Why Hearing Black Men Discuss the Nuances of Parenting and Co-Parenting Matters

In my time watching the Men’s Round Table Episode 2: Fatherhood, I was very inspired and informed on the topic at hand. Every man at the table had very insightful opinions that made them great fathers. I honestly could have watched another 30 minutes of this discussion because it was starting to heat up! What spoke to me the most were these moments that other Black men should know when understanding what it is like to navigate and experience parenthood.

Achieving Goals as Parents

Early in the discussion, the men started speaking about putting your dreams on hold when having a child. Rodney and DJ Damage explained their takes on having a kid at a young age which included always betting on yourself. I loved how the older gentleman, Marcus and Muhammed, gave them great advice on how they handled the situation. The communication that flowed through this topic was a beautiful thing to watch. Seeing black men share their experiences while giving counseling to those who may still be in the situation which is vital to the community. These men are all entrepreneurs who had children but adapted the best to the situation at hand. In my opinion, this type of knowledge is something that all future fathers should keep in mind. 

Co-Parenting

This was a topic that I recognized was very emotional for Muhammed that many Black men struggle with being a parent to a child that is not yours biologically. Seeing how he dealt with the roadblocks of being a step-parent and earning the respect of his wife’s kids was a great indication on how to approach the situation. Though I personally do not have any experience as a co-parent, I took a lot from this conversation. The vulnerability that came out showed me that it is important for us to express our concerns when being a step-parent. 

Titles in Parenting

This was a topic that got a little touchy toward the end of the episode. I honestly wish I was able to get more out of this topic! Muhammed and Rodney got into a debate about your kids calling the step-parent any variation of “dad.” Mo was able to come to terms with that happening in the relationship, while Rodney disagreed. Coming from his own experiences, Rodney said it would never happen due to titles making a difference, especially in the household. I wish this debate could have more because both made valid points. These are two different perspectives that made me really think about what I would do as a father. I could tell this topic was a little touchy but in a fun way, and I wish it could have gone longer. It’s a very important topic that should continue to be discussed in our community.

Salute to these Black men for their vulnerability!