Yvonne  Brown
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Mama Rock's Rules with Valerie Graham

8/20/2013

35 Comments

 
Picture
Virgil Graham Photography
Remember the photographer I told you about the other day?  Well his wife, Valerie Graham is just as awesome!  She wrote Mama Rock’s Rules Ten Lessons for Raising a Houseful of Successful Children with Chris Rock’s mother, Rose Rock.  Valerie, a graduate of Harvard University, is also a magazine editor, and society columnist. Down to earth and full of positive energy, it was a joy exchanging family stories with her and learning that we have similar roots!  

As a child that grew up in the foster care system and now a mother, I am moved by what Rose has not only done for her ten children but for seventeen foster children.  It isn’t easy.  Rose founded Rock This 619, a nonprofit youth empowerment organization.  Moreover, she hosts the weekly Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, radio program The Mom Show where Valerie is also a part of the on-air production team. This collaboration signifies the strength and beauty of what women can do when they share their gifts.  I love it!

Rose says she had 3 rules in her house that her children had to follow:
1. I'm the parent, I make the rules.
2. You are the child, you follow the rules.
3.  Any problems?  Refer to rule number 1.

What rules would you add to the list?

35 Comments
Misty
8/20/2013 05:00:49 pm

Love those rules! I wouldn't add a thing.

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Yvonne Brown
8/21/2013 12:37:43 am

Thanks Misty!

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Vene link
8/20/2013 09:10:33 pm

Can't handle rules 1,2, ..rule 4. Pack your bags! ;)

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Yvonne Brown
8/21/2013 12:38:54 am

LOL! THanks for your post Vene!

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KUNGPHOO link
8/20/2013 10:27:56 pm

Wow that's allot of kids!! I think she did those kids a solace! fostering kids is a wonderful thing.. She gave them something that they may not have gotten in life.

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Yvonne Brown
8/21/2013 12:39:44 am

Thanks for your comment Rob! It takes a special person to give of themselves in that way--no small feat.

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Tina link
8/20/2013 10:40:00 pm

Those are the best rules ever! My daughter HATED them, but now that she's a mom she's figuring out they have to be the rules!

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Yvonne Brown
8/21/2013 12:40:16 am

Thanks Tina! Isn't just how that goes? We get if with age!

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Jennifer Clay link
8/20/2013 10:44:12 pm

Love the rules! I have always remind my children that I am the parent and the boss not them!

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Yvonne Brown
8/21/2013 12:41:37 am

Thanks for your comment Jennifer! That is just what we have to do!

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Jim Striegel link
8/20/2013 11:38:55 pm

We lived by those rules with our kids growing up. Great reminder for new parents.

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Yvonne Brown
8/21/2013 12:42:15 am

Thanks Jim! You're right, it is a great reminder to young parents!

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Deanna link
8/21/2013 01:47:08 am

yeah! finally some letting their children know who is the parent, I see so many kids telling the parent what to do. children controlling their parents.i think these rules say it all.

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Yvonne Brown
8/21/2013 11:53:01 am

Thanks for your post Deanna! Parents need to start when the kids are babies.

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Christy Garrett @ Uplifting Families link
8/21/2013 04:19:56 am

I love her list of rules. Thank you for taking the time to share Valerie.

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Yvonne Brown
8/21/2013 11:53:30 am

Thanks Christy! The pleasure is all mine!

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Yvonne Brown
8/21/2013 11:54:00 am

Thanks Christy!

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Kelly
8/21/2013 07:20:55 am

I wouldn't add a thing.. Love what she has listed..

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Yvonne Brown
8/21/2013 11:54:37 am

Thanks for your comment Kelly!

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Irene S.
8/21/2013 08:47:40 am

Gotta love those rules!

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Deborah link
8/21/2013 08:58:16 am

Those are great rules. I give Rose a lot of credit for being a foster mother as well as raising her own kids.

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Yvonne Brown
8/21/2013 11:55:06 am

Yes Deborah! Me too!

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Dov Shapira link
8/21/2013 09:52:26 am

I have to say that admire Valery life and doing, the rules seems simple and that is a good thing.

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Yvonne Brown
8/21/2013 11:55:43 am

Thanks Dov! We like simple!

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Alikekid Sanrisk link
8/21/2013 10:02:38 am

I am not a parent (not yet, lol)
But I guess that rules are right.

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Yvonne Brown
8/21/2013 11:56:13 am

Thanks for your post Alikekid! Still good to know!

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John Hurd link
8/21/2013 01:14:32 pm

Unity is strength, when there is collaboration great things are achieved.
Awesome rules for her children. Can't add more.

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Yvonne Brown
8/21/2013 01:58:09 pm

Thanks for your post John! You are so right!

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Tyler
8/21/2013 01:53:57 pm

I never knew Chris Rock's mom had 17 foster children, that's incredible! Time's really have changed. And he overcame a lot of adversity.

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Yvonne Brown
8/21/2013 01:58:43 pm

Thanks Tyler! It is very impressive isn't it!

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Meli link
8/21/2013 03:13:12 pm

Although I might agree with Rule #1, I feel that an understanding of child development and gender communication, in addition to respect, is essential.

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Daniele Holmberg link
8/21/2013 03:13:49 pm

That is an awesome story I cannot imagne taking on 17 children when I am afraid to have even one:) Those rules sound like the ones my mom made me follow:)

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Dionne link
8/21/2013 04:10:18 pm

Wow.. 17 Foster children plus 10 of her own. Love her rules. Simple and to the point! :)

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Pamela D. Beverly link
8/23/2013 01:43:44 am

When you've on your own or a parent, then you can make the rules. God bless foster parents!

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Ernetine King link
9/2/2013 02:58:30 am

HAHA...Those were the rules I was bought up with and had in my own home!

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