In this bonus bite-size edition of The Survival Guide, Chioma Fanawopo, mum, youth worker and wellness practitioner, tells us how we can communicate better with our older children, creating a bond that will last into adulthood. Follow Chioma on Twitter and Instagram, and find out more about her work. Follow Black Ballad on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok. Let us know what you think about this episode on Twitter by using the hashtag #BBSurvivalGuide. Not yet a member of Black Ballad? Sign up and use the code ‘THRIVE’ for a discount for 50% off 12 months membership. The theme music for this po ..read more

Often, mothers are put a pedestal that it is way too easy to fall off. In this bonus episode, bestselling author Naima Coster discusses her book, 'What's Mine and Yours', messy mother characters as well as dealing with grief in her own parenting journey. Naima's novel, 'What's Mine and Yours', is available now. Follow Black Ballad on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok. Let us know what you think about this episode on Twitter by using the hashtag #BBSurvivalGuide. Not yet a member of Black Ballad? Sign up and use the code ‘THRIVE’ for a discount for 50% off 12 months membership. The theme music ..read more

In this wide-ranging conversation with Laura Henry-Allain MBE, Black Ballad's CEO and co-founder Tobi Oredein discusses Laura's groundbreaking work, JoJo & Gran Gran and they get real about working motherhood and mum guilt. Follow Laura on Twitter and Instagram. Laura's book 'My Skin, Your Skin: Let's Talk About Race, Racism and Empowerment' is available now and you can watch the latest episodes of JoJo & Gran Gran on BBC iPlayer. Follow Black Ballad on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok. Let us know what you think about this episode on Twitter by using the hashtag #BBSurvivalGuide. Not ..read more

Adoption is not a foreign concept for many black communities. Even if we don't officially name it, there are many of us who have been brought up by grandmothers, aunties and other relatives. And yet, there are many myths and misconceptions that live on. But we're here to bust them! If you want to read more about black women's experiences of adoption, the following articles are available on Black Ballad: 'Why Adult Adoptees Need To Have Their Voices Heard' 'Belonging in Bath: Our Two Years of Mixed Heritage Adoption' “The Best Thing We Ever Did!” – Four Black Women Talk Honestly About The J ..read more

According to statistics, "blended families" are on the rise, but the idea of a happily ever after that involves children from previous relationships, is often written off by many people dating. We get into the practicalities of step-parenting and step-family life with Priscilla Appeaning. It's not all a bed of roses, but it doesn't have to be a basket of thorns either! Read Priscilla's article, 'Why More Black Women Should Prepare Themselves To Become Step-Mums', on Black Ballad. Listen back to the dating episode from the last season of The Survival Guide here. Read Rochelle Rodney's artic ..read more

***Content warning*** This episode discusses sexual assault and the physical trauma of childbirth. We dive back into the conversation about sex after childbirth because it's necessary! This time we have three mums talking through their experiences from sex after a C-section, to triggered trauma and body dissociation, to gaining weight and the all-encompassing tiredness of motherhood. If anything in this episode has triggered you, please seek help and speak to a professional. Free counselling is available through Black Minds Matter UK or you can find a therapist through the Black, African a ..read more

How often in your day to day life as a parent do you get time to just stop, take stock and address how you are feeling? It sounds like a luxury, but in order to be our best selves and create the best environment for our children to grow, we need that space for self-evaluation, addressing wounds and traumas and healing. Nehanda Truscott-Reid, aka The Soul Mama, talks us through how past wounds can reappear in our approach to motherhood and how we can begin that journey to wholeness and liberation in our parenting. Follow Nehanda on Instagram. Listen back to Season 1, Episode 6, here. Read N ..read more

At some point, you have to accept that you're going to become the parent or caregiver you complained about when you were a teenager. But the challenges facing upcoming generations of teens are very different from what many of us faced, similar to how our challenges were different from our parents'. How do we maintain communication, boundaries, respect and our sanity when it comes to dealing with our growing kids? The one and only Jamelia let's us know how she does it and what she's learned as a mother of four different aged kids. Follow Jamelia on Instagram. Follow Black Ballad on Twitter ..read more

No black parent looks forward to having that conversation – the one where you explain to your sweet child what it means to be racialised as 'black'. But how do we prepare our children for the realities of racism, while still encouraging a strong, positive sense of identity? How do we go about raising black kids in mostly white environments? And can we come back to the question of multiethnic households once again? Renowned psychologist and best-selling author Dr Beverly Daniel Tatum explains how we raise black children who are confident, savvy and ready for the world, without burdening them ..read more

Raising black children in an interracial or intercultural household doesn't have to be complicated...does it? But with different cultures having different traditions, expectations and approaches to parenting, having children can bring unforeseen questions and tensions. Ibianga and Abigail speak about how they navigate conflicting opinions and present a united front raising when children in a household with multiple cultures. Read Ibianga's Black Ballad article 'Confronting My Childhood And Righting My Parents' Wrongs' here. Follow Black Ballad on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok. Let us know ..read more