ERYKAH BADU TALKS ABOUT HER TWITTER BABY AND SO MUCH MORE
-Erykah holds up a medicated body talc. Photo via Okayplayer.com-
Singer Erykah Badu knows a little something about natural births: she had all children at home. Naturally, Erykah’s third child Mars Mekaba, now six months old, was born at home. Erykah’s older children Seven Sirius,11, and Puma,5, were present for Mars’ birth:
“They were a big part of it. A very big part, because it was very sacred. They helped me welcome this baby into the world,” revealed Erykah to Babble.com. In her latest interview with Babble, readers learn that not only is Erykah a musician, but she is also a Holistic Practitioner-she sees patients- and a Home Schooler, too.
On having a homebirth and tweeting about the birth of her third child Mars:
Well, the home birth and the tweeting are two separate things. I had all my children at home, naturally. First my son [Seven Sirius] was born at home in 1997, because that’s the natural environment, the old way. There’s not a lot of fuss and moving around. I had a very wise doula and midwives giving me the freedom to continue living my life. I didn’t have to uproot myself.
Erykah says that musician Questlove of The Roots dared her to tweet during birth:
“Questlove said, ‘I bet you won’t Twitter while you’re in labor.’” I was dared to do it. Actually, Questlove of The Roots — he said, “I bet you won’t Twitter while you’re in labor.” I said, “I bet I will.” So I did. I tweeted about what was happening with the birth between contractions.
On why she wasn’t scared to give birth at home:
Maybe to some it’s scary, but preparation is the whole key. When a mother has found out she’s going to have a baby, her whole life — her diet, her mood, her energy — should kind of prepare her. After she prepares herself, fear is never a part of it. I expected success and health, so I made sure I surrounded myself with it. By the time I had my third baby, childbirth seemed a very natural part of life to me. And it’s always been a part of my life since I’ve been in music — my first album [Baduizm] came out Feb. 11, 1997, right when I got pregnant. Then I had my first baby Nov. 19, 1997, the same day my live album came out. So I’ve never known a life in music outside of being a mom.
On home-schooling her kids:
“I home-schooled [my son Seven Sirius] myself. And my daughter, Puma Sabti, she’s five — she’s home-schooled. And the new baby just started school this week, now that she’s six months.
… I wanted to give Seven Sirius [who is entering sixth grade in the fall] special attention academically, to give him an advantage. So by being home-schooled he learned how to learn — he learned how to solve problems in a nontraditional way. In doing that he developed an edge in his schoolwork. He enjoys challenges. He pushes himself. He does his homework voluntarily. He does not want to miss school or be late or be untidy or not have his things in order because that was a big part of how he was brought up [Seven was home-schooled until he entered second grade]. I don’t have any idea what Seven is going to choose to do, but he knows how to be disciplined and how to learn, and because of that he’s one of the top students in his school, and one of the top students in Dallas.”
On the worst parenting practice going on in America today:
“Parents not participating in kids’ schooling. I don’t think it matters what school you go to, but I think it’s important for parents to be involved. And to know that when school stops, learning continues, and to continue teaching at home. ”
Click Here to catch a glimpse of Mars
Click Here to see a picture of Puma
Click here to read about how Erykah is raising her kids as vegans
I love Erykah, but I was hoping there was some recent pictures of her children in this post. =( The interview was good though!
Love it and love her!!!
I COMPLETELY agree…if God blesses me with children, I will make it a point to be involved in their schooling.
Their minds are just to precious…and need to be nurtured and exercised frequently.
After reading other articles about her, she came across so strange and off-the-wall. However, in this one she sounds very interesting, down-to-earth and a good mom.
erykah is speaking the truth about educating children, learning should start right after they’re born not until kindergarten, too many kids are unprepared for school…
I totally agree! I think she was a teacher as well. My son is only 2 but I really want to support him throughout school and encourage him. Most important thing she said…when school stops…learning doesn’t. EXTREMELY important.
As a teacher, I have to agree with what she says. Those parents who have communicated the importance of education and a joy in learning to their kids have kids who love to learn and are like sponges when it comes to soaking up information.
Those who don’t, have an antagonistic relationship with schools and teachers, or who believe that education failed them and therefore will fail their kids set their kids up for failure.
maybe she can home school them about contraception and trying 2 have children with one person not three…(for now)
hahahaha… lol
LOL…now that was funny. But she aint the only one. You know Donald Trump is on his third family
money sure does talk…cos im pretty sure dem women he has aint runninafter that piece a hair hes got!!
Right on Erykah!! It’s so imperative to be part of your children’s education. I remember growing up and how some teachers complained that the only time some parents would come to school on behalf of their child if they thought the teacher disrespected the child or if the child was suspended and the only way they could be allowed back into the school is with a parent. Teachers have the hardest job but it could be somewhat easier with parent’s willing participation.
Anyhoo, its always nice to read great articles such as this one!
I don’t wanna see some powder, I wanted to see her kids man. Oh well
Now THAT’S what I’m talkin’ bout, Erykah! You are a great example of a TRUE parent…..not someone who just gives birth to a child & expects somebody else to raise it. Everyone with a child wants to claim to be a parent but we know that is not always the case.
Everything that you said about education is sooooooo true! From birth to age 5 is such a critical stage and I’m glad that you recognize that, Erykah. Kudos to you for tending to the well-being of your children!
As a former teaacher, it grieved my heart to see so many “parents” blame the teachers and the school system for their child’s failures but these same “parents” refused to return any phone calls or show up to parent-teacher conferences or anything else related to academics. But take away their child’s cell phone & the “parent” is ready to blow the school up. Teachers have to endure way too much stress & that is precisely why I have retired early (age 31).
She speaks the truth. Parents can’t be hands-off about their child’s education and learning, yet expect them to be brilliant all on their own.
Way 2 go,Erykah! I used 2 teach as well and you can always tell the children with involved parent.
SHE NEED TO SPEAK THE TRUTH ABOUT GETTING MARRIED AND STOP HAVING BABIES BY DIFFERENT MEN. IF SHE KNOWS THAT MUCH, SHE SHOULD KNOW THAT TEACHING HER KIDS MORALS R ALSO IMPORTANT. PEEPS UP HERE AGREEING WITH HER THINKING IT’S CUTE.
She reminds me of a Black Widow she loves them then leaves them. This baby daddy will be history pretty soon.
I always wondered why she doesn’t just use a sperm bank
She’s already split from Mars’ father. They split like right after she was born, or right before.
i agreed that education is “cute”, don’t you?
not everybody believes in marriage…so not having morals because one ain´t married…is just not true….I agree with the having three kids from different men (which is something that can still happen when married)….
I agree with her on being involved in schooling…I´m not a big fan of homeschooling…but it´s better than many parents who give birth and then depend on everyone and everything to raise their kids.
Be involved in anything, love Your children…and they will learn….my daughter speaks very well, understands two languages, recogniszes the numbers 1-12 and some letters, too. She´s very intelligent and has a beautifull imagination….Most of it was just picked up by interacting with her, talking to her and playing with her…I never sat down with her to teach her something…but I was almost always there…even when she´s watching kid´s tv….I´m there to describe things to her, she doesn´t understand…..It´s important to be involved….Erykah got that right
Yeah you can’t talk about all that and then turn around and have three children by three different men. You have to draw the line somewhere.
Did you ever think, she was in a relationship with their fathers first?? did you ever think she doesnt believe in abortion and thinks that her children are a blessing no matter how they came about?? did you ever feel that she gives her children a loving home, education and love??? Its not like she is having one night stands with these men, no one knows what the heck is going on in her life. As long as she works, provides for her children to become strong black people and embrace individuality without harming others I dont see how the hell thats got to be anyones business. Unless your taxes are paying for her childrens welfare what is the beef???
I love Erykah, some people can have the best of both worlds that they stay with the parents of their children. From what I gather, ALL three of her childrens fathers are in their lives and she has a healthy friendship with them.
On this site I notice if it aint a woman gaining spousal support for being married to her husband for 5 years even though he abused her and cheated on her while pregnant, or if a little girls hair isnt combed right, or a black man is having a children with a non black woman its a problem.
Erykah, you do you girl!!
Truth,—speak it.
Can I get an AMEN & a handclap.