Hey there, fellow mamas! I’m so happy it’s the weekend. Honestly, this week felt like it dragged on forever, am I right? And with yet another school break thrown into the mix, it's like December's three weeks off weren't enough! 😂 But hey, let's embrace the chaos – sometimes those slow mornings are just what we need.

Join the Birdie Team: Birdie is on the lookout for a talented writer to join our team! And who better to ask than our amazing mom community? We're searching for someone with a solid writing background, who has around 10 hours per week to commit, a passion for connecting and sharing stories, news, and information with fellow moms, and ideally, someone who's a mom themselves. If you or someone you know fits the bill, don't hesitate to drop us a line at [email protected]. 

• Connecting with Your Teen: Effective Communication Strategies for Parents.

• Managing Irritability: Techniques for Identification and Coping.

• Weekend Clean-Up: Encouraging Kids' Responsibility Through Chore.

PARENTING

Crack the Teenage Communication Code

Ready to decode the mystery of talking to your teen? We've got you covered! Navigating adolescence feels like deciphering a secret language, but fear not! We've gathered wisdom to help you build stronger connections with your teens.

🔍 Understanding is Key: Even when you feel like you're speaking different languages, starting with empathy and understanding can pave the way for open communication. Empowering Parents has more secrets to communicating with your teen.

A few tips we’ve found along the way…

• Keep Calm and Carry On. 😊 Don't let emotions take the wheel! Stay cool, calm, and collected, even in teenage turbulence.

• 🗣️ Listen Up. Sometimes, the best way to communicate is to simply lend an ear. Let your teen know that their voice matters.

• Build Trust. Show your teen that you trust them. It's the cornerstone of any solid relationship. 💖

📝📖Ever considered starting a shared journal with your teen? It's a beautiful way to communicate without the pressure of face-to-face conversations.

💡 Podcast Pick of the Week: Dive into Mighty Parenting's latest episode on connecting with your teenager through writing. Get ready for some heartwarming insights and actionable advice.

Remember, moms, you've got this! With a little patience, understanding, and a shared journal or two, you'll be fostering stronger connections and making memories that last a lifetime.

MENTAL HEALTH

Mommy needs 5 minutes, please.

Parenthood is a whirlwind of emotions; sometimes, irritability can sneak up on even the most patient parents. Whether it's due to lack of sleep, endless responsibilities, or simply the chaos of daily life, feeling irritable is a common experience among moms and dads alike.

As Dr. Adam Borland, a clinical psychologist, points out, the modern world bombards parents with stressors like the constant news cycle, social media overload, and worries about the future. It's no wonder irritability can rear its head.

So, what can parents do when they're feeling on edge?

• Understanding the Root Cause - Recognizing the triggers for irritability is the first step. From sleep deprivation to caffeine crashes, pinpointing the reasons behind your irritability can help you address them head-on.

• Practical Coping Strategies - From deep breathing exercises to reframing negative thoughts, there are several effective strategies parents can employ to combat irritability. Setting small goals, practicing self-care (which is crucial, not selfish!), and making time for downtime can make a significant difference in managing mood swings.

• Parenting with Presence - Being present with your emotions, as challenging as it may be, can ultimately lead to a more peaceful parenting journey. Accepting your feelings without judgment and taking moments to breathe deeply can help diffuse tension and restore a sense of calm.

• Creating a Support System - Sharing your thoughts and feelings with a trusted friend or partner can provide much-needed validation and support. Knowing that you're not alone in your struggles can be immensely comforting.

A gentle reminder 💕In the rollercoaster ride of parenthood, it's normal to experience moments of irritability. By acknowledging these feelings, implementing coping strategies, and leaning on your support network, you can navigate the ups and downs of parenting with greater ease and grace. Remember, taking care of yourself is not only beneficial for you but also for your children, as it allows you to show up as the best version of yourself for them.

WEEKEND FOCUS

Make chores a game!

If you don't recall our newsletter on the secret to happy, healthy kids - give it a read before taking in this piece. I promise you won't regret it! (It is November 7th for reference)

Picture this! 📷 all the chores are done in under 2 hours. Yes, you read that right! I know it sounds like a dream, but its thanks to a little game called "Roll the Dice."🎲

🧹🧼Here's the scoop: Craft a numbered to-do list of all the tidying tasks, from making the bed to sorting out old clothes for donation. Then, armed with a 12-sided die (a D12 for the pros), roll away! Whatever number it landed on, that's the task we tackled. It was that simple and oh-so-fun.

PRO TIP: You can even jazz up the list with some playful chores like enjoying a snack break and having impromptu dance parties. It will make the whole cleaning gig feel like a breeze!

As I mentioned before, our previous newsletter has lots of ideas for kids' chores to check out. Here's another great resource for good measure!

TRENDING

SNIPPETS

Your go-to lip balm might actually be the culprit behind your dry, chapped lips. 

I have to confess, I was somewhat aware of this issue. Without pointing fingers at any specific brand, there was this one chapstick that initially gave me plump, luscious lips – they looked fantastic for a few hours. But then, it ended abruptly, leaving me with puffy, red, and swollen lips.

According to Dr. Walter, certain ingredients in popular lip products can trigger allergies, leaving lips perpetually dry. Ingredients like menthol, camphor, benzocaine, and even beeswax can be the culprits.

👄For effective hydration look for lip balms with…

• Humectants (like hyaluronic acid and glycerin). 

• Emollients (such as petrolatum, squalane, shea butter, and coconut oil). 

👨‍⚕️Dermatologists recommend products like Eucerin Dry Skin Calming Lip Balm or Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Cocoa Butter Lip Balm for smooth, well-moisturized lips.

SOMETHING TO MAKE YOU SMILE

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