This Video Is A Reminder That Safe Spaces & Vulnerability Are Key To Our Collective Healing
Recently, Candice Brathwaite-Aboderin posted an IG reel sharing a vulnerable moment she experienced at the dentist's and how she deeply appreciated the care her doctor provided. As I watched Brathwaite-Aboderin’s tears roll down her face, it brought back an almost identical moment I had at the dentist roughly a year ago. The numbing gel they used didn’t work the way it should have, and the pain of the following injection was truly unbearable.
Though I’m not one who’s normally afraid of the dentist, that moment in my doctor’s chair triggered a flood of emotions from various instances throughout my life when I was in pain but wasn’t allowed to express those feelings. Just as Brathwaite-Aboderin’s dentist, mine wiped my tears and was very comforting at that moment, which further shocked my system because, as a Black woman, that’s not the response I’m used to receiving when I’m in pain.
When I later discussed this moment with my therapist, I explained to her that I didn’t even realize I needed to be comforted in such a way because I’d convinced myself that it wasn’t something I was ever going to receive.
Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, licensed psychologist and founder of Therapy for Black Girls, says, “For so long society has told us that as Black women we have to hold it all together and rarely show emotion that I think it has left many of us out of touch with our feelings which is why we can be so taken aback when we experience genuine acts of kindness and care.”
Brathwaite-Aboderin shared a similar sentiment in her caption, “We are so accustomed to watching Black women in defense mode or having to challenge and fight for themselves that when we see raw emotion from them, it often highlights the lack of humanity we decide to give them.”
“We are so accustomed to watching Black women in defense mode or having to challenge and fight for themselves that when we see raw emotion from them, it often highlights the lack of humanity we decide to give them.”
I speak to the lack of humanity Black women are allotted by society through conversations centered around misogynoir and the variety of ways it manifests in our lives, whether that be through domestic violence, the way Black women are vilified for being their authentic selves, or how our vulnerability is an act of resistance against the systemic racism, and sexism Black women face daily.
Yet, a piece of this conversational puzzle that is often missing is how do we, as Black women, find and maintain spaces of safety in a world that often expects us to be superheroes?
Rhonda Richards-Smith, a Los Angeles-based psychotherapist and wellness expert, says “The more Black women engage in therapy and community healing spaces, the more comfortable we become with sharing our vulnerabilities, fears and needs with those we are closest to.” Richards-Smith continues, “As we embrace our humanity, we gain a greater understanding that we are more than deserving of having our wants, needs, and desires met.”
Black women are collectively beginning to metaphorically take off our capes and share the reality that we’re not always okay. In a recent clip shared from Selling Sunset, Amanza Smith and Chelsea Lazkani share a vulnerable moment on how Black women are taught to hide their pain and suffer in silence. Smith shared that “she didn’t want to have to do that anymore,” and how she wants to share the moments she’s struggled in the past with others so they can see they’re not alone and that there is space for their healing.
Bradford says, “It’s important for us to be vulnerable…it frees us and allows us to connect more deeply with our feelings, but it also creates a space for those around us to share more authentically.” Richards-Smith echos this sentiment, “Many Black women suffer in silence, which unfortunately furthers the Superwoman Syndrome phenomenon. By sharing our personal stories of healing and vulnerability with our communities in safe spaces, we give others courage to do the same.”
"By sharing our personal stories of healing and vulnerability with our communities in safe spaces, we give others courage to do the same."
As Black women continue to be honest about the impact daily microaggressions have on us, whether it’s Beyoncé sharing in her latest documentary Renaissance, “I feel like, being a Black woman, the way people communicate with me is different ... Everything is a fight. It’s almost like a battle against your will,” or Megan Thee Stallion producing songs like "Cobra" discussing her battles with mental health, Black women on a micro and macro level are beginning to create spaces for each other to fully exist in our humanity unapologetically.
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Featured image by Thought Catalog on Unsplash
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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How To Tell If You're Disciplining Your Child Or Seeking Revenge
When discussing the topic of raising children, discipline is often the first thing that comes to mind. Children need discipline. Full stop. But what is discipline? And how do we draw the line between discipline and revenge?
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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Featured image by Courtney Hale/Getty Images