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As a Category 1 hurricane drizzles outside—just enough to make things cozy but not enough to disrupt my Wi-Fi—I’m captivated by an inspiring story from the Olympics. An Egyptian fencer competed while seven months pregnant 😲 (more on that below 👇🏼), putting my weather worries into perspective. It’s a reminder that life often demands unexpected adjustments—yes, I’m definitely drawing a parallel between my minor storm and an Olympian’s resolve. Let’s just roll with it, OK? So, let’s dive into this week’s stories while the weather stays on our side!

• Chomp on This: Navigating Your Toddler’s Biting Phase

• Sun’s Out, SPF On: How to Keep Your Skin Sizzling Without the Burn

• Mastering Nutrition Labels: Your Quick Guide to Smart Choices

PARENTING

Toddler biting—what’s the deal?

If you’ve got a toddler, you’ve likely encountered—or at least heard of—the infamous biting phase. It’s one of those universal parenting moments that leaves you wondering, "Why is my sweet child suddenly channeling their inner vampire?"

Why Do Toddlers Bite?

Biting is a normal part of childhood development, especially between the ages of 1 and 3. The reasons behind this behavior are as varied as your toddler’s moods.

• Teething Troubles: Those tiny chompers coming in can be painful, and biting might give your little one some relief. Think of it like chewing gum to ease tension—just with more tears involved.

• Big Emotions, Small Words: Toddlers haven’t yet mastered the art of using words to express themselves. When they’re frustrated or seeking attention, biting becomes an outlet because they lack the vocabulary to communicate what they’re feeling.

• Sensory Exploration: Sometimes, biting isn’t about emotions at all. It’s about exploration. Toddlers use their mouths to learn about the world—biting is just another way they’re figuring things out.

How to Handle the Bite

Whether your child is the biter or the bitten, approach the situation calmly and with empathy.

• If Your Child Is Bitten: Stay calm, comfort your child, and discuss the incident. Assess if further action is needed, like talking to the other child’s parents. Remember, biting usually stems from developmental struggles, not malice.

• If Your Child Is the Biter: Don’t panic—it doesn’t mean you’ve failed as a parent. Identify triggers: Was your child tired, overstimulated, or just bored? Use consistent language like “biting hurts” and redirect them to a safer activity. Praise positive behavior and help them find words to express their feelings.

Prevention Tips

For teething-related biting, offer safe chewable toys. For sensory needs, provide appropriate alternatives, like a teething ring or snack. Teaching your child words to express their feelings, paired with positive reinforcement, can help curb biting.

And remember, this phase will pass—just like teething, the biting phase will eventually be replaced by another, equally perplexing, toddler habit. Hang in there!

📚 Back-to-school prep. 6 books to help COVID babies get ready for starting school.

👜 Stylish stadium bags. Actually cute clear bags for stadiums and concerts you’ll love.

🍼 Pumps showdown. Wearable vs. traditional breast pumps—find out which suits you best.

🎬 Britney biopic alert. Universal teams up with ‘Wicked’ director Jon M. Chu for a Britney Spears film.

💃 Mother of the groom moment. Check out this surprise dance that sets the bar for moms of sons!

HEALTH

Protecting your skin from the sun.

With beach days and sunny strolls on the horizon, it's time to talk sun protection. We all know sunscreen is a must, but with so much misinformation floating around, it's easy to get lost in the SPF shuffle. Dr. Anthony Rossi, a dermatologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering, shared his top tips to keep your skin safe from sun damage. Let’s break it down:

🚫 SPF Misconceptions

• SPF ≠ Time in the Sun: SPF stands for "sun protection factor"—it’s about how well your sunscreen protects, not how long. An SPF 30 is usually enough for most people. 🧴

• Broad-Spectrum is Best: Look for sunscreens that offer broad-spectrum protection, which shields against both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays.

🙅‍♀️ Common Mistakes

• Makeup SPF Isn’t Enough: Most makeup with SPF doesn’t provide adequate coverage. Layer it with a dedicated sunscreen.

• Spray Sunscreen 101: Sprays are convenient but often underapplied. Make sure you get an even coat by spraying close to the skin.

• Don’t Skimp on Sunscreen: Use a shot glass’s worth for your body and two fingers' length for your face and neck. 📏

☀️ Everyday Sun Safety

• Year-Round Protection: Sunscreen isn’t just for summer. UVA rays can penetrate through clouds and windows, so keep that sunscreen handy all year long—even indoors!

• Base Tan Myth: There’s no such thing as a “safe tan.” A tan, even a base tan, is a sign of skin damage.

• Sunglasses are Essential: Protect your eyes with shades that block UVA and UVB rays, preventing damage and reducing the risk of cataracts. 😎

🔄 Seasonal Swaps

• Winter Sunscreen: Reflective snow means more UV exposure, so don't skip the sunscreen even when it’s chilly outside. And, if your sunscreen’s been sitting around since last summer, check the expiration date—expired sunscreen won't protect you effectively.

Remember, sun protection isn’t just a summer fling—it’s a year-round relationship. Your future self (and skin) will thank you! 🌞

AND ALSO

Decode your labels.

Nutrition labels don’t have to be a mystery. Here’s your quick guide:

• Check the Serving Size: Compare it to your portion. If you eat twice as much, you’re doubling the calories and nutrients. 🍽️

• Calories & Daily Needs: Match the calories per serving to your daily allowance. While 2,000 is standard, adjust based on your personal needs. 🏃‍♂️

• Percent Daily Values (DV):

  • Low DV (5% or less) means watch out for saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, and sodium.

  • High DV (20% or more) indicates a boost in vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

• Key Terms:

  • Low calorie: 40 calories or less per serving. 🥗

  • Good source of: At least 10-19% of the Daily Value.

  • Fat-free: Less than ½ gram of fat per serving. 🚫🧈

Goodbye Meal Kits, Hello Hungryroot

Hungryroot is a grocery and recipe delivery service that supports any health needs you and your family might have. Whether you’re looking to incorporate a gut-friendly diet, just trying to eat healthy, or anything in between, Hungryroot makes achieving your goals on your terms easy.

Browse the thousands of groceries and recipes available each week, or have Hungryroot curate a delivery made just for you and your family based on your preferences. Save hours planning, shopping, and cooking each week. Plus pick one free item for life.

Take the quiz and get 30% off your 1st order!

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