Race Talk

I registered Jazlyn for school the other day. I almost cried. I didn't think it would be this hard sending her to school. If I could stop time I would, but I can't. So forward we must go.

Just in case you aren't familiar with us, if you look at our pictures I'm sure you will notice the difference in the color of skin among our family members. My husband is (let me use PC terms here) African-American and I am Caucasian. As far as I know, nobody has ever made a big deal about this to Jazlyn. I don't want to make a big deal about it either, but I do think we need to have a talk with her so she has an understanding of things, just in case someone at her school does make a big deal about it.

We live in Alabama. When I was in school, people made a very big deal about any kid whose parents weren't both of the same race. There were maybe a handful of these kids during my school days, and I went to a large school. I know things are not the same as they were ten to fifteen years ago, but there might still be some ignorant parents out there raising ignorant kids. In Jazlyn's dance class of about fifteen kids there are four other biracial children, so I don't think I have to worry about her feeling out of place. I still want her to be prepared and have and understanding of who she is, just in case someone does say something to her. Although I don't think she will ever have a problem with her confidence or self-esteem.

I would love to hear any comments or experiences anyone might have regarding this, good or bad.

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The Point of No Return

Hi blog world. I have missed you.

I said I wasn't posting this week. I guess I lied. I am somewhat caught up with everything. Maybe that's another lie, but it is raining here today so I will have time to get everything caught up.

Tomorrow is the day I have to register Jazlyn for kindergarten. We considered homeschooling, but anyone who knows her knows she would do much better in a class with other kids. Jazlyn is very social, maybe a little too social at times. I think she might get bored and resent school time if she is at home everyday with only her brother and me.

So tomorrow is the point of no return. I am going to get her blue card in the morning, then we are heading to the school. I didn't think it would be this hard. I don't want Jazlyn's world to change. Right now in her world she is the princess and people are nice to her. She hasn't been around too many people that are just plain ole mean, like some of the kids she might encounter in the classroom. Right now I always know what she is doing and who she comes in contact with. In five months her life will be out of my control. Boo to losing control.

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