7 Things Wednesday.. Big or small let’s celebrate… 9.24.25
Hey good people, It’s Wednesday. I hope that you’ve had a wonderful day or a wonderful week. Today’s post is a bit of a mix part reflections, part updates, and part processing. Let’s get into it.
1. Walking a Mile a Day
This September, I’ve been pushing myself to get in at least a mile of walking most days. Some weeks I hit that goal beautifully, and others not so much. Honestly, it often depends on whether my hair is straight, braided, or if I feel like dealing with it after sweating. But here’s the thing: when I do put myself first and get that movement in, I feel so much better mentally, emotionally, and physically.
2. Parenting as a Chase
I’ve had several conversations lately with seasoned parents, and one theme keeps coming up: parenting is a chase. Right now, I’m chasing my little ones just to keep up with their energy. But at some point, the chase will shift I’ll be chasing them for communication, for time together, for love and inclusion. Parenting doesn’t stop being a chase; it just changes. And in order to keep up with them, I have to keep up with myself see number 1.
3. Celebrating Our Kids in School
I’ve been polling other mamas, and one thing weighs heavy on me: I don’t feel like our children are celebrated enough in their educational journeys. At home, we turn up big for their accomplishments, but at school, it often feels overlooked. Maybe it’s the transition with new administrations or the pressure schools face in “fixing problems,” but the kids who are excelling or even just holding steady deserve recognition too.
4. Parent Councils + Title I Changes
This year, all schools in Ouachita Parish became Title I schools, which brings extra funding but also more requirements. That’s why new parent councils are forming. I’m thankful to be a part of one, and while it’s still very new (they haven’t even had their first meetings yet), I see it as an opportunity to bring parents and schools together. Principals may still be figuring out what this means, but I believe parents can play a role in shaping how these changes actually benefit students.
5. Small Rewards Matter
The milestone my child recently hit reminded me how important recognition is. If I hadn’t been persistent in asking, I wouldn’t have even known it happened. And that’s tough, because in today’s world, it often takes the smallest incentives to keep students motivated and engaged. The same goes for us as adults my daily mile is its own reward in health and energy, just like kids need acknowledgment to keep pushing forward.
6. Schools Should Be Equipped
One of my frustrations is how under-equipped teachers often are. No other profession requires years of training and then drops you in without the tools you need. A doctor has a scalpel, a mechanic has wrenches, but teachers? Too often, they have to build classrooms from scratch. To me, that’s unacceptable. Our kids deserve classrooms that are ready for them to succeed from day one.
7. Looking Back + Looking Forward
Next year will be 20 years since I graduated high school. School was always my safe space, a place where I excelled. I don’t necessarily want my kids to feel like school is their only safe space, but I do want them to feel supported, encouraged, and equipped to excel. That means stronger partnerships between parents, educators, and the community. Because when kids feel seen and supported, they will soar.
Those are my thoughts this week. I’d love to hear from other parents who feel this same tension between celebrating at home versus what’s happening in school.
As always you can find me on YouTube @trappedinthesouth or on Instagram @TrappedintheSouthLA.
Don’t be shy, let’s be social.
-A
