Last Updated on April 12, 2022 by Successful Black Parenting Staff
Portrait of a Dad
There is an African saying that, “It takes a village to raise a child”, and as a dad, you have to be the chief of that village.
Ibrahim Camara, Author
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I was born and raised in Gambia, West Africa before traveling to attend Navarro College in Texas 10 years ago. I remember growing up around four sisters that would put makeup on me and dress me like a girl. At some point around third grade, I hated that they did me like that. I would catch frogs and scare my older sister, keeping her locked in her room for hours. My younger sister got the most of it because we were the closest and had more mutual friends. I could not stand her playing soccer with the boys even though I’d stare in awe at her ability before yelling at her to, “Go and play with the girls!” Fast forward to me today, playing soccer with my daughter is one of my favorite things to do. She helps me fix cars, do home improvements and explore nature as I try to teach her to be a supergirl and princess at the same time.
Raising a child is a blessing from God and many lessons for oneself, if only we listen and observe.
Spending as much quality time, listening and paying attention is important. I share my honest opinions about what I know and do not know. My daughter asks many questions and I’m eager to learn along and guide her to find the right answer. Let’s use a dictionary to find out, let’s read on in a book, search Google, ask Siri, watch YouTube, or ask mummy or uncle Gee.
Dad & Daughter Read-Aloud Time
Miles’ Stuffy Nose is such a cute book and was our first read-aloud video on YouTube. We wear costumes because we are really preparing for Halloween since we do not observe the holiday, I hope to remind her that she can dress up on any other day. She knew everything about Halloween since she was two-years old. Kids will learn things from many sources but you should be available and care enough to listen and provide the best response.
Raising a child is a blessing from God and many lessons for oneself, if only we listen and observe.
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