We’ve all had some experience with the genetic section in our high school or college biology class. We have a rough idea of how biological traits are passed on from generation to generation. Still, in addition to physical traits and genetic conditions, generational trauma can be passed down. Given that this is a relatively newer field of study for psychologists, they are still uncovering the nuances and subtitles of how GT manifests itself in subsequent generations.

The premiere of Ms. Marvel on Disney+ this week has created a handful of camps: From “Christians Against Ms. Marvel” on Facebook, Muslim influencers calling out tokenization, to millennial Muslims rejoicing at their own reflection in the Marvel Comics Universe, foes and fans of Kamala Khan run the gamut.

I am the type of person that packs for a trip picturing the worst-case scenario of crashing on a deserted Island (LOST-style) and having my suitcase appear on the shoreline, ready to tackle any of the obstacles we will face as survivors. I have since found out that this is a result of my chronic anxiety, and packing this way helps me feel in control of the situation and is a coping mechanism to help navigate the chronic trauma I have embedded in my DNA.

Having a daughter is #goals, and that’s why I talk about mine a lot. Did you catch my last article about watching Ms. Marvel with my daughter and how it led to some very eye-opening conversations about trust and being seen as a Muslim? Bear with me, I know I’m the annoying mom with stories galore of my babies to share with unwilling audiences.

I want to be honest with you. I have had a very difficult time sitting down and writing this. I wish I could just tell you I am miraculously healed, that my every day is filled with rainbows and butterflies and that my relationship with my parents is fantastic. But not only would I be lying to you, but also to myself.

We’ve been writing columns for The Haute Take on all topics of Muslim parenting for more than a year now, and on the eve of our first retreat, it feels like a good time to talk about how this podcast and our mission came to be.

By Dr Uzma Jafri

As most of our listeners (and people who pretend to be our listeners but really only follow our Instagram) know, the Mommying While Muslim podcast hosts themed podcasts every month. We call them series and believe they’re easier to follow along this way, as each episode builds on the next. At least that’s the idea of our overly anxious executive producer. That’s me.

Dear Muslim men,

I am not afraid of you.

This is the birdsong of my thoughts, in hopes that one day I will believe it.

Before classrooms were my training ground, my education was assembled piecemeal from the hushed conversations of women and the smoky tobacco clouds of men. This is where I learned the words “custody,” “police,” “divorce,” and “shari.”

One in four women are victims of domestic violence. That is a staggering statistic – 25 percent of ALL women say they are somehow abused by their spouse (or significant other). Personally, I feel like the number is likely more significant as the intangible versions of domestic abuse tend not to be reported.

For many people, November brings the impending feeling of dread that “winter is coming.” But for me, the chill in the air, the crispy fallen leaves and the annual Charlie Brown Thanksgiving special fills me with gratitude. In our family, it’s forced family time – games of touch football, movies in front of the fireplace, and comfort foods we only bring out at this time of year.