Parenting 101 — Grownhead Style. by Shonda Tillman
Lately I have been trying to think of new ways to build confidence and drive in my children and I have come to a conclusion: the quickest way to build self-esteem in a black child is through a positive hip-hop song. Dr. Phil be damned – sometimes that “professional” stuff just doesn’t work. But a good beat that helps them walk around like they are the S**T never fails.
But I had to be careful. As a grownhead, I wanted to dig in my crates and grab a song that got me through hard times, but these days kids are not easily impressed. You gotta bring something fresh and new to the table. I decided to ask my 
old friend Shan B (who himself is a music artist) for a suggestion, but before I had the chance he unknowingly handed me the perfect song – “Gon Get It.”
Pray for the best, but prepare for the worst…
Bam, the first line of the song hit it on the head.
Now mind you, I have been saying the same thing in my best mommy pep talks all year, but now my kids instantly understand. It’s momentarily irritating, but I digress.
When it comes to my faith, I’m gone get it, when it comes to my fam, I’m gon get it, when it comes to my life, I’m gon get it, gon get it, gon get it…
This hook epitomizes everything that I want the children to remember. In addition to being armed with the WHOLE armor of God, I want them to step out each day knowing what they want and determined to get it – the right way. In our busy lives, there isn’t always time for long pep talks and hugs, and we all know that sometimes a mother’s words just don’t get through.
But a hip-hop song can be a quick injection of inspiration to ‘make good choices’ (mommy speak) and say it in a way I never could.
My choice is to live and learn or be a fool in a hearse… / work hard daily, even though they hate me, I stay doing me being all I can be…
He’s hitting them hard, and I don’t have to say a word. It’s best if I act like I never heard the song before in my life! “Penitentiary time is not on my checklist…” – awww, they’re two-steppin now! It’s time for me to step in.
So kiddos, what about that A we need to see on your test today? “I’m gon get it,” they bop. And what about that part in the school play? “I’m gon get it,” she dances. What about your promotion at work mama? “Gon get it, gon get it, gon get it.”
So #1 on my mommy checklist – build self-esteem and drive in my children – DONE! And all it took was 5 minutes and a hip-hop song. Now that’s how a real mama does it – grownhead style!
CHECK IT OUT! Bennetti – I’m Gon Get It
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good stuff.
i also deal with this.
q-tips verse from ‘check the rhyme” is good…