Parenting

2 articles in this category

The Day My 7-Year-Old Asked Why We're 'Poor' (And What I Actually Said)

We were in Target. Amara pointed at a $35 toy and asked why we couldn't buy it. When I said 'not today,' she asked louder—because we're in public—'Is it because we're poor?' Every parent within 20 feet turned to look. I had 3 seconds to decide: lie to make it less awkward, or tell the truth.

Jasmine Okafor

Dec 18, 2024

parenting9 min read

I Stopped Saying 'We Can't Afford It' and Started Saying 'No'

For years, I blamed money for every 'no.' Can't go to the trampoline park? Can't afford it. Can't get new shoes? Can't afford it. Then my 7-year-old asked, 'Mom, why are we always too poor for everything?' And I realized: I wasn't teaching her about budgets. I was teaching her that we were powerless. Here's what I changed.

Jasmine Okafor

Nov 15, 2024