Wearing head wraps is pretty much a win anytime of the year, but as we know the dry humid heat of summer, just like the coolness of winter, can cause some serious stress to our hair. A lot of us opt in to protective styles like braids and faux locs, but don't realize head wraps are another affordable and efficient protective style.
Head wraps serve as a shield and help keep your hair hydrated, soft while acting as a subtle statement accessory to add to your look. You can wear it in a variety of styles that fit you. Plus, head wraps are pretty easy to find; you can get them from your local beauty supply stores, Instagram brands, or on Amazon like I did.
Whether you're looking for ways to protect your hair or you're just having a lazy day and can't bother with styling your hair, you can't go wrong with head wraps. You can just add a leave-in conditioner, twist or braid your hair, then wrap your hair, and you are good to go!
Here are a few different styles and head wraps you can incorporate into your hair routine:
Stretch Head Wraps
Writer Krissy Lewis/xoNecole
I purchased two stretch head wraps on Amazon in orange and brown (but there's a variety of colors available). Personally, it's my favorite type because it feels softer on my hair, allows you more flexibility to twist and wrap it however you'd like, and plus it's lightweight. If you're trying headwraps for the first time, I would start out with a cotton or stretchy material, it's easier.
I really have no method to styling my head wraps. I think the fun part is being able to style it however you want and finding one that fits you best. For me, I prefer the bun in front instead of on top of my head.
African Print Head Wraps
Writer Krissy Lewis/xoNecole
African print head wraps come with so much history, each print and color pattern symbolizes different cultures and traditions. Every time I where one it reminds me of the paintings I would see at my friends' and grandmothers' houses. It's such a chic way to incorporate your culture into your style or just switch things up.
The textures of the African head wraps are also different, which I love. The cotton wax tends to make it more stiff and keep the shape — sometimes I don't even have to re-wrap my wrap, I can just take it off and it'll be ready-to-wear for next time.
Turban Shawl Head Wraps
Writer Krissy Lewis/xoNecole
The Bohemian Turban Shawl Head Wrap was new for me. It had more material (it's made out of polyester and spandex) and two openings as opposed to one long scarf. It's very easy for a quick wrap and go; you just put it on your hair and wrap it around or into a bun. This is ideal for those who have long thick hair. It's long enough for any hair length and it stretches as much as you need it to. Plus, you can't go wrong with the beautiful vibrant color!
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The origin of the word "discipline" can be traced back to the Latin word "disciplina," which means "instruction" or "teaching." Over time, however, discipline has come to be synonymous with punishment, with parents relying on shame, fear, and/or physical pain to curb undesirable behavior.
Teaching takes time, so nipping it in the bud in whatever fashion parents deem necessary (within reason) has become the norm. But is this what’s best for children? And when does it become less about curbing undesirable behavior and more about getting our licks back for offenses we feel our children should know better to do?
In my work as a parenting coach, I’ve often heard parents say, “I asked him nicely three times before spanking him. He didn’t stop doing it until I did, so clearly talking doesn’t work.”
And the parent isn’t wrong. Talking often doesn’t work the first, the third, or the even the 10th time. And the reason is directly tied to brain development.
Children cannot and do not process information the way an adult can. Auditory processing is not fully developed until a child is 14 or 15 years old. And even then, if a child has auditory processing delays or Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), they may always struggle with processing auditory commands. According to Susie S. Loraine, MA, CCC-SLP, the term auditory processing refers to how the brain perceives and interprets sound information. Several skills determine auditory processing ability—or listening success. They develop in a general four-step hierarchy, but all work together and are essential for daily listening.
Without this understanding, discipline can easily become revenge because parents will then view their child’s misdeeds as a personal slight. Instead of teaching them to do better, parents now want to show them the consequences of not doing better. This is why it's imperative for parents to discern between discipline and revenge to maintain healthy relationships with their children.
5 WAYS TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN PARENTAL GUIDANCE AND RETALIATION:
Understanding The Intent
Discipline is rooted in love and concern for the child's well-being. It focuses on teaching lessons and helping children understand the consequences of their actions. Conversely, revenge-driven actions stem from a desire to inflict pain or punishment as payback for perceived slights or disobedience. Parents should reflect on their motives before taking disciplinary actions. Ask yourself whether your intention is to help your child learn or to make them suffer for upsetting you.
Example: If a child accidentally breaks a valuable item, a disciplinary response would involve discussing the importance of being careful and working with the child to come up with a way to replace or fix what they’ve broken. On the other hand, a vengeful reaction might involve yelling, harsh punishment, or bringing up past mistakes to intensify guilt.
Maintaining Emotional Regulation
Effective discipline requires parents to remain calm and composed, even in challenging situations. It's natural to feel upset or frustrated when children misbehave, but responding with anger or resentment can escalate the situation and blur the line between discipline and revenge. Before addressing the issue, take a moment to breathe and collect your thoughts.
Example: If a child cannot follow instructions, a disciplined response would involve calmly explaining why their cooperation is necessary in working with the child to accomplish the goal. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve shouting, name-calling, or resorting to physical punishment out of anger.
Promoting Growth and Learning
Discipline should always aim to promote growth and learning. It involves guiding children toward making better choices and understanding the impact of their actions on themselves and others. Effective discipline strategies include positive reinforcement, setting clear expectations, and providing opportunities for reflection and growth.
Example: If a child repeatedly forgets to complete their chores, a disciplinary approach would involve discussing the importance of responsibility and finding solutions together, such as creating a chore chart or setting reminders with Siri or Alexa. In contrast, a revenge-driven response might involve imposing overly harsh punishments or belittling the child, which can undermine their self-esteem and hinder their ability to learn from their mistakes.
Momo Productions/Getty
Building Trust and Communication
Trust and open communication are essential components of a healthy parent-child relationship. Discipline should strengthen this bond by fostering trust and encouraging children to confide in their parents without fear of judgment or retaliation. When children feel safe and supported, they're more likely to accept discipline as a form of guidance rather than punishment.
Example: If a child admits to breaking a rule or making a mistake, a disciplined response would involve listening to their perspective, discussing the consequences of their actions, and working together to find a solution. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve accusations, blame, or shutting down communication, which can erode trust and damage the parent-child relationship.
Seeking Professional Guidance
Parenting is a learning journey, and, disciplining children is a delicate balance between guiding them toward responsible behavior and nurturing their growth. By understanding the intent behind our actions, maintaining emotional regulation, promoting growth and learning, building trust and communication, and seeking professional guidance when needed, as parents we can help our children built on love, respect, and understanding.
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