You know Miami stripper Skrawberry for her rap skills, her political commentary,
and of course, her sexy moves on the pole. Now, you'll also know her
for her sound advice. In this weekly column, Skraw responds to readers'
questions about life, love, and beyond. Got a question for Skraw? Hit
her up at [email protected].
Skrawberry,
Your child is 8. At this point, he shouldn't even know what a stripper is, or even have those thoughts in his head if you aren't exposing him to these things. You better not be leaving dance shoes or work costumes around, or a bunch of $1's, or flyers in which you are exposed, or bringing home random men from the club and havin a bunch of "uncles."
First and foremost, if you do decide to let him know what your job is, start by calling yourself an "exotic dancer" or "adult entertainer," as opposed to a "stripper." He is at the age where you have the power to alter his perception on anything. With that being said, he doesn't have to grow up thinking that strippers are nasty. From what I've seen, children are the reason seven out of 10 dancers start to strip. With no money, and most of the time no education, how are you gonna pay bills and provide for your kids if you are single?
Remember this is just your job. If you feel the need to explain, let him know that "mommy" needs to do the best she can to provide for her kids because she love them so much. And if that means shakin' what she got to get what they want and need to provide a better life, you have to do it. Let him know that it's not a "take your child to work" kind of thing, but it does keep a roof over their head and food in the kitchen.
I have a 8-year-old neice and a 6-year-old nephew. The both of them know that I dance, but I bet you that no one can tell them that I am not the best auntie in the world. I have a pretty open family and we are all close. You ask, do my family, such as mom, auntie, grandparents etc., know that I dance? Hell yeah, they know. But they love me, so they are gonna love and support everything I do. You are your worst critic, but your family is the best, because they keep it real and don't feel the need to sugarcoat anything they say. If they can accept you as a stripper, so can your children. A mother can do no wrong in the eyes of her children, especially if you not only tell them how much you love them, but show them also. I'm not talkin about having them live with your mom while you just provide for them financially; I'm talking about being there for them all the way. Put them to bed. Wake up with them. Help with homework. Answer some of those weirdest questions that kids can ask, all amongst other great things!
If you want to keep your stripper life away from your kids, do just that. Keep everything pertaining to your nightlife away from them. But how are you gonna explain to them once someone else tell him, or if he pick up a small piece of evidence of it and come to you with it? If you tell him, I don't think he'll stop loving you.
Skrawberry
Email your questions for Skrawberry to [email protected]. Follow Skrawberry on Twitter @Skraw_Berry.
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