Weeping, Wailing, and Gnashing of Teeth….

I recently received this question on my other site.  I thought it was worth addressing on the main board!  Read on!

Hi Your daughters hair looks gorgeous, that’s an amazing job you do! Please can you help me, I have a little girl almost 3 yrs old, I am white and my husband is Nigerian. We have decided to take her next week to the hairdressers to have cornrows, this is her 1st time and I am worried as to how she will be while the lady does her hair. Her hair can get very knotted easily and she cries and whinges a lot when i comb and stlye her hair at home. Does it hurt much while you are doing the hair or is easier and less painful when it someone who is trained or taught in styling the hair like this? Also, what is the best way in looking after it once it is done? I am really new at this and any help and advice you may have would be truly appreciated. Thanks!!

Well, here is my answer…

I have found that my daughters have an amazing ability to endure hair braiding by….EVERYONE ELSE IN THE WORLD BUT ME!!!!!!!

As a matter of fact, my youngest is absolutely outrageous.  She screams.  She yells.  She cries.  Her arms flail.  She beats the back of the couch.  This goes on for HOURS.  Her face is so puffy and red when we are done that I have to shoot all pics from the side and back. 

All of this happens no matter how careful I am, so I was so concerned when she went to have her hair braided professionally for the first time.  I KNEW that her hairstylist, Vicky, braided much tighter than me.  I was all set to be really embarrassed.

Guess what?

Not a tear.

Turns out she is much better behaved when I am not around.

Here are some tips to make it a bit easier for your African Princess!

1.  Take snacks.

2.  Lollipops

3.  A special coloring book and crayons.  (Buy a new one!)

4.  Leapsters with headphones rock!

5.  If you have a portable DVD player, take it along.  If not, see if there is one at the salon.  Ask if you can bring a favorite video.

6.  Consider being close by, but not in the room.  It is way easier to be brave when Mama is out of sight.

 

Now….how about the rest of you?  What is your experience with your daughter (or son’s!) bravery at the salon.  Do you have any more tips to share!

Good Braiding,

Sherri

Black Doll Show in Paris This Autumn!

The first Christmas my middle daughter was home from Haiti, I asked her what she would like for a gift.  She still spoke only Kreyol at the time (a blend of French and African dialects) and she did not hesitate a moment to tell me what she wanted.  “M’vle un pope bell!”  (I want a beautiful doll!)  Fortunately, I had already purchased a beautiful black doll for her.  Unfortunately, I had to order it from Chicago because there are were so few beautiful dolls available for little black girls in my area.

I was so excited to learn recently that there the art of black doll making is flourishing and a French company, Poupees des Tropiques, is announcing the first every black doll event in Paris, November 15, 2009. 

Doll artists, makers, and vendors from several countries will be in attendance.  The event will showcase a variety of unitque antique, vintage, and mass production dolls.  Collectors will also have  the rare opportunity to meet with many black doll artists and craftsmen to learn more about their craft.

Black dolls, as well as accessories, doll furniture, and other doll related materials will be available for purchase.  There is something for every budget!

So, if you live in Europe or just lucky enough to be in the City of Lights mid November, check out the show.  It will be just in time for Christmas, and as the mother of daughters of color, I personally believe every little girl deserves to have a beautiful doll that looks just like her.

For more information, check out the following links:  www.pupeesdestropiques.com and www.salonpupeesblack.com