I pride myself in being the best mom I can be. I’d go through hell and high water to make sure Princess has the best care. I don’t believe in spoiling a child. But, I think that it’s important to provide them with opportunities. I wasn’t a kid who had it all. But, my mom did the best she could. I took piano lessons and played all kinds of sports growing up. I’ve always wanted to provide my kids with those same opportunities.
Within the year after giving birth, I remember signing up for mommy and me swim classes at the local center. My hubby and I also enjoy planning fun family activities. In fact, I often hit up other parents for ideas on places to go. Just the other day, I ran into another mommy who suggested I try taking Princess to Gymboree.
“I take my son there all the time,” she said.
Aside from selling cute clothes, I had no idea they had classes for kids. I might just have to check it out,” I replied. Our conversation took a turn when she proceeded to tell me about an encounter she had with another mom. She had made the same suggestion about taking classes at Gymboree, and woman accused her of raising her child like a “white mom.” Hearing this made my blood boil!
It’s bad enough that we hear about children being abused all the time. In my line of work we cover stories about kids running the streets without supervision and getting into all kinds of trouble, or dying.
It’s absurd to think that doing something constructive with our kids means that we are trying to be white. The bad girl in me wanted to walk up to this lady and give her a piece of my mind. But, the mommy in me felt pity for this person. She has little ones of her own, and doesn’t schedule activities for them. I’m not sure why. But rather than judge, I think we need to support each other in the parenting community. The fact that this statement came from someone of my own race hurts more than if it came from a white person.
Even though Princess is biracial, I never thought of raising her black or white? Is there really such a thing? I choose to get her involved with different things so that she can stay active. It also teaches discipline. Besides, it’s much better than plopping her in front of the T.V. all day. I admit that swimming and other activities may cost a pretty penny. But there are so many community events at little or no cost.
Just because I expose my daughter to different activities doesn’t mean that I’m trying to be white (or raise her white for that matter). I’m more concerned with being a good mom, and raising my daughter to be a positive contributor to society.
