Celebrating Children

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In the Press

The Beacon, Virginia Beach, VA
February 7, 2002

"Woman combines parenting, writing in Web column"
By Sandra Jill Pennecke

Lynnhaven- Freelance writer Penny Powell's life passion and work are one and the same.

The Scarborough Square resident and stay-at-home mother writes about the things she knows best - parenting and raising son Caleb, 6. Her husband, Collin, is in the Navy.

"I'm blending my two favorite things," said the Bermuda native. "My decision to be a stay-at-home mother was one that came quite naturally for me. Six years later, I have learned that a strong desire to perform this unique job, combined with patience, creativity and flexibility, can make stay-at-home parenting as exciting and meaningful as those jobs typically believed to be the most rewarding."

Powell, 36, writes a column for CelebratingChildren.com, a Chicago-based Web site that offers news and tips, primarily for African-American parents with children ages 0-10. Her column, "Momma's Home," debuted Jan. 1.

"It was a great way to begin the New Year," said Powell, who has a master's degree in humanities with a focus in journalism from Old Dominion University.

The column takes readers into Powell's life as she offers inspiration, support and creative ideas to other stay-at-home parents. She said being home with her son and writing about it is an "invaluable way to celebrate my son's life every day."

Katharine C. Kersey, an early childhood professor for the graduate program an Old Dominion University, said, "I think she is a very bright woman who is totally in love with her little boy and wants to make a career by combining her loves. Obviously, she is doing a good job of that."

Powell's first column introduced herself to readers by touching on how she was led to follow her heart and be a stay-at-home mother. Upcoming articles include library time for children and a review about playgroups.

Caleb attends a kindergarten program three hours a day. Powell usually finds herself there, too, as the classroom mother heading up parties and writing a newsletter to keep other parents informed.

"I love having the opportunity and flexibility to be with him and there for him-nurturing, teaching and guiding him on an academic, social and spiritual basis throughout the day, not limited to hours based around a typical work schedule," Powell said.

Neighbor Loleta Braxton, a mother of four, refers to Powell as the "neighborhood mom."

"She's so good with kids," Braxton said, "and her articles are inspiring and positive for stay-at-home moms because a lot of people turn their noses up at us."