Is anyone else way too invested in the Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni movie drama, or is it just me? One minute, I’m reading about It Ends with Us, and the next, I’m ten articles deep, wondering how I got here. It’s the kind of rabbit hole that’s almost as unexpected as motherhood itself—full of surprises, opinions, and, let’s be honest, a little unnecessary drama. But hey, if we can survive that, we can handle anything, right? Speaking of which, stick around for some tips on staying happy, even when life (or celebrity news) gets a little chaotic.

• Happy Habits: 5 Habits to Happiness You Can't Ignore

• Praise Worthy: The Do's and Don'ts of Boosting Your Kid's Confidence

• Midsize Fashion: Embracing Your New Shape

MENTAL HEALTH

Happiness hack.

Ever wonder what it takes to be truly happy? According to research, happiness isn’t just about having positive emotions but also about feeling satisfied with your life. Here are 5️⃣habits that happy people swear by:

1. Go with the flow. Lose track of time. Engage in activities that completely absorb you, like a challenging project or a hobby you love. This state of "flow" brings joy and fulfillment. Whether it’s painting, writing, or even solving puzzles, the key is to immerse yourself in something that challenges and captivates you.

2. Practice random acts of kindness. Kindness is contagious. Happy people regularly do nice things for others, whether it's as simple as paying for someone’s coffee or helping a neighbor. These acts boost your mood and create a ripple effect of positivity.

3. Nurture your relationships. People matter more than things. Close relationships are a stronger predictor of happiness than wealth or success. Spend quality time with loved ones, reconnect with old friends, and invest in your relationships—they’re your happiness lifeline.

4. Express Gratitude. Count your blessings. Whether through journaling, meditation, or just a mental note, reflecting on what you're grateful for can significantly boost your happiness. It’s a small habit with a big payoff.

5. Celebrate Good News. Share the joy. When good things happen, share the news! Celebrating successes, no matter how small, fosters connections and amplifies joy.

Want more tips?

• Think of Yourself Less: Focus on others’ needs.

• Be Busy, but Not Rushed: Find a balanced pace.

• Plan Fun and Spend on Experiences: Invest in experiences, not things.

Adopting these habits won’t just increase your happiness—they’ll make life more meaningful, too. So why not start today?

PARENTING

To praise or not to praise?

Praising kids—it sounds like Parenting 101, right? A well-placed “good job” can boost self-esteem, motivation, and cooperation. But here’s the hard truth: Not all praise is created equal. While praise can be powerful, it can also backfire. So, how do you find the balance?

There are evidenced-based benefits, like: 

• Mood Boost: A single sincere compliment can light up your child’s day.

• Process Praise Wins: When you praise effort and strategy (not just the outcome), you encourage persistence and a love for learning.

• Motivation Magic: Genuine praise can make kids more eager to tackle challenges head-on.

But, hold up—there’s a flip side.

• Undermining Motivation: Over-the-top or insincere praise can actually decrease motivation. Kids might start thinking, “If I’m so smart, why try harder?”

• Self-Esteem Sabotage: Praise that focuses on innate abilities (like intelligence) can lead to fear of failure and reluctance to take risks.

• Narcissism Alert: Too much of a good thing (like constant praise) can fuel narcissistic tendencies.

Want to get praise well? Here are some evidence-based tips:

1. Be Specific: Skip the generic “good job” and focus on what your child did well. Did they tackle that math problem with grit? Say so!

2. Support Autonomy: Use praise that encourages kids to value their own opinions, not just yours.

3. Avoid Comparisons: Keep the focus on your child’s growth, not how they stack up against others.

4. Stay Sincere: Kids can smell fake praise a mile away—keep it real.

5. Use Gestures: Sometimes, a high-five or a thumbs-up says it all.

6. Mix Praise with Positive Attention: Pair your words with a hug or smile for maximum impact.

🔑Key Takeaway?Praise is a powerful tool—when used wisely. Focus on process, sincerity, and autonomy, and you’ll be raising kids who are not just motivated, but also resilient and self-aware.

AND ALSO

Midsize, major style.

Navigating post-pregnancy fashion can feel like uncharted territory. Your body changes, and suddenly, your old wardrobe doesn’t quite fit—literally and metaphorically. Enter midsize fashion, the sweet spot between standard and plus-size.

Midsize is more than just a category—it’s a celebration of real bodies, offering confidence and recognition in every outfit. From structured waistlines to ruching and wraps, it’s about finding your perfect fit and flaunting it with pride.

Wardrobe Staples for Midsize Moms

• Smocked Dresses: Comfort meets chic with these versatile dresses. Pair with a jacket for a night out or go casual at home.

• Bodysuits: Surprisingly flattering when matched with high-waisted jeans or skirts, giving a smooth silhouette.

• Pieces with a Tied Waist: Embrace your curves with cinched waistlines that highlight your shape.

• Mid-Rise Jeans: A midsize must-have. Look for curve-specific lines that offer both comfort and style.

• Exercise Dresses: These are not just functional but also fashionable, perfect for active days.

👉🏼If you're on the hunt for fashion brands that truly understand midsize women, this list of the top 7 is a must-see.

TRENDING

SNIPPETS

🎢 Fly like Iron Man, join a battle in Wakanda. Get the inside scoop on the latest theme park projects Disney has announced.

👶 Screen time meltdown. A new study finds more toddler screen time leads to more tantrums.

🍦 Get a $1 Frosty at Wendy's! Treat yourself and your family to a sweet deal now through September 15.

🌸 Flower Pop! Discover the vibrant work of Raku Inoue that brings nature to life in stunning detail. 🕺 Meet your new Halloween vibe. The Animatronic Dancing Wednesday from Lowe's is here to add some spooky personality to your home. 

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