Rhonda Gales, Author at Mother 2 Mother Blog

Protecting Kids From Bullying

February 10, 2021 by Rhonda Gales Leave a Comment

Protecting kids from bullying is the parenting advice being shared today. Bullying is far from being a new phenomenon! However, modern technologies allow it to take various forms and become even more widespread. As a parent, you need to empower yourself and your kids and learn how to help them to protect themselves from bullying!

Several years ago, our nine-year-old daughter declared one Sunday evening that she is done with going to school! You can imagine our shock while we were asking her about reasons! She didn’t say anything; she kept insisting that school is not for her. We didn’t want to make a big fuss about it, thinking it is some children’s thing, and so we said “Okay, you don’t have to go to school tomorrow! But can we talk about it again?” “Not tomorrow”, she said, “I am never going to school again! I am done!” It was alarming indeed, but we still didn’t want to make her feel uncomfortable more than she already was, so we tucked her in and wished her a good night while reassuring her that she won’t go to school the next day.

We went back to the living room and said at the same time – “How did we miss it?!” Given that one of us is a psychologist, we thought there is no way we won’t notice if someone is messing with our kid. Nonetheless, it happened! The day after, we talked about bullying with Audrey, and explained that it has nothing to do with her discussing things we can do to protect her from bullying. We then realized that if we failed to recognize there is a problem, it must be even more challenging for other parents. Kids grow up so quickly, and for us, it is often hard to imagine that one moment our biggest worry is baby gear, and bullying in the next one. Hence, we decided to share our story but also some tips on how to prevent child bullying!

Protecting Kids from Bullying

Understand Bullying

When you understand bullying, it will be simpler to recognize it and know how to stop it. The thing that can be confusing is that we know that kids often tease each other. But there is an enormous difference between playful and friendly teasing that usually involves two sides and bullying. By definition, bullying is a form of physical or psychological violence that has three characteristics. It is always deliberate, repeated, and involves power imbalance (bully is older, stronger, male, richer, white, etc.). It has a lot of manifestations.

Physical – pushing, pocking, pulling hair, punching, kicking, beating, etc.
Verbal – shouting, intimidating, insulting, name-calling, etc.
Relational – excluding, spreading rumors, getting others to hurt someone, etc.
Cyberbullying –sending harmful content on Facebook, WhatsApp, and so on.

Recognize Signs of Bullying

If your kids experience bullying at school it isn’t very likely that they will immediately come to you. They often think that bullying is part of growing up, or that they should have been stronger and fought for themselves. They also might convince themselves that they shouldn’t be crybabies and make a big deal out of it. That is why you need to learn to recognize the signs of bullying.

Talk With the Kid

It is paramount to praise your kid when she or he tells you that they have been victims of bullying. It hasn’t been easy for them to come forth, and it is necessary to tell them how brave they are and that you are proud of them. Also, explain to them that bullying has nothing to do with them and that it is the violent kid who is causing the bullying. It will mean a lot for their confidence, which can be pretty shaken by bullying. Research about bullying and self-esteem shows that kids experiencing bullying at school have a lack of confidence.

Contact the Teacher

Kids often don’t want you to do this because they are afraid of retribution. Talk with your kid and explain to her or him why this is important. Say that other kids in this situation are maybe not so brave but also need protection. Propose to talk with the teacher after school hours. If nothing of this works, you may have to do it without your child’s consent.

Final Word

Many people still today see bullying as an unfortunate byproduct of childhood! We don’t! We see it as a product of the violent, patriarchal society in which we live. The fact that something always existed doesn’t mean we need to tolerate it. Bullies do this because they want to exercise their power over those who they perceive as less powerful. The worst thing we can do is to turn a blind eye, whether it is happening to our or other kids that we know! Only by reacting, we can stop this! Have you ever suspected or had a kid tell you he or she is a victim of bullying?

I hope this post will give you some insight on protecting your kids from bullying. It’s real, and it happens everyday. You may also like: Signs of Bullying.

Author’s bio: Laura Casey is a blogger, mother, and housewife who shares her vast experience in parenting, motherhood, and pregnancy. Her articles have already helped a lot of people who deal with parenting. She draws inspiration from raising kids, Motherhood itself and blogging. One of the most useful blogs in her list is https://top-mom.com/ . Check it out!

Filed Under: Health, Safety Tagged With: bullying tips, parenting tips, preventing bullying, signs of bullying

Kids Bird Identification Tips

February 7, 2021 by Rhonda Gales Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing kids bird identification tips . Getting children involved in nature and encouraging them to take care of what God and nature has left us with is important.

So, birdwatching is becoming one of the fastest growing hobbies in the country. There are approximately 50 million Americans who are birding, another name for bird watching. It’s funny, people spend more time bird watching than gardening in Canada. Many people considered bird watching to be a hobby of retirees. Not anymore, and birders are becoming younger and younger.

I’ve been bird watching for years. My brother is a bird watcher. One day while I was in the garden, he visited and we started discussing the various birds in my yard. I was hooked, and I’ve been birding ever since. Also, I have started my grandchildren watching and feeding the birds. It’s a great activity to do on a cold, snowy day. Furthermore, bird watching is also a great activity in the spring and fall while birds are migrating into the area or from the area.

To help children identify various birds, I created a bird watching check list for kids. The pictures on the checklist are actual pictures that I have taken of birds in my backyard. This bird list identifier will help kids study and see actual pictures of the backyard birds. As a result, they will know what to look for or be able to identify it when they see it. Each picture has a check box, so kids can check off each bird that they have seen. I suggest printing it in color if possible, and hanging it in an area where they can study and review it.

Kids Bird Identification Tips:

I live in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, outside Washington, DC in Zone6B; however, most of the birds are common in many backyards. Blue Jays, Mallards (can be found in most parks or around ponds), Cardinals, Grackles Woodpeckers and the other birds can be found in most backyards too. Rose-breasted Grosbeak and Cat Birds are abundant in the spring.

In addition to the Bird Watching Check List, I created individual information fact sheets for birds listed on the Identification Check List. It gives children facts about each bird. For example, the Blue Jay is on the check sheet. The bird fact sheets gives kids more information about the bird they will be looking for. You can also check out my post on How to Attract Blue Jays.

Cardinals are another backyard bird that most people can find in their backyard. They are the state bird for 7 of our states. Check out my post on How to Attract Cardinals.

Additionally, I created a Bird Watching Journal Page where kids can document what they observed with the birds. Print the page so the children can document every bird that they see. This can include birds on the Bird Watching Check List or other birds that are spotted and not listed. Be sure to check out my category of articles on How to Attract Backyard Birds.

I hope you start your child bird watching. You may enjoy it too. You can print the Bird Watching Check List, Bird Facts and Journal Page here.

Filed Under: Backyard Birds Tagged With: attracting backyard birds, backyard birds, bird watch tips for kids, bird watching tips

Making House Cleaning Easier

February 7, 2021 by Rhonda Gales Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing house cleaning tips on making house cleaning easier. House cleaning is a dreaded task for most of us. But, one that has to been done whether we like it or not. Some house cleaning tasks must done daily, some weekly. Either way, finding the least stressful and most efficient ways to keep our homes clean is sought out by most moms. I have a few tips that will make life a little easier.

Making House Cleaning Easier:

Use The Latest Tech

First, have you thought about the use of new tech to clean your home? There’s lots of tech available that will make things a little easier for you. For example, you might want to think about buying an automated vacuum. Automated vacuums are not as expensive as you may think. Consider the time that it takes to take care of your floors, and it will pay for itself over time.

You could also invest in a UV wand. This is a great way to eliminate bacteria from areas like this kitchen and the bathroom. UV wands work incredibly quickly; however, you must be careful and use them the correct way. Otherwise, they can be dangerous.

Clean Up The Clutter

Another way to make house cleaning easier by eliminating clutter. It’s possible that your home is difficult to clean because there are too many items, accessories and furniture pieces, around. This is always going to cause headaches because you have to move everything around to clean. As a result, consider embracing a minimal design. To achieve this, you just need to think about the accessories and furniture that is needed in each room of your home. The rest you can put away or get rid of. If you don’t have storage space in your home, you can find safe and secure self storage away from your home. This is also perfect if you are clearing out your home because you are selling the property.

Follow A Routine

Another way to keep things simple and avoid headaches when cleaning your home will be by following a routine. With the right routine, you’ll be able to ensure that it’s a highly efficient process. One of the best routines is by cleaning from top to bottom. The benefit of this strategy is clear. If you clean high first, you’ll push all the dust and dirt to the floor. You can then vacuum up all the mess last. If you do this, you’ll find cleaning your home a lot easier, faster and there won’t be any signs of areas you have missed.

Get The Right Cleaning Supplies

Finally, you need to ensure that you choose the right cleaning supplies to take care of your home. It’s fair to say that not all cleaning supplies will provide the same solution. There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to clean a stain from your carpet and realizing that the cleaning solution you’ve used hasn’t worked. That’s why you should always check reviews of cleaning products. You also need to make sure that they are safe, particularly if you have a house filled with kids or pets.

We hope this suggestions will help making cleaning your home easier, and it will implement a few if not all. In doing so, you can make things a lot easier for yourself and ensure that you don’t find cleaning an absolute nightmare.

Filed Under: Cleaning Tips

Mom’s House Dad’s House Co-parenting Together

February 6, 2021 by Rhonda Gales Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing parenting advice on how to co-parent successfully at mom’s house dad’s house. Going through a divorce or separation is never easy, especially when kids are involved. Sadly, your feelings towards each other probably aren’t good. However, finding a way to share parenting responsibilities so you that you can give your children the best childhood is imperative.

Growing up across two happy homes is undoubtedly better than growing up in an unhappy household. However, it will take a conscious and joint effort to make that happen. Focus on the following, and you won’t go far wrong.

Mom’s House Dad’s House:

Mom’s House Dad’s House Access

First, kids need to enjoy a positive relationship with both parents unless there is an extreme circumstance. Child custody can be a difficult subject to resolve, which is why you will need the right expert on your side. However, it’s important to avoid using your child as a weapon to hurt your ex. The goal of co-parenting is to find a fair solution for everyone.

The time-sharing elements will vary from one family to the next. Some children do a four-day/three-day split. Others see one parent on the weekends. There are many contributing factors ranging from geographic distances to your careers. Do what works best for the child.

Consistency at Mom’s House Dad’s House

Transitioning from one home to two is tough on a child, but they are resilient. Nonetheless, one thing they will need is a sense of stability and consistency. Otherwise, the whole process of splitting their time across two properties becomes very confusing. So, while the two households needn’t be identical, they should work together.

This can manifest itself in many ways. From implementing the same bedtime routines to giving your child the same responsibilities in both homes. Children benefit from having transparency and clarity in their lives. When co-parents work together to provide it, their behavior and development should thrive.

Comfort

If your child is going to spend their time split across two households, the key is to make them happy homes. Unfortunately, you cannot have much of an impact on your ex-spouse’s property. Therefore, it’s vital that you create a winning environment within your own property, starting with their bedroom.

Having that place to call their own can make a world of difference. At this time, especially with the changes caused by the pandemic, a winning backyard is crucial too. Whether used for burning off energy, enjoying summer BBQs, or relaxing, it can be a very useful space. Most importantly, your child needs to feel the sense of belonging.

Civility

There’s a very strong chance that you aren’t going to share a close friendship with your ex. After all, there is a reason you split up. However, co-parenting is a lot easier when you can remain civil. Even if you don’t want to see each other face-to-face, cloud computing allows you to share schedules or files. Embrace it.

Most importantly, you must always refrain from bad-mouthing the other parent. Political point scoring will only upset your child, which is the last thing any of you want to do. As your grandma used to say, if you can’t say anything nice say nothing at all. Your mission tis to create positive vibes and a good environment for your children to grow up in.

Filed Under: Divorce, Family Time Tagged With: co-parenting tips, life after divorce, parenting advice, single parenting tips

Improving Your Home’s Value Tips

February 6, 2021 by Rhonda Gales Leave a Comment

Today, I sharing outdoor living space tips on improving your home’s value. With more people spending leisure time at home, more people are considering their backyards more carefully. If you’re one of them, you will want to ensure that your investment won’t be lost when you sell. There are outdoor features that will improve your home’s value. Furthermore, it will make your outdoor space more enjoyable.

The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed the way we live our lives. This includes our wants and needs when it comes to home. Understandably, the real estate landscape has transformed. Which, is why leading real estate referral company HomeLight went to the experts to get a feel for the market. HomeLight’s Q4 survey of more than 1,000 top real estate agents, indicates that more people are remodeling and tackling big home projects. As a result of the pandemic, backyards are a focal point.

If you want to upgrade your yard area, know what’s popular in your area and which projects have historically high returns on investment.

Improving Your Home’s Value:

1. Fire Feature

The nation’s top backyard feature is a fire pit. Approximately, 54 percent of agents say buyers are seeking homes with backyard fire areas. If you’re in the Northeast or Midwestern part of the country, fire pits are the top outdoor feature. There’s nothing like sitting around a fire with friends and family on a crisp, cool fall evening. For inspiration, check out these fire pit design ideas from HGTV.

2. Privacy Fence

If you really want to kick back and enjoy your backyard, it’s nice to know that you’re not on display for the neighborhood. For this reason, 48 percent of agents say that privacy fencing or hedges are the second most popular outdoor feature. Privacy fencing is also practical if you’ve got a dog or small children. It keeps your precious ones in and strangers out. If a fence isn’t appealing to you, or you’re restricted from erecting a fence, check out some of these plants to grow for backyard privacy.

3. Outdoor Kitchen

If you live in an area that’s warm or experiences mild temperatures year-round, a full outdoor kitchen ranks third on the list nationally. Forty-six percent of agents say that their home buyers say that an outdoor kitchen tops the list of desirable home features. So, if you live in the Pacific region or the South Central portion of the country, investing in an outdoor kitchen will yield a decent return on your investment.

4. Sun Shade

The number four spot nationally is held by sun shades. There are options for every budget. Approximately, 34 percent of agents across the nation say that buyers seek homes with a shaded backyard area.

5. Screened In Space

Rounding out our list in the number five spot in the nation is a screened in area. Agents say their buyers are looking for this feature in homes. Screened in porches or spaces are most popular in the South Atlantic region. This stretches from Maryland to Florida, and the is the most popular outdoor feature wanted by their buyers. With mild to moderate weather and humid summers, shaded, screened in porches or lanais provide much-needed cover from the sun and bugs.

I hope my list gives you some insight on where you should invest your money for your home investment. What tops your list.

Filed Under: Outdoor Living Tagged With: home improvement tips, outdoor home improvements, outdoor living space

African American Quotes By Famous People

February 5, 2021 by Rhonda Gales 2 Comments

Today, I’m sharing empowerment tips on famous African American quotes. I have put together a roundup of quotes from various Black History contributors to honor Black History Month. Their words will inspire, encourage, and hopefully nudge you to take action to make your dreams come true.

I have quotes from Michael Jordan, Michelle Obama, Martin Luther King Jr. and more. Lets get inspired.

Photo courtesy of Oprah Magazine

Famous African American Quotes:

“You must never be fearful about what you’re doing when it’s right.” – Rosa Parks

“The more you know your history, the more liberated you are.” – Maya Angelou

“I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And, that is why I succeed. – Michael Jordan

“In the end we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

“Only a fool will let his enemy teach his children.” – Malcolm X

“Character Is Power.” – Booker T. Washington

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela

“Our crowns have been bought and paid for. All we have to do is put them on our heads.” – James Baldwin

“Without education, you not going anywhere in this world.” – Malcolm X

“Challenges make your discover things about yourself that you never really knew.” – Cicely Tyson

“I never lose, I either win or learn.” – Nelson Mandela

“Intelligence plus character, that is the true goal of true education.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

“If you are afraid to use your voice, give up your seat at the table.” – Michelle Obama

“You have to learn to get up from the table when love is no longer being served.” – Nina Simone

“The soul that is within me no man can degrade.” – Frederick Douglas

“No person is your friend who demands your silence or denies your right to grow.” – Alice Walker

“He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.” – Muhammad Ali

I hope you enjoy these Famous African American Quotes, and you will find inspiration in them throughout the year.

Filed Under: Quotes Tagged With: black history contributors, black history month, Black History Month quotes, famous African American quotes, quotes

History of Chicken and Waffles – Black History

January 24, 2021 by Rhonda Gales Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on the history of chicken and waffles. This post contains Black History Month educational facts for kids. Historians researched this dish, and it first appeared on the menu of the Wells Supper Club in Harlem in 1938. Many people believed that chicken and waffles originated in the South, but no it was New York.

So, the Wells Supper Club was a popular late night stop for jazz musicians. Patrons found that it was too late to order dinner, but too early for breakfast from the menu. Fried chicken on a waffle was an acceptable dish for hungry musicians and other patrons. So it became a hit.

History of Chicken and Waffles:

People have asked what makes chicken and waffles so appealing? The perfectly seasoned chicken over a crispy waffle is the appeal. Topping it with lots of sweet syrup is a bonus. You can’t beat the salty chicken, crispy waffle and sweet syrup combination.

Fried chicken was only served to wealthy Whites. Prior to the Civil War, chicken and waffles were extravagant breakfast staples in plantation houses cooked by slaves.
Slaves could not eat any of the dishes created for White families.
West African slaves were experts in seasoning food. They introduced southern whites to spices and the technique of using seasoning and batter on food.
Palm oil was used to fry battered, seasoned chicken.
When fat was rendered into lard, it became the oil for frying chicken.
Chicken became a popular dish in Black homes after the emancipation of slaves. Freed slaves could raise their own chickens. They were cheap to feed, and had lots of meat on their bones.
Black women sold fried chicken, pies and biscuits to make money for their families once they were emancipated.
Once Black women became entrepreneurs, fried chicken became associated with Black people and poverty. Even though wealthy White people devoured fried chicken that slaves fixed in their kitchens for years, but they created the stereotype of Black people and fried chicken to make them feel inferior.

The Dutch introduced waffles to America. However, Thomas Jefferson made waffles popular in upper class homes and plantations. He purchased a waffle iron in France, and brought it back to the United States.

However, The Wells Supper Club combined the two and they served their famous chicken and waffles for 50 years. Sadly, the club closed in 1982. But, if you’re ever in the Los Angles area, stop by Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles. President Obama stopped by in 2011, he ordered the Country Boy, 3 wings and waffles.

I encourage you to whip up a batch at home. I use my Belgian waffle iron when I dish up chicken and waffles, I like the thickness. However, regular waffle irons will work to. Wings are my favorites with waffles, but chicken legs and thighs work too. Some people even use skinless, boneless chicken breasts. Whatever you do, drizzle lots of syrup over the dish. The salty and sweet combination will explode in your mouth.

You can download the Black History Month kids printables here. You may also like my Black History Facts on the Lone Ranger. Also, you may like Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles.

Filed Under: Education Tagged With: black history contributors, black history facts, black history month

Creating Child Friendly Backyards

January 24, 2021 by Rhonda Gales 4 Comments

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on creating child friendly backyards. With many venues closed because of Covid-19, there are going to be very few outdoor activities for children this summer. Your yard can be the perfect place for them to stay safe and have fun. But, you’re going to need some tools and some creativity to help create a child friendly backyard.

Tips for Creating Child Friendly Backyards:

Installing a Pool

In the past, most people wouldn’t entertain the idea of having a pool in their yard. Pools can be costly to install, with tiles, pumps, and required accessories to build a permanent pool. However, above ground pools are available now, which can make a backyard pool cheaper. You will still need a hose to fill up the pool. But, you can easily assemble and disassemble an above ground pool without much help from others.

Swing Sets

Swing sets are almost like theme park rides to a child. They love the motion of going up and down and back and forth. It makes them feel they’re having the time of their lives. Swing sets can be found cheaply online or in big box stores. However, make sure that you have the tools to anchor the new swing set safely into the ground. Ensuring the swing set is anchored properly will avoid accidents. There are loads of guides around the web that can help you to achieve this goal.

Cornhole Games

Cornhole games are a traditional outdoor pastime that many people haven’t played before or haven’t played in a long time. A small beanbag is thrown at a ramp that has a hole in it. The objective is to get the bag into the hole. Cornholeworldwide.com is one of the leading companies offering this game. Furthermore, it has a large range of options that will make your yard look great. Get your children involved on which game to buy for the family. They will love being involved, and will be more open to playing games they choose.

Tetherball

Tetherball has been around for a very long time. It has been providing tennis players with the means to practice their skills when they are on their own. For those who are not familiar with tetherball, it’s a ball attached to a pole by a rope. And, players can bat it between each other. The goal is to wrap the rope around the pole in a set direction. You can get both floor mounted and freestanding options. So, when you are looking at equipment make them perfect for a wide range of gardens.

I hope my tips have motivated you to add a few ideas to your backyard. It can be hard to find things for the kids to do during a pandemic, but your outdoor space can be much more inviting if you put the work into it.

Filed Under: Entertainment, Family Time Tagged With: activities for kids, backyard activities, backyard fun for kids

Beef Stew Lard Suet Cakes

January 23, 2021 by Rhonda Gales Leave a Comment

Homemade lard suet cakes is the topic of the day. My backyard birds devour my DIY lard suet cakes within days. So, rather than continually spend money on commercial suet cakes, I started making my own. Whether there are fights over the food in your home or in your backyard, you know the food is good. So, I suggest that you start making homemade suet cakes for your backyard birds. Especially, if you want to keep them coming back to your feeders.

Furthermore, Suet cakes are a great source of heat and energy for birds in the winter. And, you can get creative and create your own recipes. I have created tons of recipes for my backyard birds, and it was fun making them. Especially, with my grandkids. Beef stew is the flavor of the day. Lets get started.

Beef Stew Lard Suet Cakes:

1 cup chopped boiled potatoes (Be sure to remove the skin).
1 cup grated raw carrots (Raw carrots are good for the birds eyes).
2 cups of black oil sunflower seeds
1 cup of oats (I forgot to include them in the picture below).
1 cup beef lard (I used the fat from my ground beef)
1/2 cup regular lard if needed
containers to mold your mixture (container should be at least 5 x 5 so it will fit into a suet cage)

Note: This recipe makes 2 suet cakes.

Step 1 – Melt 1 cup of lard in a pot, and than allow it to harden.
Step 2 – Melt melt the lard a second time and allow it to harden again. You can add more lard here if you don’t think you have enough for your mixture.
Step 3 – Melt the lard again.
Next, mix your birdseed, oats, potatoes, and carrots thoroughly while the lard is melting. Once the ingredients are mixed well, pour the melted lard over the mixture. Stir the mixture so it is covered well with the lard. (You can save a little lard to pour over the mixture once it is packed in the containers).
Pack the mixture into your containers. ( I spray my containers with Olive Oil before I add the mixture to ensure an easy removal).
Pour the last of the melted lard over the mixture in the packed containers.
Freeze or place your containers in your refrigerator for several hours or overnight.
Last, remove the suet cakes from your containers and store in a freezer bag in the freezer or refrigerator until you need them. (I mark my bags with the type of suet cake that I’m storing. For example, Beef Stew).

Note: I am an Amazon Affiliate. If you make a purchase, I may receive a small fee; however, there will be no additional cost to you.

Some of the birds that visit my suet cake feeders are:

Woodpeckers
Mockingbirds
Northern Flickers
Carolina Wrens
Tufted Titmouse
European Starlings
Downy Woodpeckers
Hairy Woodpeckers
Pileated Woodpeckers
Black-capped Chickadees
House Finches
Sparrows

Finally, check out my carrot raisin suet cake recipe before you leave. It’s another favorite of my backyard birds. You may also like Understanding Suet.

Filed Under: Suet Cake Recipes Tagged With: attracting backyard birds, backyard bird feeders, feeding backyard birds, lard suet cakes, suet cake recipes

Black History Facts – The Lone Ranger

January 22, 2021 by Rhonda Gales 2 Comments

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on educational activities on Black History Facts. Our feature today is Bass Reeves, the original Lone Ranger. Many people remember the Lone Ranger TV Show played by Clayton Moore. He had a Native American partner named Tonto. The Lone Ranger rode a white stallion and wore a black mask.

Black History Facts About the Lone Ranger:

However, the original Lone Ranger was Bass Reeves. Reeves was born a slave in Arkansas. Bass’s mother worked in the kitchen, and his father was a house servant. Young Reeves worked in the cotton fields as a water boy. Bass Washington was Bass Reeves’ grandfather and namesake. However, he took his slave master’s surname. Which, wasn’t unusual during slavery.

Bass fled to Indian Territory (Oklahoma) after getting into a fight with his slave master. He lived with Seminole, Cherokee, and Creek Indians learning their language, customs, and tracking skills. Furthermore, he became a skilled marksman.

He purchased land in Arkansas once he was emancipated after the Civil War, and became a successful farmer/rancher. Reeves married Nellie Jennie and fathered 10 children with her. They had five girls and five boys. He made a good living as a rancher and as a horse breeder, and served as a guide for the U.S. Deputy Marshals searching for outlaws.

Furthermore, Bass Reeves was ambidextrous and became an expert sharpshooter from both hands. Historians said he never missed a target. He armed himself with a colt on each hip, and wore them with the butts facing forward. He was also an expert shooter using the Winchester rifle.

His life as a rancher would be interrupted by the law. Not in a negative way, but in a positive way. U.S. Marshall James F. Fagan hired Bass as a U.S. Deputy Marshall. Fagan had heard of Reeves’ reputation as a marksman. He also knew Reeves spoke several Indian languages and was quite knowledgeable of the territory. As a result, Fagan knew that naming Reeves as Deputy Marshal was the right step. He was the first Black to hold the title.

Although taking the position was dangerous, Reeves was up for the job. He stood 6′, 2″ and weighed around 200 pounds. He stayed in the position for 30+ years. Furthermore, Reeves wore disguises to capture many of his targets, and he never missed a target if the capture ended in a shoot out. Reeves captured over 3,000 criminals during his career.

Bass Reeves lost his first wife, and married a second time to Winnie Sumter. They had one child together, making a total of 11 children for Reeves.

The history books have finally found a place for Bass Reeves. He was the first African-American inducted into the Great Westerners Hall of the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City. Furthermore, he was inducted into the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Hall of Fame in 2010. He also has a bridge named after him, the Bass Reeves Memorial Bridge. Last, he has a bronze statue depicting him riding on a horse in Fort Smith’s Pendergraft Park.

Reeves great-great-great-grandson is National Hockey League player Ryan Reaves.

I’ve included facts in a Bass Reeves printable. It’s perfect for Black History Month homeschooling units or teaching your children about Black History. So, print my Black History Month kids printables for your kids. I’ve also included a crossword, fact sheet, coloring page, and word search puzzle. You can download them here.

Filed Under: Education, Printables Tagged With: Bass Reeves, black history facts, black history month