Noticing

So, I've had a few conversations with people who wonder whether or not young kids should be taught explicitly about race...and I think it's mostly a white privilege to have to wonder about that. In the reading I've done about transracial adoption and anti-racist parenting/living, it's hugely important to talk about race and differences from the beginning. Ignoring does more harm than good. It's been interesting the past few weeks because Ali has been noticing colors more in her environment. And while we talk about colors and skin-colors and how beautiful all the skin colors in our family are, she hasn't really cared before. But now, she loves pointing out that Ava's skin is brown and Ava has black hair. The funny thing is Ali was saying she had white skin...so I had to correct that. I know, I know, not like my girls will understand the difference between a racial label (like black and white) and actual skin color for a while, but I want both of them to at least be able to describe each other accurately now so that we can have that abstract conversation about societal labels later on in their lives. So, I'm teaching Ali her skin is peach or sandy tan. She's likes saying it's peach. And she loves comparing skin tones in books, which leads me to the following book suggestions...some will be for later (a little bit too long for a 2 year old), but I highly recommend them, for all families, regardless of the make-up of your family.

All The Colors We Are (bonus that it's a bilingual book) by Katie Kissinger
The Skin You Live In (Ali LOVES this one) by Michael Tyler
Let's Talk About Race by Julius Lester

Gag Me!!!!!

I'm sorry if you agree with this link, don't take offense to the throw up in my mouth after reading it...I just definitely DO NOT agree with it. I'm researching right now for a series of posts I'm planning on doing about my personal views of women's roles in church, home, life in general...I've had some really funny/frustrating conversations lately that make me really want to do these posts. :) Even though in a few months I will be kicking it old school and staying home, I'm NOT staying home because I believe it is a Biblical mandate...more on that later. (I'm actually kind of reluctant about staying home b/c I really, really disagree that it is a "thou shalt" for women, but my life is about to fit the stereotype of those who do believe it is a "thou shalt.") Ok...enough for now. Read the link. And if you really want to laugh and don't have much time, scroll down to the "What's a Christian Mother To Do All Day?" section where it gives 42 suggestions...I laughed out loud!

Should a Christian Mother Work Outside the Home?