Intentional parenting

Tag: African

  • The Esther Fast: A 3-Day Global Call for Mothers to Pray, Fast, and Rise (March 23–25, 2026)

    In a world filled with uncertainty, pressure, and rapid change, one question continues to echo across generations:

    “Who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” – Esther 4:14

    At Intentional Parenting, we believe that this is not just a question for Esther it is a call to mothers today.

    From March 23–25, 2026, we are inviting mothers across the globe to join us for The Esther Fast—a powerful 3-day journey of prayer, fasting, and spiritual alignment for our children, families, and the next generation. This will happen via Whatsapp, you can join the community here

    Why Mothers Need to Rise in This Season?

    We are living in a complex global moment shaped by:

    Economic instability affecting households.

    Political uncertainty across nations. Cultural identity challenges for children.

    The growing influence of digital spaces on young minds.

    Migration and diaspora realities impacting family life.

    As mothers, we are not just raising children—we are raising a generation in the middle of all of this.

    And just like Esther we have been positioned for such a time as this.

    What Is The Esther Fast?

    The Esther Fast is inspired by Esther 4:16, where Esther calls for a fast before stepping into a moment that would change the destiny of her people.

    This is more than a fast from food—it is a time of:

    -Spiritual consecration

    -Intentional prayer for our children.

    – Seeking wisdom as mothers.

    – Standing in the gap for our families and communities.

    Our Journey Through the Book of Esther

    Here at Intentional Parenting, in our 6am prayers, we have been reading and praying through the Book of Esther together as a community since February.

    Through this devotional journey, we have reflected on:

    🙏🏽Courage in uncertain environments

    🙏🏽Wisdom in navigating complex systems

    🙏🏽The power of influence and timing

    🙏🏽The importance of intercession

    We have seen how God can use ordinary women in extraordinary moments to shape history.

    And now, we are stepping into that truth through this fast.

    Inspired by the courage of Esther, the 3-day fast is a call for mothers to rise in prayer, intercession, and spiritual authority for their children, families, and this generation.

    “Go, gather together all the Jews… and fast for me… I will go to the king…” – Esther 4:16

    ✨ PURPOSE OF THE FAST

    This is not just about abstaining from food.

    It is about:

    -Spiritual alignment.

    -Interceding for your children’s future.

    -Seeking wisdom in uncertain times.

    – Standing in the gap for your family and community.

    ⚠️ HOW TO FAST (GUIDELINES)

    Choose what is appropriate for your health and capacity:

    Option 1: 6am–4pm fast (water allowed)

    Option 2: Partial fast, may be skip just one meal eg breakfast finish fasting at 1 or 2pm, or one meal a day / Daniel-style

    Option 3: Social/media fast (reduce noise, increase focus)

    👉 Key principle: Replace what you remove with prayer, Word, and reflection.

    🕊️ POSTURE FOR THE 3 DAYS

    Be intentional (set prayer times)

    Be honest (bring your fears and burdens to God)

    Be expectant (God still responds to intercession)

    📌Create a quiet space daily.

    The goal is simple:

    👉 Create space for God to speak and move.

    Why This Fast Matters Now More Than Ever?

    In the story of Esther silence was not an option.

    Her courage changed the destiny of a generation.

    Today, mothers are facing different battles—but the calling remains the same.

    We are called to:

    🙏🏽Pray intentionally

    ✏️Lead courageously

    🌇Build legacy deliberately

    Join Mothers Around the World 🌏

    This is a global call.

    Whether you are in the UK, Africa, the US, or anywhere across the world—you are invited. You can join the praying community via this link

    Let us come together as mothers to:

    ✨ Pray for our children

    ✨ Stand in the gap

    ✨ Build legacy through faith

    Join the Esther Fast Community

    👉 Join us here

    Corporate prayer meeting

    We hope that you will spend the day in prayer and meditation. We will then meet corporately for corporate prayer at 9pm GMT via zoom. We ordinarily meet at 6am GMT Mondays- Fridays, and we are continuing with the book of Esther.

    9pm during this 3day fast is a time of intense intercession as we cry out for God’s perfect will to be established in our lives. Details of joining the prayer watch will be shared via this Whatsapp link

    Biblical prayer watches

    Final Encouragement

    You may not feel like Esther.

    You may feel tired, uncertain, or stretched.

    But your prayers matter.

    Your voice matters.

    Your motherhood matters.

    And just like Esther

    You may have been positioned

    for such a time as this.

    🔥 DAY 1: CONSECRATION & SURRENDER

    “Positioned Before Purpose”

    📖 Key Scripture:

    Esther 4:14

    Romans 12:1

    Focus:

    Before Esther spoke publicly, she prepared privately.

    Day 1 is about:

    Surrendering control

    Laying down fear, anxiety, and pressure.

    Realigning your heart as a mother and leader.

    Prayer Points:

    Lord, align my heart with Your will for my children. Purify my motives as a mother and leader.Help me release fear about the future. Strengthen my spiritual sensitivity

    🙏 Reflection:

    Where am I operating from fear instead of faith?

    🌍 DAY 2: INTERCESSION FOR OUR CHILDREN & GENERATION

    “Standing in the Gap”

    📖 Key Scripture:

    Esther 4:16

    Ezekiel 22:30

    Focus:

    Like Esther, we stand in the gap—not just for ourselves, but for others.

    This includes today’s global realities:

    Economic instability affecting families. Wars and conflicts shaping children’s futures. Cultural identity confusion. Digital exposure and mental health challenges.Migration and diaspora pressures

    Prayer Points:

    Cover your children spiritually (identity, purpose, protection).

    Pray for their future in an unstable world. Intercede for schools, communities, and nations.

    Pray for peace and justice in global conflicts.

    Ask God to raise children who will stand for truth.

    🙏 Declaration:

    “My children will not be lost in this generation. They will rise with purpose, clarity, and courage.”

    👑 DAY 3: COURAGE, WISDOM & ACTION

    “For Such a Time as This”

    📖 Key Scripture:

    Esther 4:16

    James 1:5

    Focus:

    Esther didn’t just pray—she acted.

    Day 3 is about:

    Courage to speak and lead.

    Wisdom in parenting decisions.

    Boldness in today’s socio-political climate.

    Prayer Points:

    Lord, give me courage to lead my family intentionally. Grant me wisdom in raising children in this culture. Help me use my voice for truth and justice. Show me where I need to take action.

    🙏 Declaration:

    “I am called, equipped, and positioned for such a time as this.”

    💡 PRACTICAL TIPS FOR MOTHERS

    🔑Involve your children (age-appropriate prayer moments)

    📝Journal what God reveals each day.

    🎵 Play worship music to stay spiritually focused.

    🤝Join with another mother for accountability.

    Break your fast with gratitude and prayer

    🌸 CLOSING PRAYER

    Heavenly Father,

    Like Esther, we choose courage over fear. In a time of uncertainty, raise us as mothers who will pray, speak, and lead with wisdom. Cover our children. Stabilise our homes.Give us discernment in a complex world. May our lives reflect Your purpose, and may our children become a generation that stands for truth.

    For such a time as this…

    Amen

    📣Join the Whatsapp community where we commune, share prayer points. devotion, zoom link and more.

    After 3 days of prayer and fasting, join us for the Esther Banquet—a beautiful evening of gratitude, testimonies, and community for mothers. More details about the banquet will be shared in the group.

  • Connected parenting

    Guide for African Migrant Parents: Staying Connected to Your Teenagers

    Parenting as an African migrant comes with unique challenges, especially when raising teenagers in a new culture. Balancing traditional values with the realities of life abroad can create tension, but staying connected with your teen is vital for their growth and maintaining a strong family bond. Here’s a practical guide to help:

    1. Understand Their World

    • Learn About the Local Culture

    Take time to understand the culture your teen is growing up in. This will help you better comprehend their challenges and pressures, such as peer relationships, school dynamics, or social norms.

    Tip: Attend school events or community activities to observe and engage with their environment.

    • Stay Updated on Trends

    Be aware of what interests them—social media, music, fashion, or sports. Ask them about what’s popular and listen without judgment.

    Example: “What’s your favorite app these days? Can you show me how it works?”

    2. Communicate Openly and Often

    • Create a Safe Space

    Teens may hesitate to open up if they fear judgment or punishment. Show empathy and listen without interruption.

    Example: “I may not fully understand, but I want to hear how you feel.”

    • Be Consistent with Check-ins

    Regularly ask about their day, friendships, and feelings. Make conversations a habit, not just when there’s a problem.

    Tip: Have chats during shared activities like cooking, driving, or walking. Eat at the table away from TV and gadgets.

    3. Blend Cultures Positively

    • Teach Them Your Heritage

    Share stories, traditions, and values from your African roots to give them a sense of identity and pride.

    Example: Celebrate cultural festivals or cook traditional meals together. Attend local festivals such as The Zim Heritage Festival, more details here

    • Embrace Their New Environment

    Allow your teen to explore and adopt aspects of their current culture while guiding them to balance both worlds.

    Tip: Celebrate achievements that matter to them, whether it’s excelling in school or pursuing a hobby. Enrol them in after school activities eg sports, drama. You can google your local area or ask your school for some guidance. If you live in Buckinghamshire, you can check the family information website here

    4. Show Affection and Encouragement

    • Acknowledge Their Efforts

    Praise their achievements and effort, no matter how small. Teens crave validation from their parents.

    Example: “I’m proud of how you handled that situation with your friend.”

    • Offer Emotional and Physical Support

    Be available when they’re stressed or need comfort. A simple hug or reassuring words can mean a lot.

    5. Set Boundaries with Love

    • Balance Discipline with Understanding

    Explain the reasoning behind rules instead of enforcing them without context.

    Example: “I’m asking you to come home by 9 PM because I worry about your safety.”

    • Be Flexible When Necessary

    While it’s important to uphold family values, adjust your expectations to fit their realities.

    6. Be Involved in Their Education

    • Engage with Their School Life

    Attend parent-teacher meetings and know their academic strengths and challenges. Show interest in their goals.

    Tip: Ask how you can support them with their studies or extracurricular activities.

    • Encourage Lifelong Learning

    Help them see the value of education, whether academic, vocational, or personal development. Share your own experiences of perseverance. Read together as families. Watch documentaries that are informative and educational.

    7. Handle Conflicts with Care

    • Avoid Comparisons

    Don’t compare them to peers or other teenagers eg. cousins years in Africa. This can make them feel misunderstood.

    • Resolve Disagreements Calmly

    When arguments arise, take a step back to cool off before discussing solutions. Apologize if needed; it models respect and humility.

    8. Build a Support Network

    • Connect with Other Parents

    Join local community groups or parenting networks to share experiences and advice. We have a whatsapp community here at Intentional Parenting to offer support and guidance.

    • Involve Mentors or Elders

    Trusted community members or family friends can reinforce values and offer guidance to your teen.

    9. Foster Independence

    • Give Them Responsibility

    Encourage them to make decisions and learn from their mistakes. This builds confidence.

    • Prepare Them for the Future

    Talk about career paths, finances, and life skills to help them transition into adulthood.

    10. Take Care of Yourself

    • Manage Your Stress

    Parenting is demanding, especially in a new country. Seek support if needed through community resources or counseling. Local authority are also good places to get help. Please don’t stew in your problems with your children.

    For a confidential and non judgemental chat, reach out to Fadzai click here. You can find out more about Fadzai

    • Model Healthy Behavior

    Teens often emulate their parents. Show resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to learn.

    Final Thoughts

    Building a strong relationship with your teenager takes time, patience, and effort. By combining the wisdom of your African heritage with the opportunities of your new environment, you can raise confident, well-rounded children who appreciate their roots and thrive in their new home.

    Wishing you every success in this journey!

    Remain Intentional

    Fadzai 🌱

  • #Momofteens

    What have I learnt on raising teen so far?

    – Awe

    Yes you will be filled with awe on how tall, beautiful they have grown. You will catch your breath a few times. You will be amazed at their thinking and outlook on life.

    –Love

    Your love language will change. You will learn to express your love, appreciation and gratitude in a different way as teens are not keen on showing emotions. You will love them on most days and want to kill them on others. Know the difference.

    –Fear

    It will creep on you from most angles. If it’s not their friends, the school or community it will be the local and world news. Choose faith. Have faith in your child and your parenting skills. God qualified you for the job. Own it.

     

    –weight

    Yoh will gain, I believe from worry, lack of sleep or early menopause.Or it could be simply from leading a sedentary life. Those school runs, after school activities not only keep them busy but helps the mamas too.  Which ever way, you will be be lovely to cuddle.

     

    -Freedom

    Yes, you will have the new found freedom to have lie ins, meet friends and do other things. It will surely happen. Let your teens see you happy and use your spare time effectively . If you are like me who started the parenting game early, travel and see the world. Go for that dinner date without feeling guilty.

    Anything else you can add?

    Do you have teens? Would love to hear from you!

    Remain in the game

    Love Fadzi xx

     

     

     

  • Loving your children

    As a working migrant community, creating time to bond with your children is very important.

    Our children are competing for our attention with Shifts, black tax, social media, our mobile phones parental fatigue and stress. So what can we do?

    Below are 5 tips that I have used myself and many other parents I work with , with positive results.

    1. Establish a Morning or Evening Ritual

    • Use the time before or after your shifts to bond. For example, have breakfast together or create a bedtime routine like reading a story, talking about the day, or sharing a quick prayer or song. This creates consistency and helps your child feel connected. Eat at the dinner table with no TV on. For those who work long shifts, connect via whatsapp, face time etc. Have a virtual catch up , negotiate your break times so you can connect with your children.

    2. Maximize Your Days Off

    • Dedicate your off days to family-focused activities like visiting parks, museums, or simply cooking and eating together. Plan these activities ahead of time to make the most of them. Involve your child in choosing the activities to build anticipation and excitement. Most National Trust places are very good for spending time as a family. More detail here

    3. Incorporate Quality Moments into Everyday Tasks

    • Turn chores or errands into fun bonding opportunities. For instance, involve your children in meal prep or grocery shopping by assigning them small tasks, like picking ingredients or organizing items at home. Play music while cooking, share your childhood playlist with them and what it was like growing up. Let them share their own playlist as well, who is their favourite artist? You will be killing so many birds with this activity from family history, present culture to understanding each others likes. Enjoy!

    4. Use Technology Thoughtfully

    • If you work long shifts or overnight, use video calls to check in during breaks or before bedtime. Leave a heartfelt message or short video for them to watch when they wake up if you’re not there.

    5. Focus on Active Listening During Limited Time

    • When you’re with your children, give them your full attention. Ask open-ended questions about their day and feelings. Avoid distractions like your phone, so they feel valued and understood. Here at intentional parenting we did a challenge a few years ago where we encouraged parents to leave their phones upstairs the first hour they get home from work. This challenge yielded incredible results. Would you try it?,

    6. It’s very important to extend grace and compassion to yourself as a parent during tough seasons of parenting. May be you are a lone parent, establish a community around you to help. Be clear and communicate your VISION as a parent so your children can understand and marry into it. If you need help to put strategies in place , speak to someone or just get some advice , get in touch with Fadzai

    Balancing work and parenting is challenging, but intentional efforts can help you stay close to your children and nurture their emotional well-being.

    What else can you add to this?

    Every blessing

    Fadzai x

  • Five tips for demonstrating love to your children as a Christian parent:

    1. Spend Quality Time Together:
    • Tip: Dedicate undivided attention to your children by engaging in activities they enjoy and creating meaningful memories together.
    • Example: Have regular family devotionals, play games, go on nature walks, or simply listen to them share about their day.

    2-Model Christlike Behavior:

    • Tip: Exhibit the qualities of Jesus in your daily interactions with your children, including patience, kindness, humility, and forgiveness.
    • Example: Apologize when you make a mistake, show patience during stressful times, and speak kindly and respectfully.

    3-Teach and Live Out Biblical Principles:

    • Tip: Incorporate biblical teachings into your family life and make Scripture a central part of your home.
    • Example: Read Bible stories together, pray as a family, and discuss how biblical principles can be applied in everyday situations. Show love, affection, compassion and forgiveness. As Christian parents we are called to demonstrate the fruit of the spirit, read Galatians 5:22

    4-Encourage and Affirm:

    • Tip: Regularly encourage and affirm your children, highlighting their strengths and expressing confidence in their abilities.
    • Example: Praise their efforts in school, sports, or hobbies, and affirm their unique qualities and God-given talents. You can look at our affirmations challenge here
    • 5- Show Unconditional Love and Grace:
    • Tip: Demonstrate unconditional love and grace, mirroring God’s love for us, by loving your children without conditions or expectations.
    • Example: Offer forgiveness freely, reassure them of your love even when they make mistakes, and support them through their challenges without judgment. Love for children is spelt as TIME. Spend quality time with your children away from distractions. Create family traditions and memories.

    What else can you add to this? Would love to hear from you.

    Remain intentional

    Yours

    Fadzai x

  • Dear son/ daughter in law

    I am praying for you. Yes I know it will be a while before we meet you. However I am excited and expectant at the prospect of you joining our family. I also want you to know that I am doing the ground work in your future spouse. I am praying and having lots of introspective conversations.

    It is my prayer that you both thrive in this. Below is my prayer for you. I will be praying this over you now and always.

    Lord I thank you for my future son/ daughter in law.

    I come before You today with a heart full of hope and trust in Your perfect plans. I lift up in prayer the future spouse of my child. I ask for Your guidance and blessing upon their life even now, as they journey towards the time when they will meet and join our family.

    Lord, I pray for their character:

    “Create in them a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within them” (Psalm 51:10). May they grow in integrity, kindness, and love, reflecting Your nature in all they do.

    Guide their steps, Lord

    “I ask that they trust in You with all your heart and lean not on their own understanding; in all thier ways submit to You, and You will make their paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6). Direct their choices and lead them on a path of righteousness.

    Bless their relationships:

    “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). Surround them with friendships that encourage and uplift, and help them to grow in love and understanding.

    Strengthen their faith:

    “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful” (Colossians 3:15). Draw them close to You, that their faith may be firm and their trust in You unshakeable.

    Prepare their hearts for marriage:

    “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs” (1 Corinthians 13:4-5). Teach them the true meaning of love and equip them with the qualities that will make them a wonderful spouse.

    Grant them wisdom and discernment:

    “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5). Help them to make wise decisions that honor You and bless their future marriage.

    Thank You, Lord, for hearing my prayer. I trust in Your timing and Your plans, and I look forward to the day when we will welcome this special person into our family.

    In Jesus’ name, Amen.

    If you have prayed or are praying, do share in comment section below. I want to join my faith with your regarding the future of our children.

    God bless you.

  • Peri natal Mental Health

    Hey Fa, you have always wanted to be a mum, haven’t you? Stories are told from school friends that you fantasised so much about this role. Yes, I do remember dating my now husband and telling him the names of our 4children. It still remains a running joke in our house. Two have been enough and I am so grateful for their impact and contribution to who I am today 😍

    Today as the world celebrates mother’s day I would like to draw your attention to maternal mental health as well. For many of us, our children are indeed bundles of joy. Our pride and joy. Yet, sometimes that experience can be tricky. I am partnering with the Perinatal Mental Health Partnership to share my story here.

    What do you do when motherhood sends you spiralling into dark tunnels and difficult roads? We do not openly talk about these experiences enough for a number of reasons. Personally, I think like all things parenting/ motherhood, it’s difficult to make sense of what’s happening when things are taking place. By the time you are finally able to make sense of the drama, it’s time to move on and cover the lost ground. And sometimes, that experience isn’t yours alone to own so it becomes difficult to share other people’s experiences. How can you talk about motherhood/ parenting and leave your child/ ren/ spouse/ partner/ husband out of the equation? Many a times, african parenting experiences will also include wider extended family members because we roll like that, right? What about the shame that comes with struggling in parenting?

    Our eldest and only son was born back home in Zimbabwe. Boy, was dearly loved and adored since his quick conception apart from the severe vommitting which lasted forever and I now understand to be hyperemesis gravidarum. You can read more about it here.

    During this pregnancy, I was working out of town, commuting every Friday and Monday from the marital home. I hadn’t envisioned how this would take a toil on my mental and emotional well being. On taking maternity leave I went to be with my parents as per our Shona custom of kusungirwa. You can read more about this fascinating practice here

    I stayed with my parents from 35weeks of my pregnancy till I gave birth. It was wonderful to be back in the family home and with the community that had known me from birth. I had an uneventful labor, although the midwife was rude (story of another day). My mum took her grandma role seriously with such diligence it was fascinating. I was taken care of, not permitted to do much apart from bathing and breastfeeding. It was bliss. I resigned from my job with the hope of finding something local.

    For 6 weeks postpartum, I was ‘fattened’, waited upon and pampered as a new mom by my mum and maternal grandmother. After-all, this was their eldest great grandson. My maternal great grandmother would soon visit and all the 5 generations would gush and give thanks for Gods blessings. That did not stop our son from having colic and being the most unsettled baby in the household. My mom and grandmother used to take turns to cuddle and bhabhu him to sleep which he loved. I remember very well my late grandma laying down to sleep on her tummy with boy was on her back.

    Once I returned to the marital home, I couldn’t bath, eat or do anything due to his crying. Because I was waited on for 6weeks, I wasn’t prepared for juggling motherhood and house chores. Social isolation did not help either as we moved into suburbia. My poor husband did not know how best he could help. Things kinda settled when we finally got a nanny, when son was around 3months old. On reflection, I feel I should not have suffered in silence. But how could I? I did not know or understand what was going on. Gripe water did not work and son blatantly refused formula milk.

    The feeling of overwhelm and sadness was insidious. I felt lost in all the roles life required of me. This was meant to be exciting, fun and fulfilling yet here I was! Hubby tried. We started going for evening jogs together. Then, it was to shift the postpartum baby weight and sure it did. As the months progressed, we would have lunch dates 3times a week near his workplace. This was to give me something to do, create an opportunity to have a proper shower, dress up and show up at his workplace 😍. I just felt so lost. Family and friends empathised with my struggles. My parents would often comment that I missed work and all the freedom it brought ‘Wanga wajaira mari yako’ translating ‘you miss having your own money and financial independence’. That was very true. I applied everywhere for work and jobs were hard to come by.

    A dear friend would invite me for play dates, coffee etc. It worked for a bit. She would have our son and the nanny on valentines just so me and hubby could have couple’s time. It was only a few years later when we met here in UK with this dear friend and we were talking about how much I struggled. It was then and when I was training as a public health nurse that it became clearer that I had suffered from postnatal depression(PND). The good news is though I struggled, I recovered. As the months progressed, it got easier and life became lighter.

    There are many reasons why one may suffer postnatal depression. The Very well offer more insight on PND here very well

    I am writing this to encourage other moms out there. Motherhood is challenging but there is help and resources available. Do not suffer in silence, there is help available. One of the sad things about untreated/ undiagnosed PND is the moments and time lost to love and enjoy your baby. PND can also place a strain on other relationships especially your marriage as your partner struggles to understand or is needed to step up and support you and the baby.

    Friends have since commented that they didn’t know how to help. Family couldn’t understand how and why I would struggle. We ticked all the boxes for a blessed life, yet here I was. I would have loved for people to ask me, ‘are you ok?’

    If someone you know is struggling, please ask. At most let them know you are available and willing to be contacted if they need anything. In this age of busyness, many people struggle on their own as they do not want to bother other people. It should not be. Look out for your family and friends. Be a sister’s keeper. Check in on loved ones. A phone call or text doesn’t cost much.

    So what can one do if you feel you are struggling as a mum?

    📌Talking about your feelings: Talking your feelings through with someone is a start. For most couples talking to your spouse/ partner ideally, should be the first point of call. By talking it through together, it aids the transitioning journey to be in synergy. Sometimes, he may not be the best candidate to talk to, maybe due to work pressures or lack of insight. My husband did the practical bits ( coming home on time to cook and relieve me so I could have a shower). However, he never confronted my emotions and how overwhelmed I felt and looked. He just did not know how to and so were my family and friends. Here in UK, Your GP is a point of call and s/he can signpost you to the necessary services. Midwife and health visitors are also best placed to support you.

    📌Treatment: there are a variety of treatment options available. You can explore this with your GP/ health provider.

    📌Community/ cultural groups. These groups, if well run, are fantastic for offering a sense of belonging and well being. The challenge from a professional point of view, is that they can be a stumbling block to cultural integration. Some of the groups do not offer parenting courses, support groups etc. The Intentional Parenting Community exists to support African migrant families who sometimes want to talk to someone who understands ‘where you are coming from’. Indeed parenting practices differ globally. Our 6am club is a faith/ prayer club for mums who want a safe place to build relationships, pray and center their day. The club runs term time only, Monday -friday 6am-6:30am GMT via zoom. Anyone is free to join. You can connect via this link. Our webinars are also a great resource to learn, ask questions and be equipped as a parent. More details coming soon for the webinar sessions.

    ✨Motherhood groups/ networks are key for supporting the journey. Our upcoming luncheon is one such example of mothers coming together to share, laugh, learn, network and support each other. More details here

    Would love to hear if any of this resonated with you. Please do share widely with your networks.

    Every blessing.

    Fadzai x

    RESOURCES

    COLIC: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/colic/

    Post Natal Depression: pnd

    Perinatal Mental Health Partnership : https://perinatalmhpartnership.com/

    Talking Therapy: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/talking-therapies-medicine-treatments/talking-therapies-and-counselling/nhs-talking-therapies/

    Black Mind Matters https://www.blackmindsmatteruk.com/

  • The woman in me

    Woke up today feeling rather exhausted. It’s been a month since I started my new job. Reality has since set in and I have found myself busier than anticipated. That certainly has had a knock on effect on my mental and emotional health.  The English weather and the commute has not helped. The train commute isn’t bad, it’s the driving through packed, smokey and hot London tarmac roads that does my head in. For sanity’s sake I will not mention the parking.

    The weather tops it all for me. The need to be comfortable and practical is a must. However, the English weather remains unpredictable. You never know when it is going to rain or whether the sunny spell will last the 12hours whilst you are at work. It is hard. One has to think about what to wear and how that can adapt to the weather too. It’s a problem I had anticipated hence I chose a uniform. If you have read my previous blog on the day before the new job, I bought some lovely, comfortable navy blue slacks to wear with plain white t shirts and pumps. Well, today I decided otherwise as it was going to be warm. Besides, my daughter had decided to wear my t-shirts at home 🤣. 

    Feeling rather unmotivated and wanting to get into the office early for a busy day ahead, I just grabbed the clean and cotton dress that I could find. It’s the African ankara dress mama got tailor made for me. It fits well and that’s all I needed so I could catch the earlier train. Thankfully, I made it after sprinting a good 5mins! The joys of commuting, I keep telling myself, you are getting fit girl!🏃🏽‍♀️🏃🏽‍♀️

    Anyway, I walk into work and I get lots of compliments on this particular dress. I get lots of nods and smiles from ‘sisters’ with a look of approval. It dawns on me that the dress is making a statement that I had not perceived before. When I walked into the office, colleagues exclaimed how they like my dress. I chuckle to myself and just smile. Comments are made with the British niceness and political correctness that I have become familiar with but still unsettling.

    The dress is addressing my identity and all that I represent. Someone remarked that the dress has made them feel homesick, as I reminded them of where they come from. Amazing how a piece of clothing can conjure so many emotions at all levels. Then there is the senior colleagues I met in the corridors with the look of ‘wow’. That’s me there affirmed! The beauty of working with a very diverse community is that you find your sisterhood.  These are the women who identify with you and what you are all about. These are women who have walked your journey or are on the same path with you.  Your stories, struggles and strength are entwined and become the given. Your journey is easily understood without having to explain yourself.

    Today I didn’t  wake up, wanting to draw attention to myself, I didn’t feel that way at all. However, I’m glad that the day turned out the way it did. For the rest of the day, I had a spring in my step and a conviction in my heart that I will get there. There, for me, is a place of effectiveness and relevance. 

    The dress reminded me that it’s not so bad after all. I am African. I am a strong African woman. The dress allowed me to have small talk with a few more people than before. This dress addresses the woman in me, a woman on a Journey. 


    That has been the highlight of my day! 

    Hopeful ❤