work towards becoming a healthier and happier version of yourself in 2024. Remember to prioritize self-care, listen to your body, and celebrate your progress along the way. 
    Here’s to a healthier you in the new year!

  • Why is there a Teacher Shortage in Special Education?

    Special educators serve a critical role in our nation’s public school, yet 45% of schools reported vacancies in special education roles, and 78% reported difficulty in hiring special education staff.

    Special educators serve just as much of a critical role in serving our nation’s most fragile students, however there is currently a huge shortage in teachers for students with disabilities. Below are reasons why there is a critical shortage in Special Education teachers.

    High Demand. There is a consistently high demand for special education teachers due to the increasing awareness and identification of students with special needs. As more students are diagnosed with disabilities, the need for qualified special education teachers rises. Even in charter schools, while they have small instructional classes for students with Autism,  however it can be one teacher, one teacher assistant, and 5 to 15 in a class.

    Lack of Qualified Teachers. Special education requires specialized training to meet the diverse needs of students with disabilities. However, there is often a shortage of educators with the necessary qualifications and expertise in this field.

    High Burnout Rate. Special education teachers often face unique challenges and stressors, including dealing with complex student needs, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and demanding classroom environments. This can lead to a higher burnout rate compared to teachers in general education.

    Insufficient Resources. Special education programs may lack the necessary resources, including funding, support staff, and materials. This can make it difficult for teachers to effectively address the diverse needs of their students. In Texas, districts historically received about $700 million, however due to a federal ruling, the state of Texas will now receive $300 million less in funding per year moving forward. According to ABC-13 News, a federal audit found many Texas schools weren’t using the correct coding when providing services to special education students, which resulted in overpayments.

    Complex Paperwork and Regulations. Special education teachers often have to navigate complex paperwork, regulations, and legal requirements associated with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). This administrative burden can discourage some educators from entering or staying in the field. In 2023, Houston Independent School District faced a takeover by the Texas Education Agency with one of the reasons being the district’s special education department and their “well-documented” issues that have lasted over a decade. Since the state takeover and many changes in leadership, the parents of those students with disabilities have reported that their children are struggling to keep up with the fast-paced lessons per the New Education System standards.

    Inadequate Professional Development. Continuous professional development is crucial for special education teachers to stay updated on the latest research and teaching strategies. However, limited access to quality professional development opportunities can contribute to the shortage.

    Competing Opportunities: Some individuals with the necessary qualifications for special education teaching may be drawn to other career opportunities, such as higher-paying positions in general education or related fields.

    Tackling this shortage requires a comprehensive approach that involves improving training programs, increasing resources, providing better support for educators, and raising awareness about the significance of special education. Efforts to address these challenges are essential to ensure that students with special needs receive the quality education and support they deserve.

    This is the time for parents of special needs students, community members, special education educators and liaisons to come together and build for these students; the most vulnerable yet amazing population so we can create amazing leaders prepared for society’s future.

  • Trouble in the Valley

    The content provides a detailed account of recent events and perspectives related to sexual abuse allegations at the university, whom shall remain anonymous. It offers a balanced view of different reactions to the situation. In light of the recent Katt Williams’ amazing and explosive interview with Shannon Sharpe, people have been coming out of the woodworks speaking on their experiences of long-term sexual abuse, misconduct, and more. To some, it is “clout-chasing” and to others it is “raising and bringing awareness.”

    On January 6th, an alum of a Mississippi HBCU who goes by “Dee Bee” posted on his Facebook account, “____ ____ was the ‘Diddy’ of valley, you gotta tell ____ no.” Within the 318 comments, there were plenty of laughing emojis, gif reactions, some shocked emojis, a few who agreed, and some who told him to not even bother with explaining. One person commented, “He’s not the only one either.”

    But “Dee Bee” went to YouTube with a video telling his thoughts regarding his Facebook post and his personal experiences with sexual advances made towards him and others while attending the university. “Dee Bee” starts off his video with “the (Facebook) post was long overdue in my eyes” and “this is really about people coming forth and telling their truth and telling their side…there’s been so many different times that people had to be quiet (or) things had to be swept under the rug.” He told a story about a young man joining a fraternity on campus, and was later approached at his dorm by his mentor asking “now that you got your paperwork…now that you are one of us, what are you going to do for me?”

    Dee Bee goes on to say that when he was a student at the HBCU, there weren’t people around to advocate for students in situations resulting to sexual harassment. He along with many other students were from out of town, so they had to form their own community and stick up for one another. Dee Bee recalled a few other stories of students who were (allegedly) sexually harassed and assaulted, and prominent staff members either knew or participated. He felt the “gatekeepers” of the university failed the students by providing zero safety or the confidence to report such incidents. At the end of the video, he encouraged his viewers to come forward with their stories.

    The comments of Dee Bee’s video was a mixed bag. One viewer gave her appreciation of “all of these factual points to light” and finishes her comment with stating people on campus misused their positions for sexual gain and if it isn’t discusses it will continue. Another viewer, KB, commented twice; first asking how does this video help the university. His first comment goes on to say, “Sounds just like a person who wants to feel important because these alleged stories is all he got.” Under that comment, people came to Dee Bee’s defense validating what he said. One respondent said, “It will help future students who are violated and harassed while trying to get a college education and join organizations. It ain’t right.” KB comments again asking Dee Bee how he cares about Valley but tear it down without regards to how this could affect enrollment. He goes on to say, “You let that Katt Williams interview trigger your own dislike for Valley.”

    Dee Bee’s video has hit 1,185 views and counting. More people are coming to Dee Bee’s original Facebook post and video repost saying they are proud of him for coming forward. In my opinion, Dee Bee did what needed to be done. Exposing those who were supposed to once teach, mentor, and protect the students as the predators they really are brings awareness to current and future students, as well as their families. But judging him and saying he’s bringing down the morale of the university is wrong. The staff members brought down the morale of the university by doing what they (allegedly) did or not holding those accountable for what they knew was wrong.

    Will this one video inspire others to share their story? Stay tuned…

    If you have been sexually assaulted or harassed, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or chat online at online.rainn.org. It is available 24/7 and completely confidential.