Birdie
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December 17, 2024

December 17, 2024

Only 🎄9 days until Christmas🎄— no pressure, but the countdown is on.

The Preteen Chronicles: How to Stay Close Without Hovering
Sweat to the Beat: How Music Can Boost Your Workouts
Stop Stashing Cash in Apps: Here’s Why It’s Risky Business

PARENTING

The tween tightrope.

Ah, preteens. They’ve got one foot in childhood and the other in a pair of way-too-cool sneakers. They roll their eyes like pros but still secretly need you (yes, even when they pretend not to). Staying connected with your tween might feel like cracking a code, but spoiler: it’s all about balancing connection and independence.

Here’s how to keep that bond strong—without smothering their newfound freedom:

1. Set Boundaries, but Keep the Training Wheels Handy

Tweens crave independence, but let’s be real—they also need a safety net. Experts suggest letting them lead on friendships and activities (think: choosing their own after-school clubs) while keeping firm rules where it counts. They’ll mess up—because of course they will—but this teaches them how to bounce back and respect boundaries.

2. Be Perfectly Imperfect

Kids don’t need a flawless parent. Show them it’s okay to mess up, own your mistakes, and move on. Lost your cool over spilled cereal? Apologize. Let them see how real humans handle slip-ups.

3. Let Them Fail (and Cheer Them On Anyway)

Failure sucks, but it’s also where the magic of growth happens. Help your tween reframe setbacks as opportunities, and don’t overstep to “fix” everything. Bonus: tracking their progress over time can be a game-changer for their confidence.

4. Respect Their Version of Affection

A head-on-your-shoulder moment? Pure gold. But tweens might swap hugs for high-fives or awkward fist bumps. Follow their lead, but don’t stop offering those oxytocin-packed hugs—they secretly love them.

5. Be a Potted Plant (Yes, Really)

Tweens might act like they don’t care if you’re around, but your presence speaks volumes. Chill in the background, like a cozy houseplant. It’s about proximity, not pressure.

6. Speak Their Language

Not into their favorite fail videos? Watch them anyway. Don’t understand that one band they love? Listen anyway. These small moments of connection on their terms are big wins.

Parenting a tween is a masterclass in patience, empathy, and humor. They’re pulling away—and that’s their job. But with a little effort, you can stay in their corner while letting them spread their wings.

HEALTH

Pump up the jams. Pump up your gains.

Let’s be real: working out in silence? Hard pass. Music isn’t just the hype guy for your workout—it’s the secret to making everything feel easier, more fun, and weirdly productive. But why does music + exercise = magic? Science has the receipts.

Rhythm Nation: Music Keeps You in the Zone

Ever notice how your feet magically sync with a beat? That’s called “rhythm response,” and it’s your body’s way of saying, “This is my jam!” Tracks with tempos between 120-140 BPM (think: your fave cardio playlist) align with your workout heart rate, helping you stay efficient without even trying. You’re basically the star of your own music video.

Mood Boost, Activated

Bad day? Playlist to the rescue. Research says music improves mood, and let’s face it: happier vibes = more motivation to crush that workout. Bonus points if it’s a guilty-pleasure anthem you’d never admit is on repeat. (We see you, ‘90s pop fans.)

Distraction That Works Overtime

Sweaty? Sore? Gasping? Music drowns out the struggle bus. Instead of focusing on how much that last rep hurts, you’re too busy lip-syncing or air-drumming your way through the pain.

Turn It Up: Music = More Gains

Science-backed fact: music makes you go harder. Studies show motivational tracks can boost endurance by up to 15%. That’s like squeezing out an extra mile—or at least a few more squats—without realizing it.

Your Perfect Playlist Is the Key

Looking to slay your power walk? Go for songs with 125-135 BPM. Want to hit a running high? Aim for 150+. And don’t forget: anything is better than silence (except maybe that one weird cousin’s playlist).

Need inspo? Check out this list of 50 workout bangers. Because nothing motivates like a beat drop. 🎧

AND ALSO

Payment apps ≠ piggy banks.

Think twice before letting your Venmo balance sit idle—it’s not the digital wallet you think it is. Unlike your bank account, funds stored in payment apps like Venmo, Cash App, or PayPal usually aren’t FDIC-insured. Translation? If the app goes bust, your cash could disappear faster than your toddler’s patience at the grocery store.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) recently waved the caution flag, reminding users that payment apps are not substitutes for traditional banks. While some apps offer FDIC-insured savings products (like PayPal’s high-yield savings), your main balance isn’t automatically protected unless transferred to an insured bank or credit union.

Pro tip: Regularly sweep funds into a high-yield savings account. Not only is it safer, but you’ll also earn interest—something that Venmo can’t offer, no matter how much it loves you back.

Bottom line? Use apps to pay, not to save. Your future self will thank you.

Forget baby clothes shopping—moms are swapping hand-me-downs with the traveling baby bin trend! Groups of moms are pooling outgrown clothes into organized bins, sharing everything from onesies to booties, and making it easier (and cheaper) to dress their little ones. The best part? It’s a win for your wallet, the planet, and your sanity. Plus, who doesn’t love free clothes?

SNIPPETS

In Flint, Michigan, a new program called Rx Kids is giving mothers $7,500—$1,500 during pregnancy and $500 monthly for the first year of their child’s life. The initiative aims to reduce poverty and improve health equity in a city where child poverty rates are three times the national average. The program directly addresses the financial strain families face during a critical developmental time, supporting both mothers and babies in their most vulnerable years.

A pilot recently took to TikTok to explain why passengers should use airplane mode while flying. While not using it likely won’t cause a crash, it can interfere with the pilots’ communication with air traffic control, which can cause delays. Though there’s no evidence cell phones have caused a crash, experts agree that using airplane mode is a simple, precautionary measure for smoother flights.

The 2025 U.S. Dietary Guidelines propose that Americans eat more beans for better health, highlighting their high protein and fiber content. The new guidelines also recommend a more flexible definition of “healthy” to accommodate various dietary needs, allowing for broader options while still focusing on improving overall wellness.