The article suggests that fewer than 15% of daily calories should be consumed as added sugar (meaning sugars that are added to foods during processing or manufacturing).  There were some very disturbing numbers reported in the article about the disproportionately high rate of sugar consumption among Blacks. The article reports that  a survey conducted between 2005-2010 found that nearly 17% of Blacks (compared to 9% of whites) were heavy consumers of added sugar, that is, they consumed more than 25% of their daily calories from added sugar!

According to the article, the truth about sugar-sweetened drinks is that they are some of the biggest sources of added sugar.  Even drinking one 12-ounce can of soda daily increases the risk of chronic disease by one-third!

All this just underscores the importance of monitoring your child’s (and your) intake of sodas and other sugary beverages. We must change our children’s taste buds so that they are not craving sodas and will make better choices (like water) instead.

One tip Beccastone has found that may help you and your child to drink more water is to buy a pitcher with an “infuser”, which is an empty tube with holes that is attached to the top of the pitcher.  You can fill the infuser with fruit or vegetables like fresh raspberries, cucumber and oranges, just to name a few, and the flavor will seep into the water within hours and change its flavor. You can even add some herbs like mint or rosemary to add some additional flavors.

So talk with your child about drinking more water; it could mean a longer, healthier life.

Dr. Bethanne Moore sits down with Beccastone to discuss mental health issues for children in the Black community.

Beccastone: Do you find that there is a reluctance in the Black community to acknowledge and seek help for mental health problems?

Dr. Bethanne Moore: In some ways people are becoming more accepting of the whole issue of mental health because more celebrities and athletes are talking openly about seeking help for problems like depression, substance abuse, or other problems. Slowly attitudes are changing as people see that getting outside help to deal with certain problems and prevent their recurrence is not a sign of weakness.

BS: What are the most common problems in children you are seeing in your practice today?

DBM: The most common symptoms are those of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). These symptoms include inattention, poor concentration, forgetfulness, easy distractability, impulsiveness, risk-taking behavior, hyperactivity, inability to complete tasks, and interrupting others. Many parents in the Black community think symptoms of ADD and ADHD are something kids can control and will just “get over” on their own. Contrarily, these disorders are a biological problem that can be overcome with medication. Medication can improve productivity and change the way the child performs in school.

It is also common to see Mood Disorders, including depression, where children develop sadness, tearfulness, irritability, poor concentration and mood fluctuations. Parents also think these symptoms are behavioral issues. But this too can be biological and best addressed through medication. Parents should not ignore a child who exhibits signs of depression because depression can lead to self-endangering behavior, including suicide.

BS: What warning signs should alert a parent to a child’s possible mental health problems?

DBM: The key is to observe how a child is functioning in his or her world and to note any unusual or unexplained changes, such as inability to sleep or sleeping for prolonged periods of time. If a child is withdrawn or not active socially and has a sense of worthlessness, these are red flags. Other warning signs are if a child previously engaged in school starts skipping classes, missing school, or refusing to attend school. A parent should be alert if a child loses interest in pleasurable and fun activities or sports that he or she was previously involved in.

Changes in a child’s Internet activities can also be a warning sign. Children and adolescents often give clues to their moods on social media sites. This may include announcing plans to run away, plans for self-mutilation, plans for suicide or drug and alcohol use. Parents should become familiar with members of their child’s peer group. I advise parents to ask questions to find out whom their kids are hanging out with and what interests and activities those friends have. When children and adolescents change their peer group, this may also be a warning sign for a Mood Disorder or Substance Abuse.

If a parent is concerned about a child’s behavior, it makes sense to check with the child’s teacher to see if the teacher has noticed anything unusual going on in the classroom or at school. If there are problems at school, I suggest that parents consult with a mental health professional. The mental health care provider may evaluate the child and give suggestions to the family for treatment. If it is necessary to intervene with school problems, the mental health provider may serve as the child’s advocate. Frequently, schools are more accepting of professional opinions and recommendations to improve a child’s or adolescent’s school functioning.

BS: How do you find a mental health professional to see your child?

DBM: A child’s pediatrician is one of the best sources for referrals and advice. Your child’s school may also be a source for referrals. In addition, pastors or ministers may offer referrals. Also Community Health Centers often have mental health professionals on staff. It takes a special set of skills to talk to children and adolescents so a parent should try to find a professional who specializes in helping patients in the same age range as their child. Once you identify a professional, parents should ask about their experience and their approach — i.e., how they propose to work with the child, what types of strategies or interventions they might recommend, and how they will decide how long the therapy should continue.

BS: If the school recommends that a child see a mental health professional, what questions should a parent ask?

DBM: A parent should schedule a meeting with the school and ask for specific examples of problems or behavior that the child displays in school. The parent should understand why the behavior led to the school’s concern about consulting a mental health professional.

BS: How can a parent be helpful to a mental health professional who is evaluating their child?

DBM: Most professionals will want to meet with parents for at least one session or perhaps more. Parents should try to be available to the professional and provide the information requested. One cautionary note for parents is that children have confidentiality rights, and although parents pay the bill for service, treatment providers are not obligated to inform parents about the content of discussions with their children.

Dr. Moore is a graduate of Yale Medical School and a practicing child psychiatrist in Maryland.

Dr. Fran E. Cook-Bolden, a noted NYC dermatologist, talks with Beccastone about children’s hair care.

1. Hair care for infants and toddlers?

Gentle treatment is the key. Avoid any heavy products and opt for shampoos and conditioners specifically designed for infants or bland and natural shampoos and conditioners with minimal ingredients. If moisture is needed, opt for a drop of light olive oil and stay away from commercial products. If the infant’s or toddler’s scalp or hair is very dry and scaly, you should see a doctor for advice.

2. How old should a child be before she gets a relaxer?

I recommend waiting as long as possible to use relaxers. Although they can help make hair more manageable and provide ease and versatility of styling, relaxing is a chemical process and we want to minimize the exposure to chemicals as much as possible throughout our lives.

If a child is younger than 9 or 10 years old, I strongly encourage the parent to try and wait if at all possible. Even at 9 and 10, the advice is still to wait longer if you can. Keeping children’s hair relaxer-free as long as possible will optimize hair health. Most small children participate in sports and activities which make natural styles ideal for easy maintenance.

3. How do you care for relaxed hair?

When the decision is made to relax a child’s hair, both the mother and the child must make a commitment. Of course, ultimately it’s the responsibility of the parent (depending on the age of the child) to take the necessary steps and care for the maintenance of hair health and care.

Caring for relaxed hair requires time and energy to keep it healthy. To maintain a relaxer, the new growth will need to be relaxed approximately every 8 weeks depending on the texture of the hair. It is important not to relax too often because it will cause the hair to be over processed and become dry and brittle. Shampooing and conditioning the hair every 7-10 days with a moisturizing formula will help maintain proper moisture balance and keep the hair strong.

4. Any special ingredients or products to stay away from or use when getting a child’s hair relaxed or doing it yourself?

It’s best to check with your hair care stylist or specialist regarding ingredients for your specific hair texture and style. Generally, products containing alcohol should be avoided, as should other chemicals, once the hair is relaxed. You should also minimize the use of blow dryers and curling irons ( and other heat and “pulling” sources).

5. Should you relax the hair yourself or go to a salon?

Having relaxers performed by a professional stylist is always desired. A professional stylist can help evaluate the child’s hair and scalp to determine whether a texturizer or relaxer is needed. The most important tip to remember is to begin with the right formula. Select between mild, regular and super only if needed based on hair texture. I suggest starting with a mild relaxer if at all possible.

6. How to care for natural hair? Same for dreds?

Natural hair can be very delicate and prone to damage. Whether the hair is soft or coarse to touch, because of the natural spiral and curvature of the hair, it is more difficult for our natural oils to travel down the hair shaft to keep it moisturized and protected, and the lack of natural hydration leaves the hair brittle and unprotected, hence more prone to breakage.

Shampoo and condition your child’s hair every week to 10 days with a moisturizing formula that has natural ingredients and conditioning agents which help seal in moisture. Combing the hair while wet should be done gently and with care to remove tangles before styling. Using a spray-on detangler or leave-in conditioner with a wide tooth comb can help hair become manageable. Since natural hair tends to be dry, using a daily moisturizer with naturals oils such as argan oil, olive oil, or soybean oil can help keep hair healthy. When you brush the hair, always use a 100% natural boar’s hair brush, no plastic or mixed.

When wearing locks, you can follow a similar regimen to keep the hair cleansed, conditioned and well moisturized. However, most stylists will recommend to retwist the locks every six to eight weeks to maintain its style.

7. How long can you leave in cornrows or braids? How should you care for braids?

Ideally, changing braids or cornrows weekly and minimizing the application of heavy oils during that time is what we recommend. Ms. Gholston, also recommends to shampoo and condition every week to ten days to keep the scalp healthy and avoid buildup. At night cover the braids with a silk scarf or bonnet to keep your style fresh. Use a light-weight leave-in moisturizer or braid spray to maintain moisture balance, and style with a spray-on oil sheen to help keep braids looking fresh.

8. Any particular hairstyles or trends that damage hair? Any concerns about extensions or weaves in young girls?

Any style that puts excessive traction (or pull) on the hair should be avoided. Alternating the hair style is a good idea to help minimize constant pull in the same direction and damage in specific areas. Extensions and weaves are added volume and WEIGHT which increase the pull and tension in areas where attached. Even with loose ponytails, remember to alternate the hair style to minimize constant pull in the same direction.

Avoid tension and opt for looser ponytails or braided styles that will not pull the hairline. Sleeping without clips, holders or barrettes can also help cut down on damage from excessive friction.

If considering weaves and extensions, it is better to wait to apply to young girls who are able to help care for their hair. For the best results visit a professional stylist and the parent must be sure to help with styling and maintenance in between visits.

9. Any common misconceptions about black hair that you would like to clear up for moms?

All hair needs care and maintenance, whether it is natural or relaxed. We want our children to love their hair, curly or straight. Choose the best style that fits your child’s lifestyle and that is easy to maintain without too much manipulation and fuss! There are many different textures and types of hair and each individual has a unique head of hair.

Explore various styles and once you find what works for you and your child, rock it and enjoy looking your best.

10. Any general advice you would like to give moms about caring for their children’s hair?

To keep your child’s hair healthy, learn their hair strengths and weaknesses. As you get more information on how to maintain their hair and keep it healthy, that knowledge can be passed on to your child. Always maintaining a positive attitude about the hair care experience will help children enjoy their hair care routine and will make them confident in their beauty.

Q: What can parents do to help ensure their kids have healthy hearts?

A: Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US for men and women in all population groups. For African Americans, heart disease is more likely to be severe and at an advanced stage when diagnosed.

There are a number of things that parents can do to reduce the chances that their child will have heart problems as an adult. Physical inactivity in children can lead to obesity, and obesity can increase the chances that you will develop hypertension, high cholesterol, and possibly diabetes. These are all major risk factors that can lead to heart disease as an adult.

So my advice to parents is make sure your kids get plenty of exercise and eat healthy foods at both school and home. Parents should check to see whether there are vending machines at schools (or other places where their kids spend time) and what those machines are selling. If the machines sell only candy, chips, soda pop and other sugary drinks, ask the school to replace these items with fruit, vegetables, and other healthier alternatives. Even fruit juice can be high in sugar content and should be consumed in limited quantities. Give your kids healthy snacks that will see them through the day so they are less tempted to eat sugary or salty items.  This same advice holds true if kids are at home doing remote learning.  Parents should monitor kids’ intake of sugary foods.

In addition to diet and exercise, parents should encourage their kids not to smoke. The Surgeon General recently released a report warning about the increase in teen smoking and the immediate and long-term adverse health consequences. It should be required reading for every young person. The schools are trying to educate kids about the dangers of smoking. But parents need to re-enforce and support the school programs. Kids are still taking up this habit in junior and senior high school so the programs need to start early and continue.

Q: How much exercise should a child get each day? Is there a particular kind of exercise?

A: For most children, an hour a day is a good rule of thumb. It doesn’t have to be a particular type of exercise, although it should include some running or jumping. After school sports programs are a good idea as kids get older. Parents should also be alert if schools try to reduce costs by eliminating things like recess and physical education classes.  If kids are at home, maybe find some online exercise program for your kids’ age group.

Q: What are some of the early warning signs that your child may need to see a doctor?

A: If the child is short of breath and has trouble keeping up physically with his or her peers, a parent should take the child to see the pediatrician. The pediatrician can then refer the child to a specialist if necessary.

This brings up another point that a child should see the pediatrician on a regular basis and not just when the child is having a health crisis. At least once per year, children should have an annual check-up. Children should also be examined before they participate in any organized sport such as football, basketball, tennis, soccer etc. This gives the pediatrician a chance to screen for any obvious problems and determine whether further testing is needed.

Q: How does a parent know whether their child has a weight problem?

A: Ask the pediatrician who can calculate body surface area based on height and weight. There are also charts, which will show the normal ranges for particular ages. Even if a parent is not concerned about a child’s weight, it is a good idea to talk to the pediatrician generally about the child’s weight, diet and level of activity. Eating habits are formed when kids are young and if you get them to eat right at an early age, there is a much greater chance that they will not develop bad eating habits later on. For example, my own grandson never developed a taste for candy; he would much rather have fruit because that is the way he was fed from the beginning.

Q: Where can parents get more information about maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle?

A: I can’t emphasize enough that one of the main issues is diet. A diet high in fat, salt and sugar can lead to a narrowing of the arteries at any age and illnesses like kidney disease, heart disease, and diabetes. Some of the foods that African Americans have traditionally eaten might have been OK when we were doing hard physical labor, but they no longer fit today’s lifestyles and activity levels.

Here are a couple of suggestions where you can get additional information on diet. The American Heart Association has a website that contains lots of helpful information. Community health centers are another source of information as well as nutritionists and dieticians in the schools who might be willing to answer basic questions.

Note: Dr. Jesse E. McGee is a practicing cardiologist in Memphis, Tennessee and an Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Disease, University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Dr. McGee previously served as Chairman of the Board of the Association of Black Cardiologists. Dr. McGee attended University of Iowa Medical School.

Q: Have you seen an increase in cavities among very young children and can you comment on why this is happening?

A: Recent articles have shed light on the fact that the number one chronic disease in children is dental decay. This is true across all socioeconomic boundaries. This silent epidemic is related to the high amount of sugars and starches in the foods that children increasingly consume. Also, many parents give their babies bottles to go to sleep with, and the formulas or juices just pool around newly erupted teeth and eat away at the enamel. In many communities, there has been a reduction or elimination of fluoride in the water and even where the water is fluoridated, parents may be giving their children bottled water. And, parents are simply not brushing their children’s teeth. I have had some parents say that they didn’t know how or when to brush their child’s teeth. Some parents also claim that the “brushing experience” is too stressful because the child refuses to participate. This results in the parents not teaching children fundamental hygiene habits. Finally, parents are not taking their children to the dentist at an early enough age.

Once young children have multiple teeth with decay, it becomes very difficult to treat them without general anesthesia. We use anesthesia in part to minimize the possibility that the child will develop further fears and phobias related to dental visits.

Q: Is children’s tooth decay a particular problem in the African American community?

A: Minority children have been especially prone to a greater amount of decay as a result of dietary habits which include high amounts of sugar and starch.

Q: What can parents do to prevent dental decay?

A: The simplest way to combat tooth decay is to drink water and rinse the mouth after consuming sugary foods and drinks (and reduce the amount of sugary food and drinks). Some other things parents should do is to begin brushing their child’s teeth as soon as they are visible. This can be done with a soft brush or cloth. As the child gets older and can hold a toothbrush, the child should be taught to brush his or her teeth at least twice daily for two minutes, in the morning and before bed. Parents should bring their children to the dentist in the child’s first or second year of life. After visiting the dentist, children should receive fluoride treatments and begin using fluoride toothpaste.

Q: What are dental sealants and can they help prevent children’s cavities?

A: Sealants are applied to the crevices of teeth to protect against decay. Using sealants is good practice but is not usually recommended until the child’s permanent teeth have erupted, generally between 6 and 12 years of age. Therefore, sealants are not a solution in the case of very young children and toddlers because they still have most of their primary or “baby” teeth. Also, the dentist should only seal teeth that are free of decay. That would mean sealing the permanent teeth soon after they erupt and maintaining good oral hygiene with proper brushing, flossing, rinsing and regular dental check-ups.

Q:  How often should kids see the dentist?

A: Every six months is the general rule.

For more information about dental care, visit 

Dr. Jessica Harris is a noted author, journalist, professor, and culinary historian. Dr. Harris is a professor of English at Queens College in New York City, and was the inaugural scholar of the Ray Charles Chair in African American Material Culture at Dillard University in New Orleans. Dr. Harris’ latest book, “My Soul Looks Back”, is a memoir of her life and relationships with other black writers in the 1970’s. “High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America”, a new Netflix documentary series, is based on one of Dr. Harris’ books of the same name. For more information about Dr. Harris, see www.africooks.com.

Q: What can parents do to encourage healthy eating?

A: Teaching by example is probably the best approach. You can also use a child’s preferences in taste to introduce them to healthy foods. We all have particular tastes. Figure out what your child likes — for example, creamy, tart, sweet or salty — and then tempt them with things that are consistent with this taste. So if your child likes creamy things, give them yogurt or cottage cheese with fruit; if they like sweet things, add honey to snacks like applies, bananas and peanut butter. Also teach children moderation, rather than telling them that certain foods they like to eat entirely off limits. So ice cream might become a once a week treat, instead of something to eat every night.

Another idea is to teach children to read labels. They might become fascinated with comparing the percentages of ingredients in different foods and what that means in terms of nutritional value. Teaching children to cook is also a way to get them more involved with healthy food.

Q: Any tips on teaching children how to cook?

A: Allow your children to be underfoot while you are cooking. Let them watch you. Even better, assign them a task and get them involved in the process. You can have them follow a recipe which gives them hands-on practice with reading, measuring and following directions. I find children more open to trying new foods when they have helped with the preparation.

Teaching your child how to cook gives you the chance to talk about family recipes and cooking “secrets” that give your child a keener sense of family history. Family recipes can serve as a bond between the generations that can be shared, enjoyed and remembered. Great recipes create lasting memories and reminders long after the original cook is gone. There are certain things that I cook that I learned from my mother and grandmother and I always think of them when I make those foods.

Q: How important is the family meal?

A: I think it’s very important. The family meal is the place where children can learn table manners and how to start and hold a conversation. They get to practice their conversation skills. When you think about it, the family dinner table is really the first place where we learn how to “play well with others.” I am also a firm believer in teaching children how to set a proper table for the meal. This is a mark of civility and home training, and every child should know how to do it.

Q: What are your favorite sources for recipes?

A: I like the site epicurious.com because it has all different types of recipes for different seasons, events, time of preparation. It has a broad choice that is bound to have recipes that meet your needs.

I should also mention that I am working on an African American food plate that contains foods that are familiar to our culture and history. The objective is to make it easier for people to pick a nutritious mix of foods from choices they recognize and know how to cook. The African American food plate will be published on my website africooks.com.

Q: What was the inspiration for your book “High on the Hog”, the basis for the new Netflix documentary series of the same name?

A: I have always been interested in history and cooking, and the book is a way of marrying these interests and telling the story of the African-American role in U.S. culinary history. As a people, we have always had a very intimate and extensive involvement with food — we grew it, we harvested it, we cooked it, and we served it. Our cooking traditions show how resourceful we are, and our ability to improvise. Many African-American cooks were at the highest level of their craft and were acknowledged masters, such as James Hemings, who was Thomas Jefferson’s Parisian-trained cook (and Sally Hemings’ brother).

Q: What advice did your mother give you that has stayed with you?

A: My mother lived the saying that it’s never too late. My mother was a trained dietician who became a master jeweler at age 65. She taught me to always keep on growing. She used to say she was “a divine work in progress.”

Q: Any new projects for you on the horizon?

A: I will continue teaching English at Queens College and consulting with Dillard University. I am working on a book on my collection of antique postcards depicting African-Americans and food. I am also editing a collection of works on African-American material culture

Renowned culinary historian Dr. Jessica B. Harris is the author of 11 books and the world’s leading expert on the foodways of the African diaspora. Dr. Harris has shared her scholarship with audiences around the world, in print and live, including at such major museums as the American Museum of Natural History in New York, the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco and the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC.

1. Integrate physical activity into everyday life
2. Increase the availability of healthy food and beverage options.
3. Change how nutrition and physical activity are marketed.
4. Make schools a focal point for obesity prevention.
5. Encourage employers and health care professionals to support healthy living.

Parents have a big role to play in preventing obesity by teaching their kids smart eating and exercise habits early in life and by modeling healthy behavior. To help parents develop strategies that work for their families, Beccastone asked a few of our parents what they do to encourage healthy habits.

Diet

The IOM report recommends making water available at all times to discourage drinking sugary sodas and juice drinks. A mom told us that she purchased an inexpensive but colorful water bottle for her child to take to school and other activities. The child even decorated the water bottle with stickers of her favorite cartoon characters. She carries it with her to school and on the bus and sips from it throughout the day.

Several moms said one of the ways they have improved their kids’ diets is to make sure they eat breakfast so they get off to a good start. Among the foods those moms mentioned as good breakfast choices that appeal to their kids are: oatmeal with fruit; low-sugar breakfast cereal and 2% milk; whole wheat bagels or English muffins with peanut butter and bananas; toasted waffles with fresh fruit; and yogurt with honey and with granola. Another mom said she always puts extra snacks in her kids’ backpacks in case they get hungry after school. This mom buys in bulk and puts snacks in small plastic bags so she can control portions and save money. Good snacks are foods like low-fat string cheese; unsalted nuts; peanut butter and crackers; fruits such as apples, grapes, and cherries; dry cereals (Cheerios and granola are popular); and yogurt. Eating regularly also prevents kids from getting too hungry and then overeating at the next meal.

An activity that is growing in popularity and combines exercise, nutrition and even a little science is vegetable gardening. Families that don’t have access to a plot of ground can use plant containers to grow herbs, tomatoes, cucumbers, and green peppers. There are special plant varieties that grow well in pots. Kids enjoy eating what they have grown and might even get interested in learning how to cook meals using their homegrown herbs.

Kids spend most of their waking hours at school and the IOM report notes that many schools have vending machines that do not offer healthy snacks and drinks. Parents may be able to request that the school offer better choices or, if that’s not possible, ask the school to remove the vending machines altogether.

Nutrition

Several moms said they had made a conscious effort to learn more about nutrition so they could teach their kids to read and understand the labels on food and how to interpret portion sizes. They were surprised to discover that the labels often described calories and nutrients for portions much smaller than they or their kids were consuming. Reading labels and estimating portions put math and reading skills to practical use so the exercise serves multiple purposes. Mothers also talked about teaching their kids to make healthier choices at restaurants by reading menus more carefully and looking for any nutritional and calorie information about menu options.

Media Messages

The IOM report urges advertisers to change the way they market to children and adolescents and to market only foods and beverages that support a diet following the government’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans (for example avoid foods high in sugar, fat and sodium and replace them with fruits, vegetables and whole grains). Some parents of younger kids told us that they actively monitor the television programs their children watch and either avoid programs with a lot of advertising for candy, sodas and overly sweetened foods, or talk to their kids about the bad effects of that kind of food and alternatives that are available. It’s harder to monitor viewing habits of older kids, but some parents said they still talk to their teens and pre-teens about how and what to eat in order to counter the messages they may be exposed to via the media.

Physical Activity

The IOM report says kids should have at least 60 minutes of exercise per day and notes that very few schools meet this minimum requirement. So that means parents or caregivers should check to see what level of exercise their kids are getting at school and after school activities and decide whether they have to supplement a child’s exercise routine. Walking is an easy way to add more exercise to daily activities. One mom told us that she and her neighbors started walking with their kids to school every day and walking to more activities like church and the grocery store. It’s also nice to just take a walk with your child, especially in the summer when days are longer and schedules can be more relaxed.

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These are just a few ideas that parents might use to give their child the best chance of growing up healthy and staying that way. There are more very good ideas and information at a website sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services here. Please share with other Beccastone parents your thoughts on raising healthy kids by posting a comment on this article.

Fortunately or unfortunately, it seems I’m not alone in my hair journey with my daughter. Beccastone recently chatted with a few moms to find out the various processes they use to care and maintain their child’s hair. We would also love to hear your own Hairstory so join our hair discussions!

Daily Maintenance

What seem to tangle up most, pun intended, was the daily hair care regime, it didn’t seem to matter if the hair was natural, chemically treated or heat managed. The quest for the perfect hair process changed and evolved as the child grew and hair texture and length changed. Most relied on some kind of detangler to help tame the tresses but the old go to is still simple hair grease or other moisturizer and water for younger children. There isn’t one specific method that mother’s use managed the daily hair routine.

Styling

Styling options varied depending on the treatment of the hair, whether it was processed, natural or treated with heat. A vast majority of mothers with girls under the age of ten, sometimes with many tales of struggle, opted to let their daughter’s hair remain natural until they were older or old enough to decide for themselves whether or not they wanted to chemically treat their own tresses. Natural hairstyles ranged from braids and cornrows to twist and ponytails, with occasional flat iron straightening for ease of daily combing or reserved for special occasions for younger girls. Depending on the length and texture, shampoos schedules were most often bi-weekly but some stretched out six to even eight weeks, whether at home or in the salon. Most used shampoos with detanglers and followed with a deep conditioner, with occasional trimmings.

Adornment

From snag-free pony tail holders, clips, elastic headbands and ribbons to bows, barrettes, and beads to add that extra something — the choices are endless. The kinds of adornment used by moms depended on how they were styling their child’s hair.

What to Use

Almost all moms have been turned into PJs, “products junkies,” searching for the perfect potion, trying at least five, some more. Depending on the age of the child, grade, texture, condition and natural state or process treatment of the hair product list seems endless, although maintaining moisture for extra dry hair was the constant theme. Everything from Miss Jessie’s, Carol’s Daughter, Pureology, Sulfur 8, Liv, Aveda, Crown Royal to Paul Mitchell and many more, have been used. Product selection is definitely a personal choice based on the specific needs.

Summer Hair

We can all relate to being paralyzed by swimming pools during the summer for fear that our hair would “go back”. Today girls use swim caps to minimize washing and just dive in. Also during the summer, avoiding the hair dryer and opting for air drying and/or braiding with leave-in conditioner provides a barrier of protection from chlorine to help minimize damage. For summer camp or vacation, braids and twist are the go to, no fuss style choice.

The tried and true methods to manage our manes that we once adhered to and were stifled by have gone by the wayside — the old adage that we grew up with of “fried, died and laid to the side,” is vanishing in some ways. On some level, we are no longer judging ourselves based on our hair looks, ultimately being less critical to what our children’s hair does or does not do and looks like relative to what we think society will approve. This is a good thing and somewhat evident that the mane managing methods we use will continue change and evolve as we do.