Mulatto.org: Positive Resource Board - Parenting Forums for Mulatto Parents & Parents of Mulatto Children

hair types

carott — Thur, 18 Feb 2010 11:49:17 GMT

Interested to know whether your children all have the same hair types, can it vary from straight to afro or do they tend to be the same.... expecting another baby soon!

Forum: Parenting Forums for Mulatto Parents & Parents of Mulatto Children

Mixed: Portraits of Multiracial Kids, a Book

TangledWeb — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 03:49:41 GMT

Mixed: Portraits of Multiracial Kids is for sale on amazon.com.

Forum: Parenting Forums for Mulatto Parents & Parents of Mulatto Children

Racial identity in biracial teen

torinsmom — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 22:36:50 GMT

My son is 15, and is black/white biracial. He is fairly light with blue eyes and curly hair. I have raised him on my own since he was 3, with only once to twice monthly visits with his black father. He has been in diverse schools and we go to a diverse church. To me, he looks biracial, but most white people who meet him assume he is white or part Native American.

Yesterday, he told me he does not feel like he is half black. He said he feels like he is white. All his friends are white, and he listens to the kind of music they do. Although, most of my close friends are black, none of them have teens he would share interests with. He is close to my family, which is all white.

I am not sure how to react to this new revelation of his. Should I just let it go and let him find his own way? Is this a normal part of growing up biracial?

Here is a picture of Torin with his cousins.

Marsha

Forum: Parenting Forums for Mulatto Parents & Parents of Mulatto Children

How young is too young for braids?

MixerMama — Thur, 20 Aug 2009 18:09:57 GMT

My daughter is one. Her hair is at an awkward length where it is too short to put in a pony tail, but I'd like to do something with it because it is wild in the humidity. I think it would be long enough to cornrow, but I don't want to damage her hair. Any advice? Her hair is about three inches long over her whole head, pencil size spiral curls in the back, wavy on the top, and relatively fine.

Forum: Parenting Forums for Mulatto Parents & Parents of Mulatto Children

? about my son

Esmama — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 17:17:54 GMT

Hi everyone. My son is mulatto (mother-white, father-black). He is constantly everywhere we go getting compliments. Of course I should be happy he's getting compliments, but sometimes I really feel a little concerned. As he continues to get older, I don't want him to become conceited. I have thoughts like one day someone's going to pay him a compliment and he'll say "I know" or "Yeah, everyone says that" I know this is trivial thing, but I do hope you'll humor me anyway

I've recently let his hair grow out a little longer (he has a bald spot that he's had since birth, and I want to keep it covered bc he used to get a lot of attention about that as well). So he has all these ringlets all over now. I feel awkward when people pay him all these compliments (although I always say thank you) and I especially feel awkward when people touch his hair. I'm kind of shy though and don't want to come across as rude....I've even had strangers ask if they can take a pic of him...to which I do say no to that.

And he gets equal attention from black and white women, so it's not a "good hair" thing....lol at least I don't think it is. I guess I'm just wondering if this is a common thing for all mulatto children? Maybe he looks "exotic" to both sides? Or is he just that cute....of course I think he's that cute but I am a little biased The pic I'm attaching was taken about a month ago...so it's even longer now.

Forum: Parenting Forums for Mulatto Parents & Parents of Mulatto Children

mulatto in all white school

carott — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 17:39:25 GMT

We live in a largely majority white suburb and I'm concerned about sending my child to the local almost all white school. There may be no-one who looks like my daughter in her class? Would you move to a different, more multicultural area? As the white parent, I'm not sure what is best for her. Strangely my husband (the non-white parent) can't see how this would be a problem despite growing up in a multicultural environment himself.... Anyone been this child?

Forum: Parenting Forums for Mulatto Parents & Parents of Mulatto Children

How to convince teen to love her curly hair?

NatashaFX — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 19:27:32 GMT

Hi all,

Please help me. I have two mulatto daughters with very nice curly hair and both of them refuse to wear their hair curly. Well, the oldest will wear her hair curly on the weekends if she doesn't have time to flat iron but the 14 year old refuses so I spend an hour on Sunday evenings flat ironing all her hair and her hair is thick and long. None of her friends have seen her with curly hair.

How do I convince them to love their beautiful curls or do I have to wait until curly hair is "in"? I've already tried the "people pay hundreds of dollars to get their hair like this" or pointed to people we see in public with nice curls routines to no avail. I really don't mind the flat ironing once in a while and it comes out really nice and silky but I don't want to spend an hour doing it any more after all these years. And if I take her to my stylist, it cost $50 which I don't want to pay since I do hell of a nice job at home. I've even flat ironed my Colombian friend's hair who is all the way down to her butt because she hates her curls as well and she's 25. Is this a phase or do lots of people hate their natural hair? Help!

Natasha

Forum: Parenting Forums for Mulatto Parents & Parents of Mulatto Children

Bandabib- The Bandana Style Baby Bib

debbiewinger — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 17:01:20 GMT

Babies are cute, cuddly and adorable. They are the joy of our lives. Nevertheless, there is no running away from the fact that they are messy. If youre a mother too, then Im certain you will agree with me. We spend a lot of time cleaning after our little ones. I, for one, would welcome any new way of somehow cutting down on my cleaning. In my search I came across the new Bandabib by Bazzle Baby at peaceofmindbabyproducts.com.

This bandana style baby bib is absolutely adorable and Im sure your baby will love it too. Splendidly combining function and style, the Bandabib, as it is called, serves as a great dribble bib for your child and keeps the stains off his or her cute little baby clothes. Made of 100 percent cotton, the bandabib is easy to wash and suitable for your little ones skin. At first, I thought that it was an item of clothing as it was unusually big for a bib and looked like a bandana. However, as soon as I put it on my little one, I realized that it is just the most adorable looking (and functional) product I have seen. It can make your baby look irresistibly cute! With bandabib, you will not mind one bit when your baby starts getting messy.

The bandabib comes with a hi-dry cotton flannel backing to reduce seepage to its minimal. Also, it comes in a number of designs and prints. So all you fashion conscious moms, the bandabibs are just what you have been looking for. The Velcro closure ensures that the bib stays where it should at all time, and that your little angel does not remove it or damage it in a fit of mischief.

I have found the Bandabib to be extremely useful and efficient and I am sure you will too, once you use it. The bandabib keeps my baby and me happy. I no longer have to worry about my little one messing up his clothes and because of that, I dont stop him to change him every time he spills.

Forum: Parenting Forums for Mulatto Parents & Parents of Mulatto Children

Parents of mixed children; Come on in and make yourselves comfy!!!!

Rutita — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 17:12:31 GMT

Hello all,

I have noticed more and more parents of mixed children joining the membership recently and thought you guys deserved a special thread where you could come in, be extra comfortable, introduce yourselves, share experiences and gain some support.

I remember when I was growing up in 1970's London that my parents had lots of friends who were mixed relationships. These were people whom they met along the way but who practically became part of the family.

Some of the children I still refer to cousins as that is how we grew to be. I also know that the support and understanding my parents experienced in those friendships was very important to them and that they could have been quite isolated without it.

That is one of my motives behind starting this thread. I hope that our members can experience some level of support here.

Perhaps the more established members can get the ball rolling? Yes, you know who you are!!!!

Over to you guys!!!!

Forum: Parenting Forums for Mulatto Parents & Parents of Mulatto Children

What part of African American culture did you most apprieciate ?

berrygirlfi — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 01:03:25 GMT

Hi out there....
I'm a black American mother to a bi-racial little girl and we live in Finland. She has such a rich cultural heritage from her Finnish side of the family and by that I mean all the obvious things (Finnish foods, language and cultural clothing's) But also special things like Finnish myths, fairy tales and songs shared from her father, grandmother and family. Also stuff like the children trick or treat on Easter; and there are special poems and magic wishes one makes on mid-summer and the vernal equinox. Fins typically spend summers in summer cabins and many stay close to nature by not using electricity when there. They say special things. Her dad is always translating some cute little Finnish sayings or proverbs like "Kukas kissan hnnn nostaa ellei kissa itse?" translated "who can raise the cats tail if not the cat itself." meaning...if anyone is going to give you any credit its yourself. And of course there is the world of sauna and the ritual like bathing practices of the Finnish. I love all the things she is getting from this culture of course.... but I can't help but ache and worry about what I have to give from my side. 1stly I am NOT religious....I feel pretty adamant about pushing anything like that on her, so outside of the Black church culture what do I have to share that is distinctly and more importantly positively black to impart to my daughter? I can only kinda remember the Uncle Remus stories but kinda have to research them (half way sure I'll be offended when I do!!) But Mixed folks help me out..I feel like if I do a good job with positive culture from my side kinda equally she will have a super easy time with her image of both sides of herself and we can avoid some of the self hate a lot of mix kids go through. What did you most appreciate culturally from the "black" side growing up. Also to all the black Mommy's and daddy's out there; what are you sharing culturally with your little ones? I really thank you for taking the time for reading all this stuff and bless you for any input.

Forum: Parenting Forums for Mulatto Parents & Parents of Mulatto Children

My son is here!

FlowerChild — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 02:47:35 GMT

This is mostly for Mixedmom since she said to keep her updated and I don't know many of you guys here anymore....but wanted to let you know my son was born on December 28th. He was 6lbs and 11.4oz--a peaceful lil observant guy.

Go here to see pix:
Pix from my phone
Labor and delivery

Forum: Parenting Forums for Mulatto Parents & Parents of Mulatto Children

all mixed up? dark mom light child

alottomulatto — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 09:36:42 GMT

I have had alot of struggles growing up, mostly being mulatto with one white parent and one black. I spent my entire life trying to accept who I am and when I finally felt I had made it life through a curve ball at me. I would really like to know if anyone out there can relate to me, being a mixed darker skinned mulatto with essentially a white aryan looking son.

I feel like I spent my whole life unable to relate to any of my family white or black and when I having my own progeny, I am once again unable to relate. To be honest, I am mostly terrified that my son will be ashamed of me. I think it's because when I was around nine months pregnant and of course oblivious to the color of my son, I watched a movie called "Imitation of Life" where a "quadroon" looking girl spends her whole life trying to hide who she is and is outright ashamed of where she comes from (a mulatto mother).

I need some advice, or anybody to relate to... Or someone who has been through this already. I only single this out because its a lot less common for a minority looking mother to have a "white" child. I've dealt with being mixed, but I haven't dealt with people's rude stares at my own son asking who he belongs too. There's much more suprise in their eyes than when people would look at me as a child. I joined this website for insite and support directly relating to raising my son. Anything would be helpful.

I also try not to be soo "sensitive" but seriously everybody when they see him, friend or simple acquaintance always remark "oH, hes soooo white." I need some advice on how to deal with this because if I can help it I'd like him not to be conscious of who he is, but to just be... be my son.

Forum: Parenting Forums for Mulatto Parents & Parents of Mulatto Children

Mulatto mom....black son?

FlowerChild — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 17:26:18 GMT

I'm going to give birth to a baby boy this January who will be half Mulatto and half Black. I assume society will see him as Black and that he will move through society as a Black man.

I feel at a loss of how to address special issues that are specific to the Black male experience (it's hard enough him just being male). I've looked for resources, but all you can find are those directed towards single black mothers.

Dad isn't full help because he is actually African and was born and raised in Africa, so he doesn't fully understand the Black American experience, or even know what it's like to grow up as a racial minority.

Any other mothers in a similar situation?

Forum: Parenting Forums for Mulatto Parents & Parents of Mulatto Children

How to look after hair and skin?

Lola — Thur, 16 Oct 2008 15:10:37 GMT

Hi everyone! I'm a caucasian single mother to a two year old mixed race girl in ireland and i was hoping you would be able to give me some information on how to look after her hair and skin. I only ever comb her hair at bath time, i use johnsons baby shampoo which i've just been told probably isn't good for her hair and a natural conditioner. I brush/comb her hair with the conditioner in it and she HATES it! She gets really upset whenever she sees a comb or brush coming even if its not for her! Just putting water on her hair in the bath sends her off into floods of tears. I know its hurting her so i'm looking for advice on the best way to look after it? I have an afro pick that i mainly use but it doesn't seem to do much good. When she sleeps, the side of her head she's sleeping on tends to go into little 'dreads' with the baby sweat. Thanks for any help! Great site by the way!

Forum: Parenting Forums for Mulatto Parents & Parents of Mulatto Children

How to braid a mixed person's hair

mulan — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 12:03:25 GMT

that's the title of this video:

Forum: Parenting Forums for Mulatto Parents & Parents of Mulatto Children