Holistic Parenting from The Pan-Afrikan Perspective

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2010-09-05T12:42:00.002-04:00

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Mothering With Joy

2010-03-13T17:54:00.003-05:00

A smile really goes a long way. When Monique won an Oscar for playing the most horrible mother of the year I cringed. Phylicia Rashad never won any awards for her role as Claire Huxtable on TV. Many times society and Hollywood never praises the mother who is intelligent, beautiful, and most of all happy. Many mothers cannot keep a smile on their face that displays pure joy when acting or just simply being. Phlycia Rashad showed the side of the black woman that we rarely get to see. Even, when there were challenges with her children and family there still was a joy. She loved Black men and she adored her husband. She didnt resort to conflict to resolve issues. She was sexy and she wasnt needy. She could hold her own. A lot of people felt the Cosby show was just too happy. It wasn’t real. Families and children need “too happy” in their lives. We need to recognize and celebrate happy women.

I have noticed that mothers who neglect their children get a lot more help than mother’s who are there for their children. Mothers who parent with a smile and do the right thing get fewer calls with someone on the other end of the phone offering to help out or take the children for a day. I have noticed that people are more likely to do more for parents who are doing all the wrong things, because they feel sorry. Too many Black people get high off of misery. Many in the Black community celebrated Monique’s Oscar win for playing a horrible Black mother. Good mothers need celebration and accolades too. Hollywood has never allowed another Claire Huxtable to grace the screen. How many Hollywood offers has Phylicia Rashad received? I sometimes wonder how many Black actresses even know how to play a role where they radiate as a mother and wife. Too many Black women know how to play a bitch. How many know how to be joyful? Children need joyful mothers. It really makes a difference. The role of the Black mother needs to be re-defined. Yes, it can be a struggle sometimes. But, we do not have to take it out on our children. Parent with a smile, help mothers to keep smiling.

Iya Raet
The book, "Holistic Parenting from the Pan-Afrikan Perspective" , is still available at http://www.afrikanparenting.com .

Grandfathering, a Dying Art

2010-02-14T11:40:00.003-05:00

(Picture courtesy of, picture-book.com/node/2814.)

I was laying bed with my son this morning and the spirit said to me that grandfathers are important. We have lost so many of our grandfathers due to many leaving during the age of welfare, when men in the house equaled no benefits. We have lost grandfathers due to prisons and health reasons too. I lost my maternal grandfather to cancer. However, his spirit has always been with me. He gave my grandmother a wedding present that sat in my room as a child. This present now sits in my son’s bedroom.

My paternal grandfather never knew how to read but was very intelligent and had children who were very book smart. His weakness never stopped him from accomplishing goals.

Grandfathers give us ambition. They show the end result of hard work and keeping families together. They prove what hard work and determination can get you. Grandparents teach in more silent and effective ways and allow us to grow fluidly with courage. Parents don’t always have the maturity to accomplish this.

Many grandfathers who were born in the south, like mine, are/were great farmers and medicine men. Many of our elders know how to hustle a dollar and provide. These men can build homes, fix plumbing, lay brick, and fix cars. Our youths are sadly missing this. If you have elders in your life, visit and learn from them. Expose your children to wisdom. Parents have lot knowledge, but lack wisdom. Look out for elders who are not your blood in your community if you have no elders in your family.
There are many reasons why young black females are excelling more than the males. Many have access to grandmothers and are learning invaluable tools.

In the book,” Of Water and the Spirit by Malidome Patrice Some he writes, “A child's first few years are crucial. The grandfather must tell the grandson what the child said while still a fetus in his mother's womb. Then, he must gradually help him build a connection with his father, who will help him with the hard challenges up ahead. My father used to complain that his life was calamitous because he never knew his grandfather, who disappeared before he was born. Had he known him, my father said, he would never have lost his first family, never spent his youth working in a gold mine or later embraced the Catholic religion with a fervor grander than the one that linked him to his ancestors. His stepbrothers, who knew their grandfather, did not have the kind of restlessness that plagued my father. The frustration of a grandfatherless male child has no cure.”

Iya Raet
The book, "Holistic Parenting from the Pan-Afrikan Perspective" , is still available at http://www.afrikanparenting.com .

Never Too Early To Learn Self- Sufficiency

2010-01-10T12:09:00.001-05:00

It is never too early to teach children to become self-sufficient. Sometimes as parents we go about our day rushing. Sometimes we need to slow down and allow our children to be a part of lives. Cooking is an excellent way to incorporate our children into our tasks. Many adults cannot prepare a decent meal for their families today, leading to a variety of health problems. My father knew how to fish, clean, and cook the fish. My best friend’s father is an excellent gardener. Food skills are life skills, and are not just limited to women.

Teaching children how to cook encourages listening, comprehension, math, and reading skills. Kids need to know the benefits of knowing how to read and calculate. Cleaning up afterwards teaches organization. Learning should be a part of everyday life. Today my four-year-old son and I made pancakes from scratch. Children being a part of meal preparations also can curb picking eating and encourages family time.

Kids can prepare a meal instead of watching TV while they wait to eat for their food.

Raet

http://www.afrikanparenting.com (BOOKS ARE STILL AVAILABLE)

Children Who Choose Difficult Paths

2010-01-09T18:45:00.002-05:00

I tend to look at birth in a very African context. I believe all children are independent spirits of their parents that choose their mothers and fathers. I sometimes look at children who choose to be born in a womb that is doing drugs, parents who have no interest in having children, pregnancies that will end in abortion.

My own son was born not breathing for more than six minutes. My son barely moved in the womb. During my pregnancy I even told my son that I respected his decision if he chose not to enter the world. I could feel his spirit was not intent on coming into the physical realm. The midwife only saw a child as lifeless as my son one other time. She has delivered over 2000 babies. During the birth I was at peace even when he was not breathing. However, my mother, grandma, godmother, midwives, doula, and my son’s father were not at peace. Eventually, the midwife said that she did all she could do, it was now up to the parents. My son finally breathed.

I also look at spirits who choose to be born with disabilities. There are some teachings that speak of troubled ancestors, who choose very troubling paths. These children have to be carefully monitored and need to feel welcomed if they do enter this physical realm. These are children choosing to deal with very karmic issues. In Western societies we sometimes look at physical and mental disabilities as accidents or things that just happened or were genetically influenced.

Sobonfu Some’s book, “Welcoming Spirit Home” speaks on miscarriages, still births, SIDs and healing. She speaks of beings called Chiekuos. They are travelers or passing spirits, they like the idea of going places, but not staying there. She herself was a Chiekuo. Chiekuo pregnancies either end in miscarriages, still births, or sudden death syndrome. Diviners keep an eye on chiekuos and sometimes trick them into staying. If a Chiekuo dies at birth to a woman repeatedly certain rituals are done. They are able to identify the Chiekuo if she comes again. Grieving rituals are also performed. There are many ways of dealing with birth issues other than contemporary Western thought and they definitely need to be explored. I recommend Some’s book, “Welcoming Spirit Home”, if you can find it online used get it. The book is out of print. It has many rituals including healing from the death of a child.

Books are still available, “Holistic Parenting from the Pan-Afrikan Perspective”, at http://www.afrikanparenting.com .
Raet

Mental Sickness

2010-01-01T15:41:00.003-05:00

Behind every illness is an emotional or physical trigger. Herbs, natural remedies, western medicine and allopathic remedies will not get to the root of the disease if you do not rectify the emotional causes.
In my household my son and I have had respiratory infections for two years straight around December 21st, the Winter Solstice. The next year we were respiratory infection free. I now have a severe respiratory infection. My son does not. Louise L. Hay’s has a book, “Heal Your Body”, she states that respiratory infections are caused by a fear of taking in life fully. A positive affirmation for this is, “I am Safe. I love my life”.

My son once had ringworm for two years straight around late Winter/Early Spring. Skin rashes sometimes are expression of guilt and anger. He also has a tendency to not let scars heal and make turn them into sores. Sores represent an unexpressed anger that has settled in. Look very closely at your children’s emotional and mental issues before they become too problematic.
My son has to find ways to express his emotions in positive ways. There are positive affirmations for children to recite and heal.

Other Health Problems and Emotional Triggers:

Stomach Problems – Fear

Skin Rashes and Irritations – Not feeling protected

Colic- Mental irritation and a need for a more peaceful environment.

Bronchitis – Possibly a lot of screaming and yelling in the home.

Birth Defects – Karmic: Children deciding to come here this way. This is unfinished business. Children come here independent of their parents. Parents do not create their children’s spirit.

Some illnesses and diseases occur in patterns. Patters need to be broken. If you see things repeatedly look at the root and the mental/emotional issues. Mental illness is bigger than many of the popular psychological issues you here about often such as bi-polar, depression, ADD, etc.

Raet
http:/www.afrikanparenting.com , BOOKS STILL ARE AVAILABLE.

Sickness/detoxification is a normal part of life

2009-10-22T11:35:00.003-04:00

I have a younger cousin who has a son that is 5-years-old he is usually a very sweet young man. His father took him to get a flu shot. He was not happy at all. He left out of the office before his father and let the door slam in his face. Children sometimes instinctually know what is and what is not good for them.

Sickness/detoxification is a normal part of life that we cannot always avoid. But, we can be prepared for it. Just, because you get the flu or any illness, does not mean it has to be very harsh or fatal.

I have seen that my son has a little cough and sometimes his nose is running. He has been taking elderberry syrup during the day, compounds in elderberry bind with viruses before they can penetrate the walls of cells.

He also takes a multivitamin, Vitamin C, and astragulus daily. Good hygiene and proper hand washing is a must. Eating healthy meals and foods that are in season are also key. A strong immunes system fights against ill conditions. If your kids eat a lot of white sugar, white flour, white rice, artificial dyes, etc. they are at risk. Giving your kids halloween candy and eating unhealthy foods on Thansgiving can cause illness.

When my son goes to whole foods that have samples of green drinks in juice, http://www.amazinggrass.com/chocolate-green-superfood-powder.html . He loves to drink these samples. So, this morning he had peach/cranberry juice with some green vibrance in it. Some of the ingredients, http://www.inspiredliving.com/health-wellness-center/index1.html . The supplements work for my family because kids don’t always eat complete meals.

Allow your kids to rest, they need routine scheduled early bedtimes.

If you are thinking about getting your family the swine flu shot think again, it is not safe. I am sure you have seen the young lady who made news that can now only walk backwards after receiving the swine flu shot, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mScGC7nFDxM.

Avoiding the flu naturally, http://www.ehow.com/how_4933940_avoid-swine-flu-naturally.html

Buy, Holistic Parenting from the Pan-Afrikan Perspective today, http://www.afrikanparenting.com

Heal With What You Already Have In The Home

2009-09-15T14:13:00.001-04:00

Many people feel that they may not have access/money for natural remedies. But, we do. Our grandparents used the healing tools that we already had in the home.
Basic products you probably already have:

Raw Honey - Antiseptic

Apple Cider Vinegar - Antiseptic wash wounds (dilute ¼ cider, to 1 cup of water). Can be applied to fungus on the skin including thrush and ringworm.

Lemons – Can be added to raw honey to make a simple cough syrup. Lemon can also be added to garlic boiled in water to make garlic lemonade (helps to clear infections).

Cinnamon – Stomach aches, nausea, and vomiting.

Onions- My family’s remedy for high fever is sliced onions in the socks.

Garlic – Antimicrobial and antiviral

Recipes for Cinnamon Milk and Garlic Juice, http://afrikanparenting.blogspot.com/2008/12/herb-pantry.html

Los Angeles Afrikan Holistic Parenting Workshop

There are three sessions, same workshop. The idea is to provide everyone with a convenient time.$10.00

Saturday, September 19, 2009
First Cypher from 10:00 am - 12:30 pm
OR
Second Cypher from 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm
OR
Sunday, September 20, 2009
2:00 pm - 4:30 pm

The workshops will be held at the KRST UNITY CENTER OF AFRAKAN SPIRTUAL SCIENCE
7825 South Western Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90047
For more information, http://www.melodiccypher.org/Upcoming-Events.php

Buy the book, Holistic Parenting from the Pan-Afrikan Perspective today at http://www.afrikanparenting.com . Limited amount of copies left.

Picky Eaters

2009-09-08T10:25:00.004-04:00

Feeding toddlers can be frustrating, many are very picky. I am sure many parents get tired of dinner battles. Some studies show that children form their likes for certain foods in the womb. So, if you want a good well-round eater, eat healthy during pregnancy. The only meal that my son will eat everytime without complaint is Ethiopian food. I believe I ate Ethiopian food almost every other day when I was pregnant. As parents we create the outer environments in the womb. Be mindful of the emotional, spiritual, and physical energies, including food you expose your unborn too.

Julie Mennella, of the Monell Chemical Senses research institute in Philadelphia, said: "Flavours from the mother's diet are transmitted through amniotic fluid and mother's milk. A baby learns to like a food's taste when the mother eats that food on a regular basis."
http://www.wellsphere.com/raw-food-article/mother-s-diet-the-key-to-baby-s-taste-buds/224952

Advice for parents with picky eaters, http://vegkitchen.com/kid-friendly-recipes/picky-eater.htm .

Buy Holistic Parenting from the Pan-Afrikan Perspective today at http://www.afrikanparenting.com . Copies are limited!

Essential Oils that calm and ground children

2009-09-03T09:35:00.003-04:00

Fall is approaching, many changes are happening in my household, including my toddler’s behavior. He is sometimes having trouble adjusting to change and disappointment. Verbal warnings and physical punishments do not always resolve behavior issues. The essential oil vetiver has been studied and improves focus and learning among ADD and ADHD children, showing improvements in 100 percent of subjects.

Vetiver Benefits:

•Relaxing, grounding, calming, stabilizing
•Relieves Stress, tension, irritability,anger
•Prevents hysteria, neurotic behavior
•Relieves mental and physical exhaustion

Small children can simply smell it. It can be used in an oil burner. You can also have it rubbed on the big toe or feet of children. Teenagers and adults can apply the oil gently on the shoulders or neck. Always dilute essential oils with water or carrier oil when using essential oils with children.

Buy Holistic Parenting from the Pan-Afrikan Perspective today at http://www.afrikanparenting.com . Copies are limited!

Afrikan Holistic Parenting Workshops coming to L.A.

2009-08-31T09:59:00.009-04:00

Saturday, September 19, 2009
First Cypher from 10:00 am - 12:30 pm
Second Cypher from 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm

Sunday, September 20, 2009
2:00 pm - 4:30 pm

The workshop will be held at the KRST UNITY CENTER OF AFRAKAN SPIRTUAL SCIENCE
7825 South Western Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90047

Iya Raet, lovingly called Raet, comes to us all the way from Philadelphia Pennsylvania. She is a phenomenal activist and motivator who promotes and supports the Pan-Afrikan way of parenting. Raet’s mission is to help our mothers connect/reconnect with our divine and natural ways of mothering by uplifting our community through education; in turn renewing our minds to promote a collective and positive vibration.

You will experience an exciting, informative and hands-on presentation covering numerous topics from her book including:

Womb and Environmental Health for Mother and Baby
Womb Communication and Rituals
Healthy Pregnancies and Labor
Welcoming and Blessing Ceremonies
Placenta Burial and Postpartum Rituals
40-day Rest after Birth
Baby Wearing
Cloth Diapering
Celebration of the New Family
Sacred Space in the home for the Family
Spiritually Cleansing your home for your Family
Toxic Free Home
Vaccine Exemptions
Rites of Passage for Children
Holistic Diet for Children
Medicinal Herb Use
Vibration Healing for Children

The workshop will be held at the KRST UNITY CENTER OF AFRAKAN SPIRTUAL SCIENCE
7825 South Western Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90047

Entry is only $15.00!

Refreshments will be served!

HOLISTIC PARENTING FROM THE PAN-AFRIKAN PERSPECTIVE will be available for purchase!

Tickets will also be available for purchase at the Melodic Cypher for a Wholistic Lifestyle table in the drumming circle area at Leimert Park on the following

Sundays:
August 30th, September 6th and September 13th from 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

For more information,http://www.melodiccypher.org/Upcoming-Events.php

But tickets online , http://www.melodiccypher.org/Tickets.php

Breastfeeding, When Do You Stop?

2009-08-26T12:28:00.004-04:00

August is breastfeeding awareness month. I came across an article, Breastfeeding My Jump-Roping Hula Hooper, http://www.mothering.com/breastfeeding-my-jump-roping-hula-hooper.

Excerpt:
Ally, my five-year-old daughter, greets me after school by burying her nose in my cotton shirt, between my breasts, and inhaling. "Smells like Mommy," she says. "Nursie?"
As she climbs into my lap, I stroke her silky hair and take in her scents of herbal shampoo and fruit spritzer. Sunshine spills into our kitchen from the skylight above us, warming the smooth skin on her bare arms. "When do you plan on weaning her?" my close friends like to ask. There's no judgment in their voices, only a question mark. I search for a response that conveys how I feel, but I don't know how to answer. When do I plan to stop preparing Ally peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwiches for lunch? Exactly when do I think I'll quit tying her shoelaces? Do I know which month and year I'll no longer jog along beside her while she's riding her bike? Ally shifts in my lap. "My tummy hurts," she says. "Nursie makes me feel better." She presses her nose against one of my breasts and breathes deeply. "Nursie has lots of vitamins. It's good for me when my tummy aches" she tells me.

Mothering magazine has sometimes disturbed me with its ultra liberal ways. When you see Black men in photos they are usually with white woman or interracial kids. You hardly ever see a black family. However, they do have a lot of other good info.

So what do yall think? I do think that in the US with so many food options, 5 years is a little extreme if the child has no health issues. I do not see much of a nutritional benefits, maybe its an emotional thing? But to each her own.

Buy the book, Holistic Parenting from the Pan-Afrikan Perspective today at http://www.afrikanparenting.com . Limited amount of copies left.

CDC is now pushing circumcision for all American boys

2009-08-25T11:45:00.002-04:00

The Center for Disease Control is now pushing circumcision for all American boys in order to prevent HIV, http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,541970,00.html. Even though the American Academy of Pediatrics has said it is unnecessary. "The move comes after officials analyzed the results of several studies that show in African countries hit hard by HIV, men who were circumcised reduced their infection risk by half, the New York Times reported.” But most Africans are not even give n HIV test. If they exhibit signs of diarrhea, coughing, itchy hands, and other medical conditions they are diagnoses with having HIV. Many Africans are suffering from malaria, tuberculosis, measles, and malnutrition. These ailments alone create antibodies. HIV test do not look for the actual HIV virus, but reactive antibodies. So, these so-called HIV test are actually misleading. To use this as the basis to circumcise all newborns in the US is ludicrous.

I understand circumcision for people who are Jewish and Jewish rabbi performing the procedure. I understand it for people of certain African cultures who perform this rite on young men by a priest as a rite of passage. However, I don’t understand the procedure being performed on all boys of all cultures by a doctor for looks. Many argue against female circumcision when they mutilate boys just for looks, not spirituality or rites of passage. I respect all parents choices, just be clear on the practices you expose your newborn too.

Excerpt from my book:
Today, the circumcision rate in the United States has dropped to below 60 percent - and as low as 34 percent in Western states, according to the National Center for Health Statistics of the United States Department of Health and Human Services. Circumcision will not decrease urinary tract infections, STDs, or penile cancers. An uncircumcised penis is clean and should not be considered as bad hygiene. As stated earlier the Afrikan man was especially targeted for circumcision. Western society has always had an obsession with the Afrikan penis. Superstitions and myths were created about the size of the Afrikan man's penis and his sex drive. Even today he is blamed for the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. White men believed and still believe he has to protect the White woman from this diseased and over sexed Black buck.

Dr. Eugene Hand wrote about the "promiscuous" Afrikan male: Circumcision is not common among Negroes. When done it often is later in life and frequently is due to recurrent venereal disease. The sex education of most Negroes is meager. They tend to accept venereal disease with less fear or social taboo than do most Jews and gentiles. Many Negroes are promiscuous. In Negroes there is little circumcision, little knowledge or fear of venereal disease and promiscuity in almost a hornet's nest of infection. Thus the venereal rate in Negroes has remained high.

In the late 1800s, Dr. Peter Charles Remondino was one of the vocal advocates of circumcision. Doctors such as himself wanted to enforce the circumcision of all Afrikan males to protect white women from rape. He believed circumcision would also be a means of keeping the Negro clean because he was too ignorant to understand hygiene. Remondino wanted to make it a law that all Afrikan males be circumcised.

Buy the book, Holistic Parenting from the Pan-Afrikan Perspective today at http://www.afrikanparenting.com . Limited amount of copies left.

Are you causing your child's brain and muscles to become lazy prior to school?

2009-08-13T10:01:00.004-04:00

Breakfast literally means, to break your fast. The body has hopefully fasted for 10 hours or more. Fasts should be broken with ease. Some children eat foods high in fat prior to going to school. Instead of maybe fruits, grains, and a high protein that has reasonable amount of fat. Many parents and teachers wonder why children do not perform well in school. Studies show high fat diets can cause stupidity and laziness.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/livescience/20090812/sc_livescience/highfatdietmaymakeyoustupidandlazy

Ideal Breakfast Foods (Vegan and Non-Vegan)
Including whole grains (oatmeal or whole-grain breads) and high-quality protein (eggs, ricotta or cottage cheese) in your kid's breakfast will keep his energy going all morning. Adding small amounts of fat (butter, nut butters or cream cheese) slows digestion and regulates blood sugar. For sweetness, add fruit or fruit-only jam. Try to avoid high-sugar foods like breakfast cereals with more than 10 grams of sugar per serving or anything containing high-fructose corn syrup. These can cause blood sugar to rise and then dip later, resulting in sleepy or cranky kids.
Ideal foods for breakfast are eggs, cheese, yogurt, berries, apples or bananas, carrots, peppers or sweet potatoes, nut butters, whole grain breads, muffins or oatmeal.

http://www.ehow.com/way_5143758_breakfast-nutrition-kids.html

Buy the book, Holistic Parenting from the Pan-Afrikan Perspective today at http://www.afrikanparenting.com . Limited amount of copies left.

Calming and Healing Children Naturally

2009-08-10T12:09:00.003-04:00

My 4-year-old son has been a little angry. Yesterday we went to the beach. I allowed the waters to calm his spirit. I allowed the sun to charge and heal him. Time in nature creates a space for balanced emotions. He looked so renewed at the beach. He told me, "Yemaya hit me with a wave, that was the coolest part".
Yemaya is a Yoruba deity that rules the top layer of the ocean. She protects and nourishes all, especially women and children. She washes away hurt and misery.

A healthy functioning liver also can ease anger issues. Adults can do more intense liver cleanses. I would not recommend this for a child. However, you can add liver healing and detoxing foods to your child's daily diet. Foods that clean the liver and keep it functioning healthy are:

Apples, Beets, Garlic, Onions, Broccoli,
Brussel sprouts, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Prunes
Raisons, Berries, Plums, Oranges, Pink grapefruit
Cantaloupe, Pears, Artichoke,
Bitter leafy salad greens (dandelion, chicory, endive, rocket).

When we heal our children we must use all our resources, both physical and spiritual. This is the way of our ancestors.

Buy the book, Holistic Parenting from the Pan-Afrikan Perspective today at http://www.afrikanparenting.com . Limited amount of copies left.

Anyone who teaches a child to walk, can teach her to walk gracefully

2009-07-23T15:19:00.002-04:00

“Anyone who teaches a child to walk can, teach her to walk gracefully", a Yoruba proverb about parenting, an example of guidance as opposed to training. No one actually teaches a child to walk. A baby gets up and takes the initiative to learn and those around him guide him as to the best way to do so. I do not think it is necessary to train children. I think it is necessary to guide them. Training a child presupposes that the child does not know what is good for himself because he is too young to know and too small to impose his will upon others. Adults as the bigger and older person take them by hook or by crook to this predetermined destination, the place that adults have decided is right for the child.

Training can be identified by how it looks, the parent looks stressed the child looks depressed. Neither one appears too happy about parenting or about being parented. The parent feels as if parenting is a burden. There is generally a great deal of yelling. The child is threatened verbally. Degrading threatening things are said. The child is usually spanked often to maintain his fear of the parent and to impose the parent's will upon the child.

How it feels...
When a child is being trained, everyone else in the room usually becomes quiet because it feels bad, scary, wrong to all of us, not the just the child who is on the receiving end of it. The primary tool used for training a child is fear. The fear of being spanked, fear of being degraded. This fear is the same fear seen in Western religions. Fear of going to hell as a tool to make folks "act right". Western societies use fear of going to jail as a tool to make folks "act right". We can see that use of fear has failed. Folks are NOT "acting right".

Guidance on the other hand presupposes that the child is good, loving, and kind. He is capable of making rational decisions about the things that are an integral part of his child-life and his child-world. When you guide a child you allow him to tell you where he wants to go and what he wants to do. You help him get there. Guiding can be identified by how it looks as well. The child looks happy, loved, and excited about life. The parent looks happy to be parenting. They appear to be at ease.

How it sounds...
The parent speaks TO the child not AT the child, the parent allows the child to speak and to explain himself. His actions and his desired outcome...the parent does not yell unless the child is about to harm himself or someone else. When the child is spanked, which is rare, it is done in the spirit of correcting or alleviating a particular action NOT because the child is inherently bad, dumb, or incapable of making rational decisions.

How it feels...
It feels affirming to watch a child, any child being gently guided by those who love him...we sit and watch it and wish we had been parented that way and we plan to parent that way when we have the opportunity.

The primary tool used for guiding a child is love. The same love that Majority Peoples have used since the beginning of human kind to uplift and enlighten each other. This love presupposes that everyone wants a peaceful, calm, loving life, and therefore works to maintain peace calmness and love.

The Western world is built upon the premise that within any relationship someone must dominate and someone must submit. Within this model the one who is supposed to submit can also be abused to force this submission. In any given relationship then, according to this model there is an individual whom it is acceptable to abuse. Children fall into the category of acceptable victims, as do women, small animals and even EarthMother. The one who dominates is allowed to do so because within the Western paradigm he is superior and therefore knows what is best for everyone and everything else.

The Majority Peoples (black, brown, and red peoples) paradigm is based upon knowledge that each and every thing that has been granted the ashe (divine power) to live has a divine knowledge of how to live its life and how to fulfill its own unique destiny. Therefore we seek to peacefully co-exist with each other and with all things, not our age, nor our size, nor our gender, nor our color or physical appearance, give us the right to impose our will upon another being. Even though we profess to be in the process of destroying this wicked Western system revolutionary parents sometimes fall prey to the same Western paradigm when it comes to our parenting methods. We must remember that we cannot raise WHOLE children using methods that have been proven to fail. We must SANKOFA: go back and fetch our ancient parenting methods if we wish to raise the pyramid builders, civilization creators, star traveler, and empire manifestors that our children were born to be, that we Majority Peoples have been since time began.

Apetebii Iyalorisha Oshunyemi Akalatunde

Born and raised in the tiny hamlet of Columbia, TN, Oshunyemi was inundated with Afrikan-American spiritual practices since birth. Her matriculation at Fisk University in Nashville led her to begin to seek the origins of the "superstitions" of her youth. Once she discovered the West Afrikan and Native American roots of most of the practices she began to study the Yoruba tradition. She was initiated into the priesthood in 1994 as a votary of the munificent deity Oshun. She began divining almost immediately after initiation and has performed lectures, naming ceremonies, weddings, house cleansings, and funerary rites for the past 12 years. She is the co-founder of Onitoju Ona Agbani ( Keepers of the Ancient Path) New Afrikan Vodun Spiritual Temple in Nashville and the founder of Ile Eko Se Pataki Cooperative Homeschool.She is the creatrix of Raising Revolutionaries (http://raisingrevolutionaries.ning.com) a website & social network for Black Nationalist parenting, and the Ose Tura Institute(http://osetura.wordpress.com)an organization that teaches Yoruba spirituality through divination, courses & rituals.She was made Iyawofa in Abeokuta, Nigeria in 1999. She is the proud home schooling mother of five beautiful daughters and one valiant son. She is the author of Ona Agbani: The Ancient Path, a treatise on Yoruba spirituality (http://www.lulu.com/content/paperback-book/ona-agbani-the-ancient-path-understanding-and-implementing-the-ways-of-our-ancestors/501547) She is the descendant of a lineage of Afrikan and Native American wise women (also known as "witches") and learned early spellcrafting at her mother's knee. She received her B.A. in English from Fisk University and is currently completing her Master's thesis at Tennessee State University.

This is an exerpt from my July/August 2009 neswletter. Buy your copy of, “Holistic Parenting from the Pan-Afrikan Perspective Today!The book will be going out of print soon, at http://www.afrikanparenting.com !

Natural Infant Hygiene

2009-07-09T14:52:00.001-04:00

Buy Holistic Parenting from the Pan-Afrikan Perspective today! The book will be going out of print. I have no idea when it will be back in print. So, if you want a copy get it now! http://www.afrikanparenting.com .

Africa's biggest Asset

2009-06-24T11:03:00.005-04:00

Today many African children are being adopted by Caucasian famiies. We all know about the Madonna’s and Angelina Jolie’s adopting, but many common Americans are adopting too. So much of Europe is poor with crowded orphanages but you don’t s hear about too many celebrities adopting these children. I remember when the Tsunami happened. Many White Americans had interest in adopting these children. The government immediately released a statement saying that the children who loss parents still have extended family and adoption is not necessary.

Many children in African communities have extended family and community that can help care for them. I wonder why many of the people who love Africa and its children don’t contribute to: wells, nutrition, schools, jobs etc. Such things would allow the community to provide for itself, creating and keeping assets in Africa. Children are Africa’s biggest asset. When you remove children and educate them outside of Africa it creates a brain drain. When Africa’s brightest leave Africa this only means a dim future for Africa.

My family’s favorite food is Ethiopian food. I was eating dinner and an Ethiopian child was with her White family. The waitress began to speak to her in Amharic. The parents said,” Oh she has forgotten the language”. I wondered if they even thought of making friends in the Ethiopian community here, so the child could know her language, her country. I wondered what they would say to her when she gets older and realizes she is different. Wouldn’t it be more comforting if she had the Ethiopian community to support her?

I have a son who lives in Ghana. He is not my biological son, but I help pay for his school fees with a group of other sisters. I met an American born woman who has chief status in Ghana. I support her organization that helps children with their school fees. The money sent to him also provides, shoes, uniforms, socks, notebooks, backpack, pens and pencils. He wants to be a doctor. I rather this doctor stay and heal in Africa. Africa needs her children. I think she has lost enough children to the Diaspora.

My son Vincent:

Buy Holistic Parenting from the Pan-Afrikan Perspective today! The book will be going out of print. I have no idea when it will be back in print. So, if you want a copy get it now! http://www.afrikanparenting.com

Urban Communities and Their Food Choices

2009-05-29T13:12:00.007-04:00

I do not even leave in New York. But in the poor communties where I live all the corner stores are bodega's with the exact same products. I went to a corner store in the downtown area and they had many of the same products as Whole Foods.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11nsZ3lEWD0

Holistic Parenting From The Pan-Afrikan Perspective Buy Holistic Parenting from the Pan-Afrikan Perspective today! The book will be going out of print. I have no idea when it will be back in print. So, if you want a copy get it now!
http://www.afrikanparenting.com

Teach Our Children To Build What We Need : Solar Cooking

2009-05-28T11:15:00.003-04:00

Due to no-child left behind many children are not learning much in school. The teachers are being told to teach children how to pass standardized test. Some schools no longer teach social studies, because it is not on the test.

Phonics is becoming unheard of, many children are only memorizing. Most of these children will never read beyond a 4th – 7th grade reading level. Comprehension will not be something they do well.
I honestly believe schools should be over at 10th grade. A job, trade, or college should be the next step. 50 -75% of young Black males will never graduate. Homeschooling and private schools are the best options for children, no child left behind mandates do not affect them. Yes, I know this is not an option for all parents.

Children, especially boys love to take a part thing and put things together. As a child the boys would play with firecrackers and make bombs with soda bottles. Yes, this sounds dangerous to some. But, this is the nature of a lot of boys. They simply need proper outlets and adult supervision to create and explore. I am in no way trying to be biased. But, our young black men are more at risk than young women. Young women can easier assimilate in a school system that is basically forces white feminine behavior on children. Most of the teachers are young white females. Who are our daughters going to marry if we do not begin to focus on our sons?

We must teach again, learning must be hands-on, fun, and relevant again. A great experiment and life skill would be making a solar oven. The book, “Holistic Parenting from the Pan-Afrikan Perspective” touches on alternative energy. This is a great project for children to do in the summer.
The Fun-Panel solar panel cooker can be built in about an hour from a single cardboard box and some aluminum foil. I have seen children do some magical things when it comes to creating and building. Let’s make science and learning practical and again!

I think projects such as this would be great for self-sufficiency rites-of-passage curriculums.

Fun-Panel Solar Panel Cooker, instructions:
http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/solarcooking/images/9/9c/Fun-Panel2_Instructions.pdf

There are many different types of cookers you can make at home, above is just one, just google to find more.

Holistic Parenting From The Pan-Afrikan Perspective Buy Holistic Parenting from the Pan-Afrikan Perspective today! The book will be going out of print. I have no idea when it will be back in print. So, if you want a copy get it now!

http://www.afrikanparenting.com

Destiny

2009-05-19T10:40:00.001-04:00

You never know who a/your child may grow up to be. Nurture the beings in your life. Nurture their light. Because your child may be someone's savior. Happy birthday Baba Omawale, Malcolm X!

Raet
http://www.afrikanparenting.com

Mineral Oil

2009-05-18T11:27:00.003-04:00

I went to purchase one of my favorite hair oils yesterday only to find out that the new main ingredient is now mineral oil. I just happened to read the label before I picked it up, always read labels. I guess the recession has taken its toll on the manufacturer. Yes, many of our mamas used Pretroluem/Vaseline on our ashy faces, LOL. But mineral oil is toxic: reproductive and developmental toxicity, neurotoxicity, and acute toxicity.

All commercial baby products use it unfortunately, as well as most skin care and hair products. The candy Swedish fish also contains mineral oil, weirdly.

Mineral oil coats the skin and clogs the pores. This can promote many hair, skin, and scalp disorders. Pores that do not breathe cause toxicity to build in the body. Mineral oil also steals vitamins from the body. It is also a carcinogen, cancer causing.

Other names for mineral oil

Liquidum paraffinum
Paraffin oil
Paraffin wax
Petrolatum/ Petroleum

Parenting From The Pan-Afrikan Perspective Buy Holistic Parenting from the Pan-Afrikan Perspective today! The book will be going out of print. I have no idea when it will be back in print. So, if you want a copy get it now!
http://www.afrikanparenting.com

So deceptive!

2009-05-12T14:33:00.001-04:00

Lies! It causes diabetes, obesity, "ADHD", alzheimers and more!

Chia Seeds

2009-05-11T12:46:00.005-04:00

I can make a good meal but my son is not interested most of time. He had no intrest in last nights meal below:

Buffalo Tofu (he had a less spicy babeque tofu), corn , and collard greens.

My son will only drink water in large quantities if it is in a fancy cup. So, what options do parents have?Chia seeds are an excellent supplement. Yes, the same seeds for the Chia pet. They are very high in Omega 3 and 6, as well as calcium. Chia seeds also hydrate the body. The seeds are a fantastic antioxidant. Chia seeds can be added to water to form a gel. It can be added to smoothies, yogurt, pudding, etc. You can also simply add whole seeds to foods. Unlike many other seeds, Chia seeds actually digest. Flax seeds usually do not digest, you see them when you eliminate.

Chia seeds are very high in protein. Its high fiber content helps children to eliminate more often. If you eat 3 times a day. You should be eliminating 2-3 times a day. Stored waste in the body is toxic. This waste can cause many ill conditions.The B-Complex Chia provides can help the child’s temperament. Chia seeds also aid in the child’s ability to focus.There are so many benefits to this super food. Research more, lots of internet info on the benefits and how to prepare if you would like to make the chia gel, which is more absorbent.

Other benefits for parents and their diets:
Builds lean muscle mass and reduces cravings for sugar and junk.

Raet
Buy the book Holistic Parenting from the Pan-Afrikan Perspetive today. It will be out of print soon!
http://www.afrikanparenting.com/

Buying False Security

2009-04-22T12:35:00.004-04:00

Most people choose not to vaccinate their children because of dangers or religious reasons. My son visited a pediatrician for the first time in 3 ½ years since he was 4 weeks old. The doctor asked me why I chose to refuse vaccines. I explained to her my reasons, mainly health related. However, as I left the office I also thought about the ethical reasons. As an “American citizen” I take for granted the fact that many of our children are not used as vaccine trial subjects. Pharmaceutical companies make billions of dollars off of vaccines. But, many poorer children without a voice have suffered and died in order for wealthier children to have vaccines and the rich to get richer.

Sometimes we have to look at the ethics of supporting companies who in many cases have killed healthy children. Is my son more valuable than another child? Should another child die just so I can have the illusion that my son is now protected from death? There are many diseases that there are no vaccines for that kill American children. Sometimes vaccines give us a very false sense of security. While poorer families around the world don’t have the economics to buy their security.

In the News: Vaccines as Biological Weapons? Live Avian Flu Virus Placed in Baxter Vaccine Materials Sent to 18 Countries http://www.naturalnews.com/025760.html

Only a 100 or so books left, BUY NOW. Book will be going out of print.

http://www.afrikanparenting.com/

Raet

Giving Young Woman A Reason To Celebrate

2009-04-20T11:56:00.005-04:00

Saturday was very beautiful I was able to really sit in the sun and absorb it all. One of the highlights was getting henna done in the park. Before leaving he park I saw a friend. He look down at my hands adorned with henna. He said I really wish my daughters could see your hands. His daughters live in the UK and are under 18. His ex-wife allowed them to get tattoos on their hands. Yes, their hands!

Many adolescents are looking for something to do, a way to feel grown up. This is why I believe rites of passage are so important. We must celebrate the coming of age our young women. In many traditional societies body adornment, piercings, and scarifications apart of womanhood and is celebrated.Henna has been used for thousands of years to celebrate womanhood, fertility, marriages, pregnancies, etc.Archaeological research indicates henna was used in ancient Egypt to stain the fingers and toes of Pharaohs prior to mummification. But research also argues the Pharaohs were not the only Egyptians to use henna. Ancient Egyptians and many indigenous and aboriginal people around the world believed that the naturally derived red substances of ochre, blood and henna had qualities that improved human awareness of the earth's energies. It was therefore applied to help people keep in touch with their spirituality.

Henna has been used as prayers and as amulets, protection from evil.Our daughters are looking for a way to express their feminity. Give them tools, sacred tools. During moon times, celebrate, adorn them with henna. Show them the sacredness of divine feminity. We have to do better.

Dont forget Holistic Parenting from the Pan-Afrikan Perspective will be out of print soon. Only 100 or so copies left, get it now, http://www.afrikanparenting.com/

My henna:

Yoruba Woman:

Raet

Omega-3 supplements

2009-04-17T11:07:00.003-04:00

I have come to realize that when my son's behavior is off, it is I that possibly may have created the environment that triggered it. Whether it be diet or simply what is going on in the home.

Studies show that Omega-3 supplements rapidly eliminate ADD, ADHD, and mood disorders in children. Liquid Omega 3-6-9 supplements both fish and vegetarian derived can be added to foods and beverages. Make good fatty acids a part of your child's diet today!

"Locke concluded, "Over the next five years, we will see Omega-3 fatty acids become a foundation of health."ADHD is a fictitious disease invented by the pharmaceutical industry to sell amphetamine drugs to children. The conventional medical industry doesn't want to talk about nutritional cures for diseases or disorders because they know that if consumers were made aware of how simply and inexpensively these conditions could be resolved with nutrition, sales of pharmaceuticals would plummet. Symptoms of ADHD are easily eliminated in 80 percent of children within two weeks by merely supplementing with omega-3 oils and eliminating processed foods (especially refined sugars) from kids' diets."
http://www.naturalnews.com/021978.html

I have a little over 115 books left, "Holistic Parenting from the Pan-Afrikan Perspective". I have no idea when it will be back in print. http://www.afrikanparenting.com/

Communication with Children is Not Simple

2009-04-14T13:07:00.003-04:00

I really would like my son to feel that he can communicate with me openly and freely. He is now 4. But, he is failing to tell me information that is important. About 2 weeks ago I found a bottle of empty children multi-vitamins. He obviously took all that was left in the container. The bottle originally had 45 tablets. At the most the bottle at the time had 15 – 20 tablets.

I heard him turning the child proof cap. I thought it was originally candy from an altar. It sounded like candy wrapper. When I asked him about the vitamins he just smiled and refused to tell me anything. Iron and Vitamin A can be especially toxic and deadly if consumed in high doses. My first thought was make him throw up and to use Ipecac. However, Ipecac is no longer sold and considered dangerous. I talked to my mother and a son’s teacher. I chose to use activated charcoal instead of giving him Ipecac which should only be used if you call Poison Control, but can cause violent stomach contractions.

Having his stomach pumped in the Emergency Room also didn’t feel like the best idea. I felt the amount and quality of vitamins he ingested was not enough to be harmful. That would have been very uncomfortable for him.

Now, I would never suggest parents not go to the ER. But, I personally deal with spirit and have to follow my instinct. I gave him the activated charcoal and he slept. Charcoal absorbs poison. The next day he was super hyper but ok. The iron did not cause constipation either.
What was most scary was the fact that he refused to communicate with me. Yesterday I smelled his breath and a sweet scent in the air. I had no idea what he put in his mouth. Again, he would not tell me. I had to figure out that it was shea butter. At first I thought he ate loose incense. I am now working to create an environment that will allow him to know that it is safe to confide and share with me under any circumstance.

Parenthood is not always easy, and I do not have all the answers. Living, learning, and growing as a Iya/Mut (mother).

I have a little over 115 books left, "Holistic Parenting from the Pan-Afrikan Perspective". I have no idea when it will be back in print. So, if you want a copy get it now!http://www.afrikanparenting.com

Holistic Parenting from the Pan-Afrikan Perspective

2009-04-13T11:40:00.000-04:00

Blessings Everyone,

I have a little over 115 books left, "Holistic Parenting from the Pan-Afrikan Perspective". I have no idea when it will be back in print. So, if you want a copy get it now!
http://www.afrikanparenting.com

Ra

Healing Touch

2009-04-08T13:25:00.004-04:00

Children may have aches, anxiety, or simply feel cranky.My son is 4‐years‐old. There are times when he will whineand say that his leg hurts. When it is actually his abdominalarea that is hurting. I will sit with him, rub and touch hiswhole body lightly. At times parents can feel hopeless andget stressed when they cannot soothe their child. So, whatdo you do? I use the tools I came to this earth with. My ownchi (energy) that also flows through my son’s body. Parentsand children have a shared connection. This is why parentsare their children’s ultimate healers. We don’t have to readfancy books or take classes to be in tune with our children.Especially, mother’s who have shared the same physicalbody with a child. It is natural, healing is natural. Last nightI listened for what I should do to calm my son. Spirit justsaid touch him. I began to touch him. Once he was relaxedsang a West African song that he likes, a song of healing.He soon fell asleep.

Charge your hands by rubbing them. Scan the child’s bodywith your hands. Hold your hands above the child’s bodynot actually touching the body. You should feel an energyshift if there is a place in the child’s body where chi is notflowing properly. You can then focus your touch on thatarea.

A pendulum can also be used to find places in the bodywhere chi is not flowing. Heal with love, heal with touch.Children need touch. Adults need touch. Love is healing.Take time to touch even when the child is feeling well.

The April issue of the Afrikan Parenting Newsletter is now available, sign up here.

http://www.afrikanparenting.com/newslettersignup.html

Buy the book Holistic Parenting from the pan-Afrikan Perspective at http://www.afrikanparenting.com.

Healing with Candy

2009-03-29T12:05:00.004-04:00

Hhmmm. I need to start cleaning. I have procrastinated enough. So, this will be quick and short.

Yesterday was pretty good. I went to two of my favorite places, the Botanica and the library. I feel so good in libraries and book stores. I love the smell of bookstores. When I was younger I would lose myself in books to get away from my problems. In some case I was able to solve my problems through reading.

Botanicas make me feel that possibilities can be realities. I feel safe and secure. I feel light, depending on the Botanica.

I went to a Botanica to purchase herbs. The first botanica did not have the herb. But I found what I was looking for. I wanted healing for my son. The padrino (baba/father) who runs the store removed some candy from Elegba's altar and gave it to my son. Elegba is an orisha(deity) from the Ifa spirituality/religion. Ifa comes from the Yoruba people of Nigeria, W. Africa. I usually do not let my son eat candy, but it was ok. This is food blessed by Elegba. We left a monetary offering to the Elegba shrine and headed to the next Botanica.

So, we went to another Botanica that I rarely go to because it is usually crowded and less orderly. Yesterday is was quiet and no one was there. I found my herbs and there was a Black woman working there. I have never seen any Black woman in the Latino owned botanicas. It was a pleasant surprise. Her smile was so warm. I felt light on my way home.

I know some parents are very strict when it comes to candy and junk food, but balance is real. Everything is not black and white. I am learning this as I grow as a mother. It can be quite humbling.

Raet

Spring Cleaning

2009-03-20T11:23:00.002-04:00

Open the windows!

Clean the house of dirt, dust, and clutter. Organize! Give away things you don’t need. Throw out the trash.

Burn sage, don’t forget corners and closets. This will remove any stagnation and negativity. Burning Frankincense and Myrrh can provide the same effects.

I like to boil lemon essential oil in an aromatherapy burner. This provides clarity; it clears up mental fog and refreshes the spirit.

Bless a bowl of water, dip sprigs of fresh basil in the bowl. Sprinkle this around the house. This will ward off negativity and bring prosperity.

Burn cinnamon sticks and cloves for purification and harmony. This also provides safety, healing, and protection.

Some of the most basic spiritual floor washes are a pail of water with a dash of ammonia. You can add herbs such as hyssop, cinnamon, rue, etc. Research the herb that relates to what you are trying to accomplish. I use the herbs that I am attracted too, such as cinnamon.

A great all purpose cleanser is baking soda. You can add baking soda and a hyssop tea to a spray bottle and clean the home. The baking soda cleans the dirt and provides spiritual grounding. The hyssop is a total spiritual purifier. You can make hyssop tea, with tea bags (herb/natural stores usually have the tea bags) or get the loose herbs.

Hang crystals in the window. Crystals reflect negative energy outside and to reflect positive sunny energy into your home.

End the day with taking a bath with Epsom/sea salt and baking soda to remove negativity from your body. Place clear quartz crystals in your bath. If you have Herkimer diamonds, excellent.
There are a myriad of ways to spiritually cleanse for the spring, this is just simple regiment that I plan to do. There are a lot of books out there and of course Google.

Spring Cleaning Mindfully For The Entire Family

Spring is a time of change and renewal. Celebrate by removing clutter and dirt from children’s lives to improve the family’s well-being. Parents sometimes complain about toys accumulating all over the house. Remove any toys that children no longer play with from the home. Give them away or donate the toys. Do the same with the child’s clothes. Many families are in need of this basic necessity.

Take the time to do a thorough cleaning of the child’s room. Open the windows. Burn some lemon essential oil in an oil burner. Bring the freshness of spring into a room that has been shut in. Aromatherapy will help lift your spirit while cleaning and create a nice mood. Remove dust and allergens. Clean the window blinds of dust and dirt or wash the curtains. Vacuum the closet. It is usually ignored during routine vacuuming.

Children can help clean too. However, be mindful of family and environmental health when cleaning. Use as spray bottle with equal parts water and vinegar to clean and disinfect. Baking soda and water is also tough on dirt and stains. If you need to scour, place baking soda directly on a damp rag. Natural cleaning products are also available in health stores. Cleaning is safe for kids when the products are natural. Do not allow kids to be in the presence of toxic cleaning products.

Children can help you polish the wood works safely with a home-made furnish polish.
· 1 cup of olive oil (or oil of your choice)
· ½ of lemon juice
· A few drops of lemon essential oil is optional

Spring cleaning can be refreshing instead of dreadful and tiring. The key is to avoid clutter and dirt all year around. Do not attempt to clean the entire house in one day. Take your time, play your favorite music, enjoy the shift in the seasons. Flow with its natural progression which urges you to purge.

http://www.afrikanparenting.com/ .
Happy Spring Equinox!

Diamonds For Spring

2009-03-19T15:42:00.002-04:00

Herkimer diamonds are double terminated quartz crystals, not real diamonds. They balance all chakras. Herkimers are a great tool to provide clarity and insight. They remove blockages allowing energy to flow. These quartz crystals are energy amplifiers.

Herkimers vibrate at a very high frequency, naturally dispelling a lot of toxic vibration that come from cell phones, negative thought patterns/emotions and other forms of distractive technology. They are also great for dream recall, astral travel, healing, and meditation.

Spring is here, renew! Herkimers elevate the human electromagnetic field (aura). They collect light from the sun bringing brightness to your life. Many people are fasting and cleansing during the spring equinox. Herkimers release toxins from the body and boosts the immune system.
What are your desires? The Herkimer is a great charm when you want to transform and bring forth your dreams and goals. Feeling blocked? Not sure of your direction? Let the Herkimer be your spiritual compass.

Full article, https://www.soulcrafted.com/News_and_Articles.html

Happy Spring Equionox!

Golden Mama

2009-03-18T10:37:00.001-04:00

I received an email from someone asking me about pregnancy at 50. I really do not have any strong views about it, honestly. I personally would not do it. The body is most physically able around the age of 16 – 24 years of age. In the West men and women are not emotionally prepared because they have invented teenagers. In traditional African cultures there is no such thing as a teenager.

I strongly believe in rites of passage. I believe rites of passage should be celebrated. Age 50 is a beautiful thing. Many women are celebrating the ending of their moon time. I imagine this to be a time where I maybe helping younger women give birth to babies or sharing the mysteries of the sacredness of our blood flow. I imagine having my own grandkids and helping my children prepare for my grand’s rites of passage.

There is a lot about Raet that I don’t know. I want to be free and at peace to explore me. I have a son at age 30 and there is not enough time in the day for me to go within and simply be. I personally did not choose this vehicle in this lifetime to be a long term servant to my children. I want to become an elder too and be honored. I want to enjoy all phases of my life. Afrikans celebrate all changes of life; we do not look to purposely to hold on to so-called “youth”. I am moving forward to truth. I am looking forward to being a teacher. Being and elder is an honor. I am more than my ability to have children.

But, too each his own. We all have a different purpose.

Raet
www.afrikanparenting.com

One more reason to drink 100% juice.

2009-03-13T11:02:00.005-04:00

One more reason to drink 100% juice , http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090313/ap_on_re_us/windshield_fluid_sickness . Windshield wiper fluid is mistaken for Kool-Aid. Children should not be fed any type of juice that is made with sugar, high fructose corn syrup, and artificial dyes. People have become so used to feeding kids juices with artificial dyes they have no idea what the hell juice looks like. The Standard American Diet (SAD) makes it so people dont even think anymore and feed children anything.

Raet

Community is Vital

2009-03-05T11:37:00.006-05:00

I was reading a post about being a stay-at-home mom and the isolation it can bring. I realized that being an Afrikan mother in the US in 2009 can be somewhat depressing. When my parents raised me they were always going out with friends, traveling, and having friends over. My parents and their friends would have fun downstairs while me and their friend’s children where upstairs. On the weekends and summers I stayed with my grandmother. I also spent a lot of time over my neighbor’s house. I spent the night and ate many meals there. When I had the measles it was my neighbor’s I stayed with, while my parents went to work. My neighbors were older, with older daughters; they did not have children my age. May parents friend's babysit for each other, this is rare today. Most friend's with or without kids do not offer to help. When I first began walking I thought my aunt was my mom. I spent soooo much time over her house with my older cousins. My mother never had to tire from parenthood.

Traditionally, in West Africa, no one worried when they could not find their child. The child was most likely in the house of someone in the community. Children were celebrated by the community. The child belonged to the community, not just the biological family. The community celebrated the child’s every step as a rite of passage.

An excerpt from my book:
"In the West, people look at the occupation of baby - sitting to be for the uneducated or for the youth. The people of Kongo call baby-sitting Kindezi, the art of touching, caring for and protecting the child’s life and the environment, kinzungidila, in which the child’s multidimensional development takes place.¹⁶ Kindezi is considered an art form. Fu-Kiau believes that baby-sitting is a requirement of all members of the Afrikan community...

Baby-sitters called ndezis give women the independence to work on the farms, provide resources, and food for their families. Many times ndezis are considered even more mentally healthy than the child’s biological parent. This is because the ndezi is directly responsible for the child’s well being and development. There are young and old ndezis. The young ndezis are between the ages of nine and ten. The ndezi feeds, bathes, and entertains the child while the mother is away during the day. Sometimes the ndezi even has food prepared for the mother when she gets home. The young ndezi is actually being prepared for motherhood. The old ndezis do not have to work on farms, so they are perfect. The children keep them busy and deter loneliness. This also keeps the elder’s mind sharp and prevents, “psychosomatic ailments”.¹⁶

In Afrikan society children are invaluable; they are essential to the strength of the community. So, they must be honored. An environment must be created which is whole. The Kongo proverb says, “The child in the womb is a burden to one person; outside (born), it belongs to everybody in the community.¹⁶

When my grandmother was working outside of the home a woman who lived on the same street watched her children. There was no need for daycare centers. Today, the elders and young people in the community are reluctant to become ndezis. This has social, psychological, and economic impacts on the communities of the West.

16.Fu – Kiau , Bunseki and A. M Lukondo – Wamba . Kindezi: The Kongo Art of Babysitting. Baltimore: Imprint Editions, 1988 .

Quilombo

2009-03-03T15:17:00.006-05:00

Increasingly, I hear many mothers’ concerns about the aggressiveness of their young boys compared to girls. Yes, young boys like to play fight, kick, and punch. However, there is nothing wrong when done in the proper environment.

My 4-year-old son will soon be attending Capoeira classes. Capoeira is dance, song, martial arts, and play all in one. The martial art was brought from Angola by slaves to Brazil. Slaves were able to practice Capoeira in front of slave holders, because they thought it was simply play; however it was secret martial arts training.

So, don’t get stressed give your boys a cultural outlet instead of suppressing their manhood!

“Quilombo is a Brazilian hinterland settlement founded by people of African origin, Quilombolas, or Maroons. Most of the inhabitants of quilombos were escaped former slaves and practiced the art form of Capeiro.”

This is an excerpt from the Afrikan Parenting March Newsletter.
http://www.afrikanparenting.com/newslettersignup.html

For more information about Holistic Parenting buy the book, "Holistic Parenting from the Pan-Afrikan Perspective" at www.afrikanparenting.com.

Raet

We All Have Had These Moments

2009-02-28T18:42:00.002-05:00

My sun and I watched these video. He acted as if he never had a tantrum. He said he wouldnt do it, just watch.

But, he has thrown things out of shopping carts and has had to be carried out of stores under my arm because I did not purchase something.

Sharing and Pediatrician Visit

2009-02-25T09:58:00.006-05:00

I have a feature in ymib , article .

On another note:
Monday my son had his second pediatrician visit since he was maybe 4 weeks old. I never took him back to the first doctor because I was basically made to feel like an unfit parent because I chose not to vaccinate. On Monday he went to his new doctor. She was a proponent of vaxes and she stated her peace, but not at any time did she condemn me. The appointment lasted about an hour. She had nothing negative to say about his vegan diet. She saw that he visually looked well and I understood food combinations. I played it cool. I never once said that I had a book or anything. I really did not want to rock the boat. The doctor did find that he had a heart murmur. She said that it could be innocent, but suggested that he still see a cardiologist.

The night prior I found to dry spot in my sons hair. The dry spots were circular. I thought it maybe ringworm. I asked the doctor. She said she could not tell and took a culture. The results can take up to 3 weeks. It can take fungus up to 3 weeks to grow. My son had ring worm last March on his face. It was cleared up in 2 weeks using his own urine, tea tree/lavender oil combo, and black walnut. However, the hair is id different. I have heard of parents battling ringworm of the head for months. It usually comes back. It gets deep into the hair follicle. The only medicine that pediatrician offer is 6 weeks of antibiotics orally. So, I am hoping it is not ringworm. In the mean time I am treating him with lavender/tea tree oil combo and Black Walnut. I am going to begin also placing his own urine on the spot. The two spots have not gotten any bigger. In fact, they are barely noticeable. But, the fact that they are circular alarms. I was given a prescription shampoo to stop any spores from shedding just in case he has ringworm. I am praying and meditating because I know the hair ringworm is a totally different than skin and is hard to fight. The thought of my son being on antibiotics for 6 weeks scares me. He has never had medicine in his life.

I believe the doctor’s visit in his eyes was kind of cool. He received a needle, to take blood for anemia. He has never been pricked on his life. I thought he was going to let loose in the office. Instead he watched intently, did not flinch, and was simply happy to get a band aid. My heart sank. I was ready to cry. I felt so helpless in that medical office. I felt that I had given up a lot of control. I was totally out of my comfort zone.

Ye Ye Oshun
Mother Healer and protector of children, I seek your sweetness and guidance for healing of my son. May your sweet waters purify and heal.
Ase Ase Ase

Medicine In A Bag

2009-02-19T13:39:00.008-05:00

Image from, www.flickr.com/photos/magickshop/2889021321

In 2006 and 2007, ritually my son and I would get horrible chest infections around the time of the Winter Solstice. The infection would last for months. We would take different herbs but the mucus would replenish itself. It was a long battle. In 2008 this did not happen. Children who go to daycare especially come in contact with viruses, bacteria, and fungus on a daily basis. We can keep these unwanted germs away from our children and homes. As an African woman I realize that I have too many spiritual tools. I must use them for the protection and health of my family.

Wellness and protection bags have been used by Africans for thousands of years. Whether called Gris Gris, mojo, medicine, conjure, or roots bags they are a great tool for healing and protection. When children come into the world many traditional African cultures use different charms and talisman’s to protect their health. Parents can keep medicine bags on their body so they are readily available for healing or pin tiny pieces of a cloth with herbs, crystals, etc, in their children’s clothes.

You can buy small pouches, sew a bag, or simply take a piece of cloth and secure with a string. If making a small bag for children to wear in their clothes, I would sew the two pieces of cloth in square-like fashion so children cannot open them up. Research different herbs, crystals, and objects to create a bag with.

Your herbs, bag color, and crystals should suite your needs and intent. The following links may be of help.
Herbs uses, http://www.mystickuan.com/id6.html , http://www.ladyoftheearth.com/herbs/study-herbs.txt

Choose a color that has the vibration for your needs. Spirituality of colors, http://www.new-age-spirituality.com/spirit/color.html , http://www.gone-ta-pott.com/candlecolormeanings.html (Scroll down to candle color definitions)

Crystal Therapy , http://www.wingsofspirit.co.uk/condition.html , http://www.peacefulmind.com/stones2.htm.

The intent and spirit you want to add to your bag is up to you.You may use your own spiritual traditions. You may want to smudge all objects. You can use sage, frankincense and myrrh. Prepare your bag in a sacred space, use an altar if you wish. Call on the four directions. You can anoint your bag to infuse spirit by spraying it with Florida water, bay rum, alcohol (whiskey, rum, and gin), saliva, etc. Preparing your bag on a full moon will add more power.

For more information about Holistic Parenting buy the book, "Holistic Parenting from the Pan-Afrikan Perspective" at http://www.afrikanparenting.com.

Raet

Honoring the first blood

2009-02-15T22:06:00.007-05:00

In America a young woman’s first menstrual cycle is not always celebrated. However, a woman’s first menses should be looked upon as a rite of passage and should be honored.

In many West African countries the first menses is looked at as an initiation. This is a time when the women of the community should create a sacred space and share with the new initiate. The women of this circle now have the role of being mentors. Many women in the West have a lot of direction regarding their education and careers. But, mentors that guide us regarding sexuality, relationships, and marriage are few.

Now, that the menses have begun, the young woman’s sexual hormones are now flowing. Serpentine energy is now moving. This is the time to make sexuality transform into spirituality. If you look at a lot of North African and West African dances, they are very sexual. Many are fertility dances, sexual, but spiritual first. The elders need to invite these young women into these dance circles. Allowing sexual energy to be channeled properly and be used as a tool for healing.

The menses is healing and cleansing. Blood is powerful. During many West African spiritual ceremonies the life force is activated through the spilling of animal blood. Women however, spill blood once every 26-31 days, depending on their cycle. We as women do not even need to sacrifice other animals to release divine and sacred energy. However, women are made to feel ashamed during their menses. This is the time when we are most powerful and most intuitive. So, we should celebrate.

Some ideas for a first menses:

The women can prepare a special bath with herbs for purification. A white outfit can be laid out for the initiate.

Women should congregate and share knowledge and experiences.

Blessed waist beads can be presented to the initiate.

Gifts of any kind can be given to the initiate.

Dances that allow the body to move in primordial serpentine waves should be taught. Dances that accentuate the hips should be learned.

Present certain books essential to womanhood, such as Sacred Women, for example.
Bless her with material that will help the initiate understand the phases of the moon and understand its power.

Present the young woman with red raspberry tea to tone the womb and rid the womb if menstrual cramps.

Give her waist scarves or belts with chimes, coins, or bells. Let the womb make music!

Give her with a fertility awareness calendar. She can learn how to track her cycle and truly understand it. When she gets order she can then take her basal body temperature to track the days when she is fertile and not fertile.

End with a celebratory meal.

For more information about Holistic Parenting buy the book, "Holistic Parenting from the Pan-Afrikan Perspective" at http://www.afrikanparenting.com.

Raet

Teething Medicine Kills Nigerian Children

2009-02-09T12:29:00.002-05:00

“The children were stricken with fever, convulsions, diarrhea and vomiting, and were unable to urinate after being given the My Pikin Baby Teething Mixture.”

“Many bottles of the paracetemol-based formula were found to have a high concentration of diethylene glycol, a chemical commonly found in antifreeze and brake fluid and sometimes used illegally as a cheaper alternative to glycerin, which thickens toothpaste. Exposure can cause kidney and liver damage and may be fatal.”
http://thechronicleherald.ca/World/1105127.html

My son never was visibly irritated when he was teething. But, I know many children do become irritated. There are natural teethers/chew sticks such as licorice sticks, clove oil can be used to numb the gums, and homeopathics.

Sometimes, I feel like we are just losing our African selves. Baba Malcolm X said it; we have lost our African minds. Africa is home to so many herbs that can aide and cure many conditions. Yet, even on the homeland we are allowing our children to be poisoned with Western medicine. We can heal ourselves and family. The pharmaceutical companies do not care about our children. It is our responsibility and duty to learn how to take care of ourselves. We have the tools, we simply must preserve them. Unfortunately, so many dollars are spent by other countries to teach Africans how to protect themselves from disease, eat better, have safer births, etc. But, losing ourselves in Western society is a loss to our children, our community.

Raet
www.afrikanparenting.com

Birthday Cake

2009-02-09T11:10:00.003-05:00

This weekend was wonderful. My son celebrated his birthday on Saturday. We had a great time. The temperature was up to 60 degrees.

I got to see my family, including my nieces and nephew that I barely get to see. I realize that I really appreciate my family. I feel good when I am around my extended family, cousins, nieces, nephews, etc. The following morning my son reminded me how important family is. He asked, “Mommy can my ancestors have some birthday cake?” So, I prepared their rice and coffee that I make for them every morning, and sliced a piece of cake.

In many parts of Africa, especially West Africa honoring the ancestors is extremely important. They are our lifeline, from which we came. There is no death, only elevation and transition. The family that is left on the earth has the responsibility to help them transcend and elevate. This work is reciprocal. The ancestors get stronger and gain powers to help those on the earth.

I don’t know if my son will pass these traditions on to my grandchildren. He is own person, with his own path. My family did not pass this part of my culture on to me, directly. I found it later on in life after much soul searching. Even though my grandfather is Gullah (Geechee), this was not a practice that he did. But, African spirituality was very prominent in Gullah life. Gullah people were left alone on the Sea Islands in S. Carolina and Georgia during the months when malaria and yellow fever was an issue. The slave masters would come back after the season was over. So, they retained language and culture. Many Gullah people escaped to Florida and became Seminoles. Some of the older Gullah people were/are able to communicate with people of Sierra Leone with no problem. However, Gullah people’s language contains Yoruba(Nigeria), Ewe (Benin , Togo, and Ghana) , Twi (Ghana), Igbo (Nigeria), Madinka (Senegal and Gambia), Wolof( Senegal and Gambia) , Umbundu/Kimbundu (Angola), Hausa (Niger), and Mende (Sierra Leone Guinea , Liberia), and much more.

So, for me honoring my ancestors is my birth right, my sun’s birth right. I am so happy that Sun-Ra is allowing his ancestors to shine. When we honor our ancestors we are helping to guide our entire family. Because, most likely we are the only ones in our family caring for our ancestors (egun).
So, yes, I hope he continues to love his traditions and culture. My family on the earth realm needs guidance.

More on Gullah:
http://www.africanaheritage.com/Gullah_and_Sierra_Leone.asp
http://www.gullah.sc/

More on ancestor reverence
http://www.rootsandrooted.org/?page_id=4

Tea Tree Oil

2009-02-05T10:09:00.007-05:00

Tea tree oil is one of those miracle oils. I purchased some yesterday. I have a nose piercing that was irritated. I put some tea tree on a wet cotton ball an applied. Today, the piercing is noticeably better. I absolutely love nose rings. I really want to keep this piercing. This is my second nose ring.

My son once had ring worm. When I noticed it was there I first had him urinate in a jar. I then used a copper penny and applied the urine to the ring worm. I did this about twice a day for a week. I also had him drink a black Walnut tincture in some apple juice. This kills fungus, bacteria, and parasites from inside out. I also would apply the black walnut to the site. I took Black Walnut capsules to protect myself. The final week I applied tea tree and lavender on the ring worm. It was totally cleared up in a week. You can place it on any type of skin fungus. Always dilute when placing on the skin. You can add an ounce of tea tree oil to two ounces of a carrier oil.

Tea tree oil has many uses. It is anti – fungal, antibacterial, and an antiseptic.

It can be used as an all purpose cleaner too. Add 2 drops of tea tree oil to a vinegar and eater solution. The vinegar solution should be equal parts water and vinegar.

I would put a few drops in the washer machine when rinsing my son’s cloth diapers.

Great for:
Minor cuts, scratches, and burns
Yeast
Acne
Lice
Dandruff
Poison Ivy and Poison Oak
Removes Ticks
Blisters
Canker Sore
Boils Bad Breath
Removes Leeches
Insect Bites
Congestion, 2-3 drops of tea tree oil in a bowl of steaming water. Cover head and inhale for 5-10 minutes.
And much more, the point is you need some Tea tree oil in your life!

Happy Solar Return!

2009-02-04T09:08:00.007-05:00

My sun is now four-years-old today. I smile looking at the crumbs on my yoga mat. He wanted toast for breakfast, just toast with Blackberry spread. He is a bread lover like his iya(mama). I don’t mind him eating on my yoga mat. It can be cleaned. As a parent you start making multiple uses for things.

Today he was supposed to have a little party at school with vegan cupcakes. He seems unfazed that school is closed. He will be having a big party on Saturday.

Today on the 13 moon Mayan calendar the kin is Yellow Magnetic Human. My son's kin/destiny is Yellow Planetary Human.
kin 192: Yellow Planetary Human
I Perfect in order to Influence
Producing Wisdom
I seal the Process of Free Will
With the Planetary tone of Manifestation
I am guided by the power of Universal Fire
I am a galactic activation portal enter me.

My kin is:
kin 61: Red Solar Dragon I Pulse in order to Nurture
I Pulse in order to Nurture
Realising Being
I seal the Input of Birth
With the Solar tone of Intention
I am guided by the power of Navigation

My son and I have two different destinies. I understand and respect that. My son has a spirit that is beyond me. It does not come from me, nor do I own it. His flesh and physical traits I contributed to in creating him, but not his spirit. His spirit chose me.

Today’s Destiny Kin:
Yellow Magnetic Human
Moon Day 26
Kin 92
I Unify in order to Influence
Attracting Wisdom
I seal the Process of Free Will
With the Magnetic tone of Purpose
I am guided by my own power doubled

I know why I chose my mother. My mother always had an interest in the metaphysical and spiritual world. She would have astrology weekly and monthly books mailed to the house. Her library contained multiple books about spirituality, even down to Krishna. There were yoga books and vegetarian books. Now, I am the yogini, vegan. She did not continue this path. Because, it was my path. I love the occult and the unknown. I love astrology and ancient spirituality. Hence, my love for the Mayan calendar.

I am waiting for the day when I can clearly look and see why my son's spirit chose me to be his mut(mother/goddess) and iya(mama). I love you Sun-Ra. You are the light that shines from the most high, Ra. You have created Raet. The female counterpart of the Neteru, Ra. Thank you for allowing me to be re-born. I know have more tools than ever to utilize the tools that my iya subtly gave me, taking things to another level and transcending. Thank you for choosing me.

http://www.13moon.com/decoder.htm, to find your Mayan kin. You can also buy the Mayan calendar. You can see the kin for each day and learn a lot more. I also have Oracle Cards and a book. This has really changed my life.
I purchased my calendar from, http://www.13moon.com/order-calendars.htm.
My oracle cards and book, The Mayan Oracle: Return Path to the Stars (Book, 44 Cards, 20 Mayan Star Glyphs, 13 Numbers, and 11 Lenses of Mystery) by Ariel Spilsbury, Michael Bryner, and Donna Kiddie. I got it from Amazon.

Also, wanted to share, I got this from, www.touregypt.net/featurestories/mothers.htm

Children were considered a blessing in ancient Egypt. Sons and daughters took care of their parents in their old age. They were often called "the staff of old age," that is, one upon whom the elderly parents could depend upon for support and care. The scribe Ani instructed that children repay the devotion of Egyptian mothers:
"Repay your mother for all her care. Give her as much bread as she needs, and carry her as she carried you, for you were a heavy burden to her. When you were finally born, she still carried you on her neck and for three years she suckled you and kept you clean."

It was also expected that the older son or child carry on the funerary provisioning of the parents after their death. Children had value in ancient Egypt. The Greeks, who were accustomed to leaving infants exposed to the elements, were stunned to observe that every baby born to Egyptian families were cared for and raised. This care was not easy. Many children died to infection and disease. There was a high rate of infant mortality, one death out of two or three births, but the number of children born to a family on average were four to six, some even having ten to fifteen.

Squat!

2009-02-03T10:08:00.006-05:00

When I was pregnant with my son things were a little stressful. I did have a successful homebirth, but I was not prepared mentally, physically, or emotionally. When it was time to push there were some issues. I was exhausted from long labor and I was not pushing effectively. I remember asking the midwife, do you have some forceps. She just laughed and said, "No".
I pushed for almost 2 hours, this could have led to swelling. I was not pushing effectively and I was so tired. I had no time in between contractions. All my water bags broke around 8:30 PM. The pain soon followed and did not stop until my son was born. He was born at 10:45 AM the next morning on February 4th. I ran around all day on February 3rd and was just exhausted. Actually, 4 years later on this same day, today, I ran around a lot this morning, LOL. I had a flat tire. I went to the tire place to get it fixed. I am now at work.

Back, to the main point. If I knew what I knew then, I would have been squatting my last 4 weeks of pregnancy, preparing myself.

Squatting exercises are great for the last month of pregnancy. Only use this position when your baby is engaged in the pelvis. It places the baby in the proper alignment for birth. Squatting tilts the uterus and pelvis forward placing the baby in the proper position for birth. Squatting will help increase the diameter of the pelvic outlet making birth easier. This can reduce the need for a forceps delivery. Squatting stretches the calves of your legs so that getting into a good pushing position will be easier.

The position is also good for delivering. The body is in ideal position for stronger and effective pushes. Squatting strengthens contractions while relieving back pressure. The position relaxes the pelvic floor, while gravity works with mother and baby.

I know that labor does not have to always be hard. We just have to be prepared!

Part of this blog is an excerpt from the Afrikan Holistic Parenting Feb. Newsletter, sign up/download now at http://www.afrikanparenting.com/newslettersignup.html .

For more information about Holistic Parenting buy the book, "Holistic Parenting from the Pan-Afrikan Perspective at http://www.afrikanparenting.com .

Raet

Sesame Seed Milk / Afrikan Parenting Newsletter Now Avail

2009-02-02T12:13:00.003-05:00

Peace,

This is an excerpt from the Feb issue of the Afrikan Parenting Newsletter Available. Sign up here, http://www.afrikanparenting.com/newslettersignup.html .

Sesame Seed Milk

Ingredients
•1 cup of sesame seeds
•2 cups of water

Rinse the sesame seeds thoroughly. Soak the sesame seeds over night. This will begin the sprouting process. This water can be used to make the milk. The water the seeds were soaked in is high in nutrients. If you wish to use fresh water, this is ok too.
Place seeds and water in a blender, liquefy. Strain the milk with your strainer of choice. Nut milk bags are available.

Add your additives and sweeteners and blend again. You can add vanilla extract/vanilla bean, agave, maple syrup, or carob. Get creative, there are many possibilities.

Sesame seeds are high in copper, magnesium, iron, maganese, zinc and B1.

A quick and simple drink is molasses milk. Simply add 1 tspn or tbsp of organic unsulphered molasses to a cup of non-dairy milk. Molasses provides calcium, iron, and potassium. Just two teaspoons of blackstrap molasses will provide 13.3% of the daily recommended value for iron.

For more information about Holistic Parenting buy the book, "Holistic Parenting from the Pan-Afrikan Perspective at http://www.afrikanparenting.com .

Raet

Pediatricians and their feelings toward non-vaxing parents

2009-01-29T09:59:00.006-05:00

I am in the midst of trying to get my son and appt to see a pediatrician. Currently, he does not have one. The last doctor basically called me an irresponsible parent and said I could cause my son to become of statistic due to no getting him vaccinated. He also hinted at me possibly choosing another pediatrician, so we never went back. Please note that this man calls himself a holistic helath care provider.

I just would like it to be on record somewhere that he has seen an MD (medical deity). Becasue his system likes to get crazy. A friend of mine has children who have not been vaccinated. I am trying to get my son an appointment with her pediatrician. This pediatrician prefers to give kids vaccines, but is at least tolerant, with her, at least. I am waiting for them to return my call.

I must admit stepping into their system makes me feel uneasy. I hate justifying myself and feeling bullied. The thought of a crazy azz doctor calling Children's Services, makes me flinch.

I am his iya(mama). It was me that labored in my bathroom with moon shinning in the window. Literally, just me, in the bathroom with the door closed. People would check on me now and then. But, it was my rite of passage. I spend every day with him. A doctor who sees my son for 30 minutes or less cannot tell me anything about my son, that I don't instinctually know. I know what is right and wrong for him.

There have been studies concerning pediatricians feeling about parents that do not vaccinate.

Penn State Immunization Project
45 minute tutorial was prepared for the study and administered to 122 pediatric and family medicine residents in 7 training programs. They were each administered a pre- and posttest questionnaire regarding their knowledge of vaccine safety and their attitudes toward parents who resist or oppose vaccines. The author acknowledges the growing number of parents who resist vaccines, and the alarming number of pediatricians who refuse care to these parents' children (up to 40 percent of pediatricians in one study). He also recognizes and deplores a situation where these children may then have no place to go for medical care.
http://www.cure-guide.com/Natural_Health_Newsletter/Non-vaccination_and_Pediatrici/non-vaccination_and_pediatrici.html

Raet
www.afrikanparenting.com

Determination Regardless of the Weather

2009-01-27T09:50:00.005-05:00

I rode pass a basketball court this pass Saturday. It must have been maybe 27 degrees or so. It was cold. I saw some boys playing ball in their shorts. They were determined to play. Unfortunately, many of our men are not as determined when it come to cultural or academic studies. I once was watching something about the mind power that it takes to play basketball like Michael Jordan. I think about how our children have loads of academic potential, yet it is usually repressed or ignored. In many inner city schools, by the 3rd or 4th grade most young, black, inner city, youth are mentally done with school. Many of the young white female teachers have no clue how to teach and keep young men interested. The Afrikan child has potential to excel educationally. However, in the Diaspora our children continue to lag behind educationally.

Excerpt from Holistic Parenting from the Pan Afrikan Perspective:

Afrikan children are born with above average sensorimotor and brain power. Marcelle Geber’s 1958 study and research of Ugandan children testifies to the advance motor skills of Afrikan children:

She [Marcelle Geber] used the famous Gesell tests for early intelligence, developed at Yale University’s child development center. The pictures of the forty-eight-hour-old child-supported only by the forearms, bolt, upright perfect head balance and eye focus, and a marvelous intelligence shinning in the face- are no more astonishing than those of the six-week - old child. At six or seven weeks...these children crawled skillfully, could sit spellbound before a mirror looking at their images for long periods. This particular ability was not expected in the American-European child before twenty-four weeks (six months) according to the Gesell tests. Between six and seven months, the Uganda children performed the toy-box retrieval tests. Geber showed the infant a toy, walked across the room, put the toy in a tall toy box; the child leaped up, ran across the room, and retrieved the toy.

The Kikuyu children of Kenya were also studied in 1973 by Leiderman and associates in accordance with the Bayley scales of infant development. The Bayley scales measure physical and mental functions. During the fifteen months of testing Kikuyu children outscored Black and White children in the United States and United Kingdom. Dr. Amos Wilson pointed out in one of his lectures about Afrikan males being placed in special education class that Afrikans do not have the same problems as Caucasians. They have different social, political, and economical issues."

For more information about Holistic Parenting buy the book, "Holistic Parenting from the Pan-Afrikan Perspective at http://www.afrikanparenting.com .

Raet

Sexuality and Children

2009-01-26T14:50:00.001-05:00

I happened to be blog strolling. I came across a blog about a woman who was doing pole dancing while her daughter was around, in her home. Many people thought it was bad parenting. I honestly, do not see it that way. Hhhhmmm, maybe something is wrong with me. I don’t even have to the physical stamina to do pole dancing. This is work!

I have performed with a lot of my body showing, with my son present. My body movements would be considered more provocative than anything this woman did on this video. Once a week my son sees beautiful women in North African dance (bellydance) class who are showing lots of body, shaking much booty, and breast. Women’s sexuality has been a part of his life since he exited my yoni. I find that Americans especially, are so mentally over-sexed due to sexual repression, that they find the female body to be obscene. I also find that many Black women have a lot of sexual hang ups.

I want my child to know that female sexual energy is good and powerful. This energy can only backfire on you, when you are not in control of it. Sadly, too many Black women, especially have allowed men, media, and such to control their sexuality.

I am a sexual object. I am sex. Creation comes from sex. I am a divine Creatrix. I am divine sex.

She explains

Get the veggies in where you can!

2009-01-26T09:54:00.001-05:00

I was chopping a few veggies to sauté for some beans. Beans and rice are economical and filling during the winter. My son practically begged for celery, shouting through the house, "Celery, Celery, and Celery!" He is a very picker eater you never know what may tickle his fancy.

Celery Heath Benefits

Good for the nervous system
High in B vitamins
Aids the kidney
Antioxidant
Detoxifier
High in Calcium, Vitamin C, and Fiber, and Potassium. The Potassium balances the high sodium.
Caner Preventer

Some kids may not dig celery, but you can make it fun, with: "Ants On A Log". The recipe is simple, celery, seed/nut butter and raisins.

Raet
www.afrikanparenting.com

Not My Son

2009-01-23T14:03:00.006-05:00

I must admit politics and news is not much of interest to me. Any news I catch is on the internet when logging into my email. I read Obama is going to be closing Guantanamo Bay. I have only recently found out that kids have been and are currently being held there. One child was seven-years-old and was released when he was eleven. For a country to pride itself as democratic and urge all others to follow suite, I find this disgusting. To keep an adult prisoned with no trial or real proof is wrong. But, to do that to a child is worst than cruel.

I have a son who is almost four-years-old. I can't/won't imagine him in the foster care system, legal system, or any govt agency. I received an email from someone who brought my book. Both of her kids were taken from her because they were vegans and not vaccinated, after one child was rushed to the ER . His condition had nothing to do with diet and non-vaxing. She now has her daughter back. She will have another court date to get her son.

In America they do not have to proof of any wrong doing to take your children. The legal system is not always legal. Sometimes your only protection is your spirituality. I keep my home and my son surrounded with the energies of his ancestors, the orisha, neteru, loa, and abosom. I keep my home's chi high so we are protected. I create a spiritual force-field around my home to keep all inhabitants protected from any type of sickness or negativity. I pray, meditate, smudge, take spiritual baths, and use floor washes. I am going to use every tool I have to keep my family protected.

Raet

Must be said...Must be said

2009-01-20T13:18:00.002-05:00

I was at work and saw a little bit of the inauguration online. I live on the east coast, it is cold. Where were the people's hats? As a mama I need to know. Michelle's mama had on a hat. The babies, Malia and Sasha, no hats. The crowd, no hats.

Black folk, yall know betta. A black man in office don’t mean yall immune to cold weather, oh no.

Raet

Dance..Dance

2009-01-19T12:43:00.008-05:00

Yesterday was splendid. I have been studying North African dance for almost 2 years. After a big performance in September, I have not practiced since September. Being a mother, business woman, and working a 9-5 has taken its toll on me. The time crunch has taken away from my meditation, spirituality, and dance. However, yesterday I felt renewed. I came to class so deep in thought. The guest instructor Lotus Niraja, even noticed. But, by the end of the class I had shimmied away all my troubles. The energy you pull from the earth goes to your root, through your spine, and opens your crown chakra.

Lotus Niraja did the thing in yesterday’s class. Because of my not practicing I lost my shimmy. Lotus’s energy alone helped me find it. The live drummer was in class. We had a ball. If you ever get to take a class with Lotus, DO IT!!!!

The plan today was to wake up at 5' is and do yoga and dance, um did not happen. I am just going to have to make time at night after cooking dinner and go to bed later. Maybe on some days I can find the strength to get up at 5’ish. My schedule is hectic, but I must make time to cultivate the goddess and do things that uplift. The hamster wheel is getting tiring. But, I have to commit. Tonight I will dance. I am going to dance bringing forth goodness and stomping away negativity.

So-called, “belly dance” even benefits pregnant mothers. This dance mimics sex and labor. It is a fertility dance. The dance connects ALL WOMEN TO THE WOMB! Whether they are preganant or not. It is about connecting to the divine feminine. I love dance and I love birth. Perfect combination.

Also,
INAGUARATION BIG 20 SALE!!!!! 20% of all items over $75.00!!!!!!

www.soulcrafted.com

For more information about Holistic Parenting buy the book, "Holistic Parenting from the Pan-Afrikan Perspective at http://www.afrikanparenting.com/ .Raet

Yoga and Kids

2009-01-15T12:14:00.003-05:00

Children spend a lot more time indoors during the winter months. However, they still have an abundance of energy. This energy can sometimes be a nuisance for parents. A great way for children to calm down and relax is yoga. Not, only is yoga great for relaxation, but immune/mental/physical health, coordination, strength, and flexibility. Yoga is good for children with conditions that affect their limbs and movement. Kids too get stressed. Yoga also provides stress management! Yoga imitates nature, plants, and animals. It is the perfect meditative exercise for children. This is their element.

Children can take classes, or do it at home with an adult. Children’s yoga must be gentle and parent’s should monitor the child and their movements. In our home my son loves the Yoga DVD, “YogaKids® 2: ABCs for Ages 3-6 DVD”. He also takes part during my yoga warm up in North African dance class. Allowing oxygen to properly flow through the child’s body will improve their overall health. Let’s take advantage of the winter’s meditative nature, go within, and heal!

For more information about Holistic Parenting buy the book, "Holistic Parenting from the Pan-Afrikan Perspective at http://www.afrikanparenting.com/ .

Raet

Senegelese Doula

2009-01-08T11:05:00.001-05:00

My doula partner and one of my best friend’s told me friend of hers, which came from Senegal to have an unassisted homebirth in the US. Her friend is originally from the US but now lives in Senegal with her Senegalese husband’s family. Her past birth experiences in Senegal was not good with the midwives. Her husband’s Senegalese family did not support her. Many people would believe that in African culture midwifery and gentle birth would be honored. Unfortunately, times are changing in some places.

I recently stumbled across a blog, http://caitlininsenegal.blogspot.com/2008/04/senegalese-doula.html . It is about a Peace Corp member who attending a birth with a midwife and mother.

These few point made me cringe.

“As the contractions came closer together and more severe, Hawa did start to cry out some. I didn’t even think anything of it, but one of the midwives came over and scolded her. Saying that she needed to stop crying because people outside could hear her! I was appalled. But I kept my mouth shut because I didn’t want to risk being asked to leave. The midwives explained to me that they gave Hawa Pitocin to increase the contractions, saying that the baby was tired and so was she and they needed to get the baby out right away. The baby was nearly crowning when one of the assistants starting violently shoving on Hawa’s stomach. Now I’ve heard of this before when the mother is tired, but it looked incredibly painful and they certainly weren’t timing the pushes with the contractions. They kept yelling at her to push even in between contractions, and Nabou was scolding her for not keeping her legs open enough. I felt so helpless and wanted to be in 3 places at once, to hold her legs, and simultaneously be at her head to hold her hands. Nabou kept yelling at her to push even between the contractions (which is pretty much counterproductive and a waste of energy). Hawa was definitely crying out at this point and so overwhelmed by all the different directions and things happening to her.”

“She wrapped him up in a cloth and laid him on the next table over! Hawa didn’t even get to look at him! She put the vitamin K drops in his eyes to avoid infection, and then just left him there, alone on the table wrapped in a dirty cloth, with the hot sandy air and flies coming in the door. I asked if I could give the baby to Hawa and Nabou said no, that she knew that in America we put the baby immediately on the stomach, but here they waited until the mother was in the other room and cleaned up and resting. I couldn’t help but be angry and confused, with how nicely Nabou was speaking to me throughout the birth, and how mean and impatient she was with Hawa. As she worked to get the afterbirth out, Nabou yelled at Hawa repeatedly to open her legs and scoffed “oh come on, how many births is this for you? Open your legs, so I can finish.”

“Hawa lost a lot of blood and was pretty disoriented. Nabou had to kneed her uterus to get the excess blood out and to get it to contract back up. I pointed out that getting her to breastfeed right away would help with that, and again offered to bring the baby over, but she refused. After Nabou finished cleaning her up, the other midwives came in and wrapped her up in cloths, scolding her (yet again) for not bringing a pair of red underwear (or any at all) to act as a diaper to stuff the fabric into.”

This story above reminds me of how many poor, young, and people of color are treated, especially in teaching hospitals here in the US. I have worked with low income families as a doula. I cannot imagine how my clients would have been treated if I were not there. I have left hospitals exhausted.

All over the world birth is becoming Westernized and more violent. My son was looking at one of my Mothering magazines. There was a picture of a woman having a C-Section. He said, “Mommy that baby is hurt”. At first I thought mommy is hurt too. But, violent births hurt mother and baby. We need healing at during conception, pregnancy, and birth. We need the return of the goddess. We need the return of African spirituality, so we can once again honor the whole family during these times that are rites of passage. In many traditional African cultures a woman had a whole team supporting her, soothing, chanting, and dances, lending there nyama (energy/chi).

Raet
Buy, the book Holistic Parenting from the Pan-Afrikan Perspective online at www.afrikanparenting.com

Afrikan Holistic Parenting Newsletter

2009-01-04T18:49:00.001-05:00

The January Afrikan Holistic Parenting Newsletter is now available,

http://www.afrikanparenting.com/newslettersignup.html .

Good Eatin'

2009-01-02T21:09:00.005-05:00

Yesterday, I went to a friend's house for dinner. The meal was brown rice, black eyed peas, string beans, mashed potatoes, and sweet and sour meatballs. My son cleaned his plate. He is super picky at home. The sweet and sour meat ball recipe can from the veg starter kit. Surprisingly, they have some really tasty recipes. Tonight, I used one of their fried chicken recipes. The sides I made were collards, yams, and cornbread. My son barely looked at the meal and said he only wanted oat milk. I had no energy to protest. It was a good meal in everyone else's eyes and stomachs.

FREE RECIPES you can download or have mailed.

http://www.mercyforanimals.org/vegan-starter-kit.aspx
http://www.tryveg.com/cfi/toc/

Raet
http://www.afrikanparenting.com/

Th return of light and order (Winter Solstice)

2008-12-25T11:23:00.005-05:00

Today is December 25th. We celebrate the Kemetic Winter Solstice. On December 21st the sun is at a tilt causing less light. On December 25th, the light and order returns. The Kemetic Netert, Auset ressurects her husband, Ausar, and brings forth a child who is the light, Heru.

On the Winter solstice(21t) I gave my sun the gift below. It came with two figures. It also came with 4 interchangeble Neteru deity heads.

(Holding Heru)

(Holding Heru and Sebek/Ampu).

I am ready to sow my seeds this winter solstice, so my family can bloom in Spring. I want the home to be even more whole next year. I want our diets and spirits to be better. Last year, my son was sick/detoxing a lot during the winter. We will leave that behind. Diet will be a priority this year. My sun tickled me the other day. It snowed just a little, thankfully. He stuck his tongue out to catch some snow. He then asked, "mommy is this snow vegan?" I thought to myself, my son is trully health conscious.

Raet

Buy the book, "Holistic Parenting from the Pan-Afrikan Perspective at http://www.afrikanparenting.com/ .

I love Mondays

2008-12-22T10:11:00.005-05:00

Mondays, there is no other day like a Monday. So, I warm the car up because it was 16 degrees outside this morning. I made sure the doors were cracked so that I would not lock myself out of the car and go back in the house. I bring my son out once the car is warm. I place my bags in the car and strap my son in the booster seat. In my mind I am still mindful of the fact that I want to make sure that before I close the door and go around to the driver's seat that the doors don’t close and magically lock with him in the car. Well, the doors did lock with me outside and my son and my bags in the car. I look at the locked doors in disbelief. My son is in the car chilling.

My emotions take over and I can’t think. No, cell phone, it’s in the car. I can’t go in the house and use the house phone, because the keys are in the car. I ring the neighbor's doorbell to call my mom, who has the spare key, no answer. I call the police, who then transfer me to the fire dept. I go back outside, another neighbor asks, "how are you". I respond not good, my son is locked in the car. She asks, "Cant he open the door". I think, I guess I could have him do that, but the child locks are on. Then my brain starts working and I realize I can open the door once he unlocks it. I tell him to undo his seat belt and pull up the lock. He does this with ease. I then open the door. I try to call the fire dept back, but they are on their way.

Once they get there I explain that I have him out. Now, my son was never locked in the car. I panicked. I forgot that he was a 3-year-old and not helpless. I felt helpless at the moment and let my emotions take over, to the point where I could not think. He was calm in the car the whole time. I need to breathe deep and think when under stress. Parenthood it is not aways easy. It was cold outside. But, as a mother I would have waited out there in the cold for eternity with him if need be.

Raet
http://www.afrikanparenting.com/

Heal Thyself

2008-12-15T10:00:00.003-05:00

Yesterday we drove to Brooklyn to Queen Afua's Heal Thyself Center/Smai Tawi Temple. It was a tribute for Queen Afua and her husband Baba Heru. The event was also a fund raiser. If they do not raise enough funds it will be closing at the end of the month. If the people want the temple, they will have to save it; otherwise it will close at the end of the month. Queen and Baba are leaving it up to the people.

I know that yesterday may have been my last day in the temple. It was such a beautiful day. The love I experienced was so abundant! I have seen Queen countless times, but yesterday she radiated like never before. To see her and Baba Heru dancing to Michael Jackson's, "Remember the Time", was priceless! To see a King and Queen remembering the time in Kemit (Egypt) when we knew ourselves… what more could I ask for?

When I went to give Queen Afua and Baba Heru my gift, I did not plan to cry, but I did. I thanked Baba Heru for being the living incarnation of the Neteru and all his guidance. I thanked Queen Afua and Baba Heru for being spiritual parents. My path to wellness began with Queen Afua. I read Sacred Woman in a day and became a vegetarian instantly. The next day I became a vegan. This was in 2000/2001, I believe. It is because of Queen that I had a vegan pregnancy and homebirth. My son has never been vaccinated. He has never had medicine. I can honestly say that Queen Afua through her books alone has helped to create the sacred mother in me. I know how to pray, meditate, and go within to heal myself and my son. I have supreme confidence to be a natural mother. She has created a movement so we are never alone on the path to wellness. The spiritual wealth and knowledge that Baba and Queen have taught us about our Kemetic heritage is so abundant. Holistic Parenting from the Pan-Afrikan Perspective would probably not be here if it was not for Queen Afua. She opened the gateway. So, I am grateful. Queen and Baba have inspired so many people to be whole beings and REMEMBER THE TIME.

The gifts people gave to save the temple were touching. However, there was a young man there with no biological family. Times are hard for him and he admitting to doing things that he did not want to do in order to survive. People came out of their pockets t o help this young man. The drums played as Queen took the young man around to his community/family. Yesterday was truly a day of community.

Support Queen Afua, http://www.healthyselfinc.com

Support Baba Heru, http://www.soptah.com/

"Remember The Time"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rENoOBFrOlw

Raet
www.afrikanparenting.com

Sugar as addictive as cocaine and heroin

2008-12-11T09:43:00.006-05:00

The mainstream media and scientists are admitting that sugar is as addictive as cocaine and heroin. Queen Afua has been saying this for years. One study shows that sugar addictions can lead to drug addictions. Other studies have shown that narcotics used during labor to ease the mother's pain can lead to drug addiction in adolescents. So, as parents we have to more proactive concerning the drugs we expose our children to in the womb and on the plate.

Feeding kids large quantities of sugar is abuse. Parents can begin making simple changes, avoiding sugar and high fructose corn syrup.

Soda should not be a part of any child's diet, PERIOD!
Only buy 100% juice and dilute it. Stop buying products with high fructose corn syrup. Stop buying those $.25 cent hugs.
If you must eat sweets, limit them (even the vegan ones), or make them at home.
Invest in buying products like ketchup, mustard, salad dressings, from health food stores that don’t contain sugar and high fructose corn syrup.
If you can’t afford to buy products like fruit cups and applesauce, use fresh fruit instead.
Sugar and high fructose syrup are in cakes, cookies, ice cream, breads, can soups, and many other processed foods, etc. Eliminate them from your diet, make your own, or spend the money for higher quality food.

If you never start your kids on sugar, they will never know what they are missing. You will not have to find sugar alternatives.

100% pure maple syrup and honey are sweetener alternatives that can be used in moderation instead of sugar.

To read the article about the sugar addiction study click here, http://health.msn.com/health-topics/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100228625&gt1=31036 .

Raet

http://www.afrikanparenting.com/

http://www.soulcrafted.com/

For more information on Holistic Parenting buy the book, "Holistic parenting from the Pan-Afrikan Perspective" at http://www.afrikanparenting.com/ .

The Goddess Herb

2008-12-10T11:03:00.003-05:00

Red Raspberry leaf has to be the herb sent down from the heavens. It is great for days like today, when I am feeling a little crampy. The herb tones the uterus. Allowing the uterus to be stronger and endure cramps, aches, and pains.

Women who drink the tea during pregnancy receive great nutrients and have the possibility of having less labor pains.

Women who drink the tea during breastfeeding have a milk supply high in nutrients.

It is a good source of B vitamins, iron, and calcium!

On another note:

I was thinking yesterday about the kind of mother I am. I work a 9-5. My son goes to school during the day. When I get home there is only time for food, bath, and bed really. The meals that I make are good. But, I rarely have time to make a meal that takes more than 30-45 minutes of my time during the week. Motherhood is not easy.

I am not really sure if I will have more children. I am happy that the days of washing cloth diapers are over. Maybe, it would be different if I was a stay at home mom? I think at this point I am happy helping other mothers and their journey.

Honestly, I like my free time. My son goes to bed by 8:30 PM every night, unless we are out. For me, it is just not about his rest. But, I need a moment. I need quiet and time for my pleasures. Is that selfish?

My son comes home from school. With ankhs he made, singing in Yoruba, and reciting numbers in Swahili. I hear him making the sounds of the alphabet. There is a part of me, that thinks, what type of things am I teaching him? Sometimes as a mother you feel guilty.

My mother and father were child-free during weekends and summers. Friends and family helped with child-rearing. Today, many of my peers are not about helping you with the kids. So, parents get stressed. I personally don’t mind helping out other families. It is what the community should do. If I see a parent at school who is not driving and leaves close by, I have no issue just dropping the children off at home.

Raet
http://www.afrikanparenting.com/
http://www.soulcrafted.com/

Greens and Circumcision

2008-12-08T13:16:00.008-05:00

I recently brought Afya's, " The Vegan Soulfood Guide to the Galaxy". She stressed the need to add veggies to breakfast. She had a sauté spinach recipe. I took her recipe and tweaked it for a delightful breakfast; spinach, tofu scramble, and polenta (corn grits). My son would not eat the spinach though. Didn’t even try it. He does so much better with raw veggies.

I would definitely recommend Afya's book. Comes with a dvd too, http://www.nattral.com/ .

Other thoughts, I was reading an article today," Girls flee circumcision in Kenya":

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7766806.stm

The thought of being circumcised sends chills through my body. I don’t want to imagine. So, when women against female circumcision, circumcise their son's without a thought, it is somewhat mind boggling. No, it’s not exactly the same, I know. But, if female circumcision is wrong. Male circumcision is wrong too. I understand for some people it is religious. But, most Black folks I know are not Jewish, who go to a moe for the procedure. Most Black folks I know are not a part of an African spirituality where a priest or priestess makes the cut. Hospital circumcision in not religous. Please note that the cuts done by many African tribes are less severe than hospital cuts in many cases. I believe it is the same for the Jewish cut, however, not 100%.

The cleanliness issue doesn’t cut it. Women have no excuse not to clean themselves. Why should men? It’s not that hard to clean your genitals.
My thoughts on male circumcision , http://www.afrikanparenting.com/circumcision.html .

Raet

For more information on Holistic Parenting buy the book, "Holistic parenting from the Pan-Afrikan Perspective" at http://www.afrikanparenting.com/ .

Herb Pantry

2008-12-03T10:34:00.006-05:00

Cinnamon Milk

It aids ailments such as stomach aches, gas, cramps, indigestion, and diarrhea.

· Heat 1 cup of non-dairy milk in pot until it is almost boiling.
· Add one teaspoon of powdered cinnamon.
· Sweeten with maple syrup if you wish.

FYI: My son used to have a very weak stomach. It seemed to always be gassy. One day an intuitive who specialized in body and health readings pointed it out. I was thinking to myself, " Nothing is wrong with my son's stomach". A week later his stomach was bothering him at night. She recommended peppermint tea. It worked great. Aloe vera juice is good for constipation.

Garlic Juice

You can buy liquid garlic or press your own into olive oil. This can be added to meals, once on the plate. Do not cook with the garlic juice.

Or you can place orange juice in a blender with a clove of garlic or two. This can be taken once a week to keep the immune system healthy or can be used daily when battling the cold or flu.

For more information on Holistic Parenting by the book, "Holistic Parenting from the Pan-Afrikan Perspective today" at http://www.afrikanparenting.com/ .

Saturday Clearing and Cleaning

2008-11-29T16:25:00.011-05:00

Today was definitely a day for cleaning and clearing space. I tried a new earth friendly product, Bon Ambi, which was less than $2.00! I wanted to use something other than vinegar and water in a spray bottle and baking soda. Bon Ambi is the truth for kitchen and bathrooms. It cleaned the stove great. I am embarrased to say it, but the stove was a little nasty. I also picked up Eco-Cover's all purpose cleaner.

I prefer to use natural cleaner products because I do not want my son getting into toxic cleaners. Children are fast. He once drank a little bit of natural cleaning solution. So, many cleaning products are toxic and deadly. The fumes alone can cause different health problems. I do use some heavy duty cleaning products like bleach and ammonia. However, they are kept in very high places. I use them rarely. Many cleaning products are also deadly to the environment.

I splurged and purchased some sweetgrass to smudge the house. It is not only good to clean surfaces in the house, but the house's chi (energy). During this time of year I love to have Cinnamon brooms. They provide fragrance and sweetens the spirit of the home.

(sweetgrass and Cinnamon broom hung above the front door.)

For more information about Holistic Parenting buy the book, "Holistic Parenting from the Pan-Afrikan Perspective" at http://www.afrikanparenting.com/ .

Let them jiggle

2008-11-28T10:54:00.004-05:00

We live in a society where we not only cover up our bodies and breasts because we don’t want men to lust for us or offend certain men and women. Now, today we are keeping our breasts from our children. As if our babies are predators.

We cover up our bodies when we fill we have something to hide or are ashamed. In many African cultures we were not ashamed, our men did not uncontrollably lust after women. In ancient Kemit women, rulers, and deities were depicted with bare breast in temple, shrines, and art. Why? Because she was being depicted as a goddess, a FERTILITY goddess, a woman in her most divine form.

Many traditional African women went/go bare breast in their daily routines. It was not until many White Christian, Arab Muslims, and African Muslims, whether they were missionaries or invaders, imposed their perversions on Africans. Now, that I am typing I suppose a missionary and invader are both the same.

I just think it is disturbing that we hide our breast from our children, to the point where we feed them sugar water. People worry about covering up in public. When smokers have no shame, walking down the street, polluting us all.

My 3-year-old son knows what breasts are. He watches movies such as Kirikou and the Sorceress , (http://www.kirikou.net/) and sees breasts of all sizes. My breasts are a symbol of my womanhood and divinity. My son will honor me for the woman I am. Not being ashamed or try to shame me.

(Scenes from Kirikou)

Now traces of melamine (formaldehyde) are in US infant formula.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27914218/

I understand some people can’t breastfeed for health reasons, in that case I would invest in organics formulas from places like Whole Foods or goat milk.

Guard Your Girls Against Gardasil

2008-11-25T10:17:00.010-05:00

A mother emailed me asking if I have heard of African-American girls having more adverse reactions to the HPV vaccine than their white counterparts. I told her that I did not have any data. However, I know girls in general were having adverse reactions. The mother explained that both her daughter and a friend’s daughter had the same adverse reactions. But, she did not tell me what the reactions were. The HPV vaccine sickens me. It is such a useless vaccine, but many parents have no idea. The HPV vaccine brings back memories of Tuskegeee. It makes me think about medical apartheid. People of color, the poor, and the uneducated are most abused by the medical establishment. I am so sure that most doctors are not getting their children vaccinated against HPV.

The Pharmaceutical Company Merck has introduced Gardasil. Gardasil is “supposed” to prevent HPV (Human Papillomavirus Virus). Gardasil is said to protect against 18 strains of HPV, however there are over 100 strains of HPV. So, there are more than 84 strains, including genital warts that women can still get even if they received the vaccine. HPV high risk is related to causing cervical cancer. HPV low risk is related to causing genital warts. Gardasil will not prevent genital warts. It is very likely that girls will get HPV, vaccine or not. It does not prevent cancer nor is it a cure for cancer. 85% of women will get HPV sometime in their lives. However, over 90 % of HPV infections clear up on their own within two years. A healthy immune system and low stress is the key to clearing up HPV infections. Only a small percent of women with HPV get cervical cancer. HPV is not the big monster that Merck is trying to make people believe. Breast cancer affects so many more women. Where is that vaccine?

Gardasil is the most expensive vaccine to date. Merck is the same pharmaceutical company that created and was sued for the drug VIOXX. This drug killed over 60,000 people. Three girls have died shortly after receiving the vaccine. Thousands of girls have experienced adverse reactions.

Merck is currently trying to get laws passed to make it mandatory for girl’s 11-years-of-age and older to get the vaccine. Please remember that under state law parents can refuse ALL vaccines and get exemptions. To download samples of vaccine forms for every state please visit, http://www.vaclib.org/.

For more information on holistic parenting, buy,"Holistic Parenting from the Pan-Afrikan Perspective", today at http://www.afrikanparenting.com/ .

Pain and Pleasure

2008-11-24T09:40:00.010-05:00

Saturday morning I woke up to pain in my ear once around 2 AM, then again around 4 AM. My first ever ear infection. My son has never had an ear infection. I just so happened to have an ear infection remedy for him. I brought it years ago when I thought that he may have one. It is sooo good to have things handy in your supplies. You just can go to the store at 2 AM. This oil worked like a charm. Willow/Garlic Ear oil by Herbs for Kids.

It worked within minutes. I felt good Sunday and I feel good today. However, I still have cotton in my ear and my ear still feels like I have water in it, but no pain. I really feel for the kids who suffer from chronic ear infections. The pain is intolerable. Many old school folks would place olive oil or sweet oil in the child's ear. They would then give the child a little whiskey to help them get back to sleep. Followed by a hot water bottle on the ear.

I am not feeling antibiotics and ear tubes as the only option. Bacteria are starting to get immune to the antibiotics used for ear infections. Two of the best defenses against ear infections are breastfeeding and avoiding the vaccines such as DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Tetanus). I thank goddess that my mom breastfed me. So, many parents at the time gave their children formula. Many did not know any better. Having a hospital birth and taking your child to pediatricians regularly and for non-emergencies was the norm. My own maternal grandmother did not breastfeed.

It is also best to cover up your child's ears in the cold weather. I know I received this infection because I did not cover up my ears.

On a good note , I went to dance class Sunday. It was my first time without my son. It was great to be doing my own thing and a little weird at the same time. He is almost 4. He has been coming to dance regularly with me since 2. Now, sometimes it can be a challenge trying to dance and manage a toddler. And some non-parents just do not get it. Some are not f eeling kids in class. I study and perform North African Dance; some know it as belly dance. A friend once told me that there is no such thing as African dance without the sound of children present, OK! We are Africans everything is about family, especially dance. Especially North African dance. It is a fertility This is where our power resides. It helps us to unleash our serpentine power. We move our body in waves. Life, creation, began in waves! The dance moves are sexual energy. Sexuality leads to life, babies, and children! The movements of North African dance helps to get babies out too.

Yes, children sometimes run around and make noise. But, some don’t get it and dont understand the African value of children. If you don’t like kids around while you are dancing you may want to go to a non African class. Our class is mainly Afrikan women studying the dance of our Kemetic, Nubian, and Tantric ancestors. Oh, yes, this dance can be found on the halls of Kemit (Black Egypt).

My son was not there Sunday, but I still found myself dancing with a little boy holding my hand. I love being an iya (mother) and mut (mother/goddess). I love dancing!

(My first hafla)

Some of my happiest moments have been on stage.

I love that my son gets to see raw sexuality and sensuality in a divine form. He is exposed to half -naked women in all shapes in sizes and it’s not vulgar or obscene.

You have not seen "belly dance", until you have seen a sista do it!

For more information on holistic parenting, buy,"Holistic Parenting from the Pan-Afrikan Perspective", today at www.afrikanparenting.com .

I hate these damn drinks

2008-11-21T10:28:00.011-05:00

I remember when I began going to the corner store by myself. I was probably in the first or second grade. Back then, most of the corner stores in the hood were owned by Koreans. I may have had fifty cents or dollar. But, I made the most of it. I ALWAYS would get a 25 cent hug, red or grape. The organge hugs were unappealing. For some reason when they started making blue and green colored ones, the idea of drinking them repulsed me to the point where I wanted to gag.

I remember the heavy dye stain left on my tongue and those of friends after drinking them. This was a poor kid's drink. I believe you still only need a quarter for this high fructose sugar high. I googled the word hug and came across a site talking about one of the companies who makes this drink.

It states, "Daily's juice drinks are composed of liquid sugar, water and water-based solutions containing preservatives and stabilizers and color and flavoring, respectively. In general, the only thing that changes for different flavors is the color/flavoring component".

I guess they forgot to add high fructose corn syrup, which causes behavioral problems (ADD/ADHD) in children and adults, not to mention obesity. It also affects how children learn.

The horribles dyes, Yellow 5 and Red 40, and many others, are all linked to hyperactivity and emotional issues.

Hugs are madeout of a plastic that leeches toxic chemicals and carcinogens. But, hey they are cheap, kids like them, and they fit into parent's budgets, right?

Only got a quarter?

You ballin? Oh, you can get a 40 ounze (Red 40).

Hey, lets just have a party!

100% juice or plain ole' water is always best. Unfortunately, some thing never go out of style. Looking forward to the day when I can say R.I.P. hugs.

For more information on holistic parenting, buy,"Holistic Parenting from the Pan-Afrikan Perspective", today at www.afrikanparenting.com .

Sankofa

2008-11-20T11:14:00.012-05:00

My son took a trip to the Please Touch Museum, http://www.PleaseTouchMuseum.org, on Tuesday. When I went last year there was a Vietnamese exhibit. I am not sure if they still have it. I did not accompany my son this time around. It was an actual Vietnamese home. The home had a shrine for ancestors. You could even make the ancestors their favorite meal. There was a boiling stove that made noise, fake of course. The children could even cook rice cakes. There was even a place where the children could write their ancestors names.

In our home we feed our ancestors every day. But, when Africans do this ritual it is sometimes looked at as backwards or something that is not honorable. But, we can be in a mainstream children’s museum, and see this practice being celebrated an honored. I honestly, think it has to do with the fact that many Africans/Afrikans/Blacks don’t honor their ancestors anymore and are ashamed. We want so badly to fit into Western culture. When I go to many Asian businesses their ancestors shrines are in full view. Ever wonder why many of their businesses do well in America? While many Black businesses never get started or fail? When we began to learn and accept ourselves, other cultures will too. We will have more pride and dignity. I am looking forward to the day when my son walks in a Black-owned store and sees African shrines. Yes, he will know what it is to have a Black president. But, when will he see his ancestors being honored and Black commerce? We have a Llllllooooong way to go. Our ancestors died for more than the right to vote.

Sankofa can mean either the word in the Akan language of Ghana that translates in English to "go back and take" (Sanko- go back, fa- take) or the Asante Adinkra symbol.
The Asante of Ghana use an Adinkra symbol to represent this same idea and one version of it is similar to the eastern symbol of a heart, and another version is that of a bird with its head turned backwards taking an egg off its back. It symbolizes one taking from the past what is good and bringing it into the present in order to make positive progress through the benevolent use of knowledge.

On another note, I am looking forward to this weekend. I am excited about food! I have not had French toast in over seven or eight years. I am going to try out this vegan French toast recipe. Minus the sugar, of course.

For more information on holistic parenting, buy,"Holistic Parenting from the Pan-Afrikan Perspective", today at www.afrikanparenting.com .

Sex and Love Hormone

2008-11-19T12:32:00.010-05:00

Many women experience post partum depression. This can lead to neglect of baby and other family members, trauma for the mother, and sometimes even death. Some experts blame the hormone oxytocin for post partum depression. Oxytocin is the hormone we release when we are in love, make love, and have orgasms. Pregnant mothers experience a constant release of this hormone during pregnancy. After pregnancy the oxytocin levels drop.

In Africa conception, labor, and birth are rites of passage which is celebrated and honored. Women are appointed to the mother-to-be before conception takes place. So, she receives her support system before birth. This is done to guarantee that the family will be whole. During pregnancy, women celebrate and honor the mother and unborn. This is all done to prepare the mother and child for birth. Many traditional African cultures perform rites to insure that the new family is whole, because a new family has the potential to disrupt the whole community. During the birth the mother is undisturbed, unlike many births today. The mother has community women and midwives to create a wholesome experience. She also has a post partum n'sansi that cares for the unborn baby and mother for months after birth. These traditions keep oxytocin flowing. Mothers are kept indoors for 40 days. She does no housework. Other women also take care of her and the baby. This allows the mother to heal and rest. After 40 days there is a celebration, more oxytocin!

Methods for keeping Oxytocin Flowing:

Breastfeed! It produces large quantities of oxytocin.

Have a female support system, including younger girls. Allow other women to cook, clean, and watch after the newborn, and other kids. Mothers with no support system, consider hiring a doula. Other women and their pheromones keep oxytocin flowing.

Sleep with your baby! Yes, sleeping with your baby is safe. This creates oxytocin.

Mother and baby should stay in the home for the first 30 days, if possible. Let others run errands. A womb that is open can absorb negative energy. Mothers do not need negative energy in their womb. This can contribute to mental illness. Germs are also not good for mother and baby.

Raet

For more information on holistic parenting, buy,"Holistic Parenting from the Pan-Afrikan Perspective", today at www.afrikanparenting.com .

Changing the environment in your home, can change your child's attitude and temperament

2008-11-18T14:13:00.004-05:00

Changing the environment in your home, can change your child's attitude and temperament. You ever come home and want to relax, but your child is amped? What type of energy does your home possess? Is your home possessing your child, literally? Sometimes certain types of music and television programs can make children loud, destructive, and anxious. Here are some things you can try to reverse some of these affects:

In communal family living areas such as the living room and dining room, avoid clutter. Clutter can cause anyone to not be grounded Have a bookshelf where books, puzzles, and games are available.

Children like candles, aromatherapy, and incense too. However keep them out of reach.

Use natural light during the day. In the evening use lamps or candles for light.

Have plants and flowers in the home. Make use of tranquil water fountains. Have stones and crystals, also.

The living room and dining room is not the child's room. Let them bring certain toys into the communal areas, but make sure they take them back into their rooms when done.

I know sometimes we feel like the kids are driving us "crazy". But, we may be driving them "crazy". As a child, I found that in my grandmother's house there was less stimuli. Certain behaviors were for outside. I was much calmer in her home rather, than in my own home. It was the energy she created. There was less clutter, noise, and distraction.

For more information on holistic parenting, buy,"Holistic Parenting from the Pan-Afrikan Perspective", today at www.afrikanparenting.com .