My hubby and I have always planned on having kids. I knew that starting a family wouldn’t be easy. I’m not just referring to the financial aspects of raising a child. I’m talking about how our children would be perceived.
There was a good chance that our child would have darker features like me. There was also a good chance that he or she would have very fair skin and blue eyes like my hubby, who had blond hair growing up. I also knew there was a good chance that our baby would have a head full of golden locks too.
No matter how light or dark, we would love our baby unconditionally. But, the one thing I wasn’t ready for was the question, “Is she yours?” I remember being asked that question before becoming a mom. I have a niece who is also biracial. She’s half Puerto Rican and half Jamaican. She and I were joined at the hip when she was a baby. People would always compliment how cute she was, and ask if she was mine. I’d say thanks and answer the question without giving it a second thought.
A few years later my nephew, who is black, arrived. Like my niece, we were joined at the hip. Everyone assumed he was mine. I recall people telling me, “I thought he was yours all this time.” I didn’t mind. After all, he was one of the most beautiful babies I had ever seen. I’m not just saying that because he’s my nephew.
Now that I have a daughter of my own I get asked that question all over again. “Is she yours?” I feel like saying, “for the last time she’s mine!” But of course, I politely say yes instead. I must admit it can get annoying. I always knew there would be a chance that I’d look like the nanny and I’ve come to terms with that. My daughter is beautiful, and I’m so happy that God has blessed me with her.
I’ve come up with some do’s and don’t for when you encounter a biracial child with his or her parent:
1. If you see a woman with a child, don’t assume she’s the nanny.
2. I find that when my hubby, Princess, and I are together everyone assumes that we are a family. If you see a mom or dad with a biracial child, do the same.
3. Do compliment. Parents love to be told how gorgeous their child is. That way if you happen to say, “you have a beautiful daughter” you give that person the opportunity to either say “thanks” or “no she’s my niece.” Get my drift?
4. Don’t give nasty or blank stares. We hate those. My hubby actually confronted someone for doing that. Person became embarrassed.
5. Do look over with a smile. It shows kindness.
6. Don’t use words like mutts or half breeds when describing mixed raced kids. That’s just plain rude. We prefer biracial.
7. Do ask about race. It’s okay to ask someone about his or her background, as long as it’s done nicely in the proper setting. In other words, you don’t want to stop a complete stranger and ask what race the kid is.
8. Most importantly, do use common sense.
Weather Anchor Mama