Amy Ford of Brown Babies Pink Parents writes:
I learned my lesson—the girls’ hair must be done, no matter how big a rush I’m in…
I’ve learned a lot over the years about combing black hair. It all started when I picked Madison up from day care when she was about 3 months old and, much to my surprise, she had a head full of pony tails. They were the tiniest pony tails I had ever seen! I was amazed her teacher was able to do it. That was the week I started spending time with the teacher after the other kids went home to learn how to manage what she correctly predicted was going to be an incredible mane of hair on Madison’s head. Since then I have learned how to create a dozen or more styles in addition to the daily rituals of maintenance. Whenever I can, I pass along these lessons to other parents through workshops, webinars and quick tips in the grocery store. However, I am not a perfect parent and there are days when I do not practice what I preach.
Yesterday was one of those days. My mother is visiting from Savannah and, at the last minute, we decided to visit a new church on Sunday morning. The church is enormous, a landmark in our suburb of Austin. I have been drawn to the stained-glass window for years. It did briefly cross my mind as we dressed for church that I had not done McKenzie’s hair yet. Madison’s hair looked great, but McKenzie’s was definitely in need of attention. I decided our spiritual well-being was more important than the hair and off we went to worship.
I really enjoyed reading your article. A lot of mothers find themselves in this very situation. Sometimes in a pinch you just won't have the time that it sometimes takes to devote to detangling and styling. I sure have been in this situation myself. It happens to black and white mothers alike and sometimes someone will feel inclined to say something directly or indirectly. It is obvious that you love and care for your daughter very much and that was the most touching part of this article.
I am so glad that you are paying attention to the different hair types and taking an interest in the way the children can be made presentable. At the same time, people sometimes can be pushy and over react to a situation, they know nothing about. But koodos to you for recognizing the need to keep up with the hair. Even if its just combing to braid it up, combing to put barrettes and bo bos in the hair, or asking for their teachers assistance. Great job
I can so relate to this article! I do feel their is a pressure on Moms to do their daughters hair!My daughter has ha OS curl pattern si i usually do wash n go as braids only look messy to quickly and she always stands out as her hair isn't braided up all the time like other black girls. The way i see it as long as the hair looks neat and like you cared for it you're good to go! Doing up our hair is so strong in the black culture that is why someone will always comment or offer help!