Are y’all having an amazing holiday? I sure hope so! I put the tree up at 6 this morning! I realized I was procrastinating with putting up the tree because I was suppressing my emotions about having a grown son who is home from his first year of college. As I scrolled through yearly FB Christmas memories, I decided to focus on all of the new memories that we will create as my adult son, like him cooking the full Christmas dinner this year 🙌🏾 💕 For all of my parents with grown children, how do you all celebrate Christmas?

It all started with me buying Ja a car from a private seller who posted his car in the community group. A couple weeks later he inboxed me asking how much I would charge to teach him English. He is Brazilian. During one of our lessons, he told me he was a software engineer. 💥 And just like that, we became business partners… He is creating my social and emotional gamified app. I sketched out this super dope idea for schools last year but didn’t know where to even begin looking for a trusted app developer, so I just kept perfecting the idea. Message🗣️🗣️God is our endless supplier. Our job is to focus on the what it is that we desire and he will focus on the how🙌🏾 He always brings you who and what you need. My client/bp just showed me the prototype, and I’m super excited about it. He needs a couple more months to finish it, but Im about to start pitching to schools now. To all of my teacher friends 🗣️ you and your students are gonna love this🔥🔥💫 If you are an educator, school social worker, or school admin, let me know in the comments so I can add you to the waitlist to beta test the app!

Happy Sunday ☀️ If your child is between ages 11–16 and could benefit from a positive mentor, this might be exactly what you’ve been looking for. My 18-year-old son, Ja’sir, is now a college freshman studying Therapeutic Recreation. He’s opening a few virtual mentorship spots for middle and high school students. What Ja’sir Offers ✔️ Weekly Virtual Mentorship Sessions — one-on-one time to talk, reflect, and grow ✔️ Daily Check-ins — short texts or voice notes to stay accountable ✔️ Goal Setting & Progress Tracking — academic, personal, and athletic goals ✔️ Mini Lessons — on mindset, confidence, leadership, and discipline ✔️ Real Conversations — from someone who just walked the path your child is on You Know… Sometimes our teens need someone closer to their age who: - Gets the pressure of balancing school, sports, and social life - Can speak their language — and still model responsibility - Encourages them to believe in themselves when things get tough Ja’sir has mentored younger teens for years through the Boys & Girls Club as a club counselor, a a youth basketball and football coach, and unofficially as the “go to” person in his circle of friends and associates. Now, he’s ready to take that experience to the next level. How It Works - Sessions are held virtually in Google Meet - Parent updates are provided - Weekly goal reviews + progress notes - Flexible scheduling around school hours If you’d like to learn more or reserve a spot for your child, comment “INTERESTED” below 👇🏽 or message me directly for details. Spaces will be limited so Ja’sir can give each mentee the time and attention they deserve. He is charging $20 per week for his services. Let’s help our kids grow confident, consistent, and connected ✨💫 PS: Will you be attending my FREE class tonight on what I did and wish I did before high school graduation? It is at 6 EST. The link is on the SKOOL calendar.

Join me this Sunday to discuss a mix of real-life lessons and step-by-step guidance. This is for parents of 9th–12th graders who want to raise confident, capable, and connected young adults. We will have a transparent conversation about the things I did and what I wish I had done to prepare my son for life beyond high school. You will leave with mindset shifts, practical tools, and a plan to help your teen thrive emotionally, academically, and financially while keeping your bond strong. Because preparing your teen isn’t just about college — it’s about confidence, character, and connection. Here are the topics we will discuss: The Mindset Shift: From Control to Coaching - How to pivot from managing your teen to mentoring them - Real talk on letting go while staying connected - What I learned about respecting your teen’s process Academic & Career Readiness: Passion Over Pressure - Helping your teen discover their path: college, trades, entrepreneurship, or creativity - How I used real conversations, not comparisons, to guide decisions - Creating experiences that build confidence and clarity early Money, Mindset & Motivation - Conversations every parent should start by 9th grade - What I wish I knew about budgeting, scholarships, and responsibility - Building a “wealth mindset” instead of a “worry mindset” Connection & Communication That Lasts - How to keep communication open during high school - Balancing empathy with accountability The Launch Plan: A Roadmap to Readiness - Key milestones from freshman to senior year - Emotional, social, and practical prep before the move out 📌 The link will be on the 📅 calendar. Flyer in comments.

Hey Parents 🫶🏽 If you could use a little extra support this Christmas, there are trusted national programs that help families with toys, clothing, and even food for the holidays. 🎄 These programs fill up fast — so don’t wait to apply! 🧸 1️⃣ Salvation Army – Angel Tree Program Offers: Toys, clothing, and sometimes food for children in need. How to Apply: Visit your local Salvation Army office with ID, proof of residence, income, and your child’s age. 👇🏾salvationarmyusa.org/usn/angel-tree 🎁 2️⃣ Toys for Tots (U.S. Marine Corps Reserve) Offers: Free new toys for children up to age 12. How to Apply: Register through your local campaign site (proof of residency and child’s age often required).👉🏽 toysfortots.org ✉️ 3️⃣ USPS Operation Santa / Be An Elf Offers: Children’s letters to Santa are adopted by volunteers who send gifts. How to Apply: Mail your child’s wish list letter to Santa by the program deadline.👉 uspsoperationsanta.com 🎖️ 4️⃣ American Red Cross – Holiday Giving & Military Support Offers: Gift programs, military family support, and emergency holiday aid. How to Apply: Contact your local Red Cross office (some programs require military ID).🙌🏾redcross.org/donate/holiday.html ☎️ 5️⃣ United Way 2-1-1 Holiday Assistance Offers: Referrals to local Christmas toy drives, food programs, and utility support. How to Apply: Call 2-1-1 or visit online — each program has its own criteria.🫶🏽 211.org 🌟 6️⃣ One Simple Wish Offers: Grants Christmas and year-round wishes (toys, clothes, experiences) for foster children. How to Apply: Wishes must be submitted by social workers, CASAs, or nonprofit staff on behalf of children.✨💫 onesimplewish.org 🎄 7️⃣ Stockings with Care Offers: Provides full “Santa wish lists” (toys, clothes, essentials) that are anonymously delivered. How to Apply: Families must be referred by a social service agency. 📋 stockingswithcare.org